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Beginning Hormeone Therapy

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Posted 11/17/2010 2:04 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Members:

This is my second post as things have changed in the last week.  I was at my family doctor for my yearly visit and he did his usual blood workup. Suggested he throw in a PSA knowing that I already have this regularly checked.  From 1.67 a month ago,  it had risen to 3.44.  He immediately faxed my oncologist and urologist.  Hormone Therapy had been my next step as we were monitoring the PSA in the last three months.  My oncologist wanted to put me on injections of zoladex every three months for the rest of my life and would not consider intermittent HT.  My urologist called immediately and wanted to see me three days after receiving the fax.  I met with him yesterday and recommended starting HT pronto and recommends intermittent HT.  I started cathodex yesterday  to be taken two weeks prior to my first injection of zoladex on November 30th followed by two more weeks.

In my previous post I generously received a vast amount of information on HT and its side effects.  All of this data and much more input certainly assisted me in choosing my urologist over my oncologist.  I now ask if I should continue to work on my ED even though things will certainly change in that department?

Has anyone gone through a similar history that can really prepare me for what is to come as I am now there?

Jack

Age 59 at Dx
01/08 PSA 4.17 with node on prostate(doubled in a year)
03/08 RP - PSA 0.0 for one year
Total ED / pump / pills no effect
09/09 RT PSA .14 / 36 treatments
Total ED / pump / pills no effect
08/10 PSA .6
10/10 PSA 1.67
08/11/10 PSA 3.44

16/11/10 HT 4 weeks cathodex / injections every three month zoladex

30/11/10 first injection / HD

Posted 11/17/2010 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Princ:  I would strongly suggestif you haven't already, begin a workout program.  It doesn't have to be a lot but it helps immensly to stay active.  Also watch your diet, there is a tendency to pack on the pounds.

I've been on Lupron for 18 months and had only minor issues, I attribute part of that to doing the above items.

If you haven't already pick up a copy of Dr. Snuffy Meyers book "Beating Prostate Cancer Diet and Therapy".  He does a great job explaining the response and effects of HT. 

There are a few people on this site that claim that they will never do HT but then again they haven't had to face the hard facts.  Also you can always quit if it causes too many issues.

Dr. Meyers gives a general opinion and exlpanation of how individuals respond to the treatment based on nadir PSA and such.  He also talks about intermittent HT.

Good luck and keep us informed.

David

Posted 11/17/2010 2:29 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you David.  I am in great shape,  very active and plan on continuing to stay fit aand eat well.

Jack

Posted 11/17/2010 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
My husband has had two 4-month shots and the third is due in February '11 His PSA is zero and has been since 3 weeks after the first shot. At this time he will go on intermittent therapy.

His cholesterol rose to 273 from 168. He is on simvastatin for this. He has developed a bulge around his middle and works out 2-3 x per wk to fight this. He is slowly gaining weight regardless. (not good)

four months ago he started drinking one oz of Essiac tea per day. A month ago we noticed new growth of hair on his previously bald head. Last week we noticed a lipoma (fatty tumor) on his shoulder had reduced in size by about 2/3. We attribute these things to Essiac tea. Look it up and view the video (28 mins long and a little tedious but definitely worth the time. ) Could save lives or at least extend them.

His ED has diminished so he is functional with lots of stimulation and he was able to have an orgasm last week. No pills and no pump. We are excited about this.
Posted 11/18/2010 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
I would agree with the suggestion to stay physically active. I was and still am a runner and swimmer. I found it very difficult to run while on HT even though I tried hard. I was able to continue my swimming. I was on HT for two years and hope I do not have to do it again. So my advice like the others is stay active even when you don't feel like it.

peace and love
Dale
Posted 11/18/2010 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
The Urologist - Oncologist changeover point is unique to PC victims..When to say goodbye to the urologist and transfer treatment protocol to the medical oncologist can be disrupting..These guys can have big egos, they both want your business and they compete against each other to a certain extent but they will never admit it..

My surgeon / urologist called me today and talked for 20 minutes(!) He was concerned about my recovery from the surgery and resulting staph infection / abscess which is finally a thing of the past. We discussed much of what this thread has been discussing and he will indeed start me off on ADT, (Firmagon, the latest ADT drug..) but he added: "When you feel you are dealing with too many doctors and appointments, I should be the one you drop as your medical oncologist can take over from here.."

You don't get that kind of candor very often.. The HT is being done at the insistence of my R-doc who feels it's a very important part of my over-all treatment plan...
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