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Posted 5/14/2009 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
I just got a call from my Uro.  Latest PSA .18.  Not good.  Last was .09.  about a 3 month doubling time.  Will setup IMRT with the Rad oncologist tomorrow and see what happens.  Any advice or info from someone who has ben there? We are totally shaken by this latest news.
Posted 5/14/2009 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Boot,
I am sorry for your news. A 3 month PSADT is indicating it's those grade 4 cells. RT sounds right but you also may want to bite the bullet and also engage a prostate cancer oncology specialist. I have been down the road of Surgery/HT/RT though I chose to do the latter two before a PSA rise and because of extensive spreading. Radiation will be a breeze. But ADT isn't so fun but a regemin on it might be in order as well.

Remember to stay positive. Don't let this keep you down. You still can do very well.

Tony
Posted 5/14/2009 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Bootheel, my situation was similar to yours, the main difference being age. I'm in my 40's. Positive margins, Gleason 3+4, robotic prostatectomy. First PSA was okay, and then it started to rise, with a doubling time of about 3 months.

I had IMRT. It was no big deal. I had some mild effects that are now gone. The best thing is, it seems to have worked. I'm now just over 2 years out from the end of IMRT, and my PSA is (knock on wood) less than 0.1.

My complete story is on my blog, http://pcabefore50.blogspot.com .

Have you put your numbers into the nomogram on the Memorial Sloan Kettering site?

http://www.mskcc.org/applications/nomograms/prostate/SalvageRadiationTherapy.aspx

Salvage radiation is always a bit of a gamble, but at least the nomogram gives you some idea of where you stand in terms of probable outcome. For me, there wasn't much of downside risk, and I had everything to gain.

Best wishes.
Posted 5/14/2009 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing the news Bootheel. As bad as it seems on the surface I, like Tony believes there are still plenty of weapons to throw at this. Stay positive explore your options and then defeat the demon. In the meantime love life my friend it is a precious gift so often taken for granted.

peace and love
dale
Posted 5/14/2009 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Bootheel...I am sorry to hear of the news. Dang seems like lots of members lately are seeing increases in their PSA tests...must be the spring weather..gotta blame something. Your decision at this point is a wise one, and like Tony mentioned...with the fast doubling time, at least consider including the HT.

Best of luck...and update your journey often for others to follow with the salvage radiation process and thoughts.
Posted 5/14/2009 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry to hear this news. I had a similar experience just a couple of weeks ago. After a period of time with a good news (undetectable PSA) I came to believe I was out of the woods. Then bam! The PSA is doubling every 3 months. Just like the first time - I had five negative biopsies and began to believe it was nothing when I was diagnosed. The reaction to the news is similar - a shok at first, then you get used to the idea... the life goes on. Hang in there - your positive margin is actually a good news. The latest research shows that those of us with high risk (Gleason 7+, positive margin) have a much higher probability of good results from IMRT. ( http://advancedprostatecancer.net/?p=260 ). I plugged my numbers into Sloan Kettering calculator and got 64% chance of regression free at 6 years. I believe your numbers are similar.
Posted 5/14/2009 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Darn, that's a disappointment. I hope your plan of treatment will kill the sucker for good....Our thoughts will be with you in this stage...
Posted 5/15/2009 10:51 AM (GMT 0)

Sorry to hear that you may have radiation, I went through the same situation and had 37 treatments, Radiation wasn't bad  for myself, The only thing is you have to go to the radiation center everyday, mine only took 30 minutes or so.

I didn't have any real side effects except a sore rectum  at first and they gave me something for that. I sure you will do fine

good luck to you

mike

Posted 5/16/2009 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
I am disappointed I missed your thread earlier. I am sorry to hear the news, but as the others have said, the war is not over and you have got plenty of guns to blaze. Just wanted to let you know that I will be thinking of you and wishing you peace and strength for the next leg of the race.

In regards to radiation, my father tolerated it quite well. The hardest part was mental, but once you wrap your mind around round two, I think it helps. He did get diarrhea for a couple of weeks, but otherwise, it wasn't bad for him. Keep us posted!!
Posted 5/16/2009 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Bootheel,

Your news is devastating buddy. But as you know, lots of guys here have gone through adjuvant therapy and had excellent results. Your attitude is excellent and you should expect the same outcome.

All the best...

Jim
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