Not a lot to tell at this point in time: Was offically diagnoised on 12/17 by my local Dr. with a Gleason 7 and PSA 5.6, this was after watching closely for about 2 years. After a few weeks of research, phone calls, and soul searching I decided to continue my treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center at Tampa, FL. My first appointment there the oncologist insisted that we do another biopsy, so OK we did another 2/18. Not good news out of 16 cores 4 were positive for cancer 2 were Gleason 7, and 2 were Gleason 9, 4 + 5. Then an MRI and bone scan....better news, no signs of spreading beyond the prostate. I am a fairly healthy now 78 year old man. We decided, mainly at my request, not to do surgery. The treatment is rather agressive because of the Gleason score:
Treatment: Hormone Lupron for 3 months, then the first of two HDRT Bracheytherapy, then begin a 5 week session of IMRT, the second Bracheythearpy will be approximately 2 weeks after the first session....So here we go. Will keep in touch with progress. So far the Lupron is annoying, but can/will live with it, a year of these side effects is not very favorable. Will type later.
Today, July 2nd. Marks the one year anniversary of the completion of my HDRT Brachytherapy and five weeks of IMRT. I still continue with the ADT, I will have my final Lupron injection in November of this year 2019. The Lupron therapy has created quite an unfavorable journey. Two years of absolutely no sexual desires, hot flashes, dozens of times a day, and exhausting fatigue in the afternoons both physical and mental as well. I had, mistakenly, was under the impression thchedule is is ADT would've for 12 months, but the actual schedule is 24 .months. My concern on this is how much of these side effects will be reversed over time???
Overall The treatment has been positive. I have test every three months along with consulting with my medical team and thus far my PSA has been undetectable. I, thus far, have experienced any long term side effects from the HDRT Brachytherapy or the IMRT. Short term effects included difficulty peeing and dribbling which has long since corrected.
I have been on an excellent exercise program 3 days a week and golfing 2 times a week. Actually, I feel good and enjoying life very much despite the side effects of the Lupron. I do find that I become very anxious when I go for my 3 month testing, prayer helps.
I will celebrate my 79 birthday next week, July 11th, still active and enjoying life, family, and friends. Very thankful to God and the fantastic medical team at Moffitt. Will add information at later date. May God less you all...Cheers
It has been a year since my last progress report...So here we go...
Well it has even a while since I have updated my progress. First diagnosed on 10/2017, with 5.60 PSA, biopsy Gleason 7 and Gleason 9 (4+5). Traveled to Moffitt Cancer center in Tampa of treatment. 3 months of ATD Lupron, 2 scessions of HDRT Brachytherapy at 2 2 weeks intervals, followed by 25 sessions of external IMRT. The Lupron injection tons con Injections continued for 20 months.
At this date, 12/2024, it has almost been 7 years since my treatment. My PSA remains undetectable at 0.04. I have been graduated to the Moffitt Survivor Program, and am scheduled for yearly checkups and consultation.
It has been over 7 years now, the full effects of the Lupron have reversed over about a years time. Still have ED issues. Other than that I am living a full and enjoyable life. Have an excellent exercise scheduled and enjoyable social life with fantastic wife and family. So thankful to God and awesome medical care for remaining in remission.
Will report in at later date. God bless all of you.... ❤️
Al's e-mail address is: ajschroerjr AT aol.com (replace "AT" with "@")
