Bummed out

Greetings All:

Just got back from my follow up visit with the oncologist. News was not good as my PSA is up to 2.38 from 1.0 six months ago. Will retest in three months but I am not optimistic. We discussed future treatments. Return to HT, chemo, and so on. Don't know if I want to do any of it right now as I feel fine and do not exhibit any symptoms.

Any insights or friendly advice?

Don

Mel, I was sorry to hear it too but not unexpected given my original prognosis. Just have to see where it leads. Here is the history and thanks for the commiseration.

 

Thanks, David. I keep up with your postings and know you have had a far rougher journey than I. Just feeling a bit off balance right now. Best to you as well.

Don

David, the options included another round of HT as before. I was not refractory yet. Probably more lupron or similar. The doc also mentioned some "second line" hormones though no more specific than that. I asked about some that I have researched like emcyt and DES. He also discussed, briefly, chemotherapy though my research says this is iffy for PCa. We talked a bit about Provenge but I think that it will ultimately be determined to be snake oil with no benefit not even the marginal benefit claimed. I could go in to a rant about this one but will spare you. (and others)

Right now I am not inclined to restart the HT. Research papers I read on the survival benefit are contradictory, as usual. One says "right thing to do" next one says "no discernable benefit". So, as long as I am feeling OK I may just wait a bit. I talked to a Dr. in Hilton Head (your area of the world) when researching the primary treatment and he does cryo. Said that it could be used as salvage after radiation but things I have read about that are pretty disconcerting also.

Don

Don,

I am sorry for your news. I do not understand this disease. I also do not understand why people react differently to different treatments. None of it makes sense to me. I pray for many people on this forum and I will do the same for you.

God Bless,

Lynn

Thanks for the update Don and I know those numbers are not the ones you wanted. Many of us will face the same dilemna and hopefully the outcome will keep us around for a very long time. Glad that you are feeling well as that is helpful.
Michael

Lennybob- your comment : Don,

I am sorry for your news. I do not understand this disease. I also do not understand why people react differently to different treatments. None of it makes sense to me. I pray for many people on this forum and I will do the same for you.
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The issues are so complex and vast that the current technologies cannot fully define PCa as to which receptors are the problem, some genes can be tested or effected(some still unknown), has 24 variant types of PCa now identified, the DNA of PCa biopsy samples could have different 3 ploidy analysis(chromosomal patterns-best to be found with diploid cell structures). I have posted the evidence of valuable pathology (link herein again), do look at what is in this to get the concept of some of it. Plus, PCa androgen receptors for HT control can change and thus become refractive on the  use of HT therapies, but another drug can enter through a different pathway or type of receptor....freakin complex.  There are a couple of different pathways to effect the PCa, is the good news, Provenge utilizes one of these genes that Bonkhoff is mentioning (is what I ascertain).

I have had very great success on alternative drug that has been working for 6-7 years, when ADT3 showed signs of failing back in 2004-5, it is apparently working on a different pathway and might even match up well with my genetic disorder for the disease. It has astounded me that it has worked this long and still is. This is why the artistry of Dr. Myers and those other celebrity docs as being worthy, they are doing so even without the known pathology that Bonkhoff could help identify. Probably way better if they knew this predictive pathology up front. Dr.Fred Lee has had super success on his uncureable PCa and now still living and around 28-29 yrs. since his diagnosis, used emcyt too. He is off the drug I have heard from insiders too.

Bonkhoff on pathology: http://www.prostapath.org/download/prognostic-predictive-markers.pdf

(this is a huge clue, and is under utilized, but he is the best in the world on this thus far)

Hope this helps you comprehend the how difficult it is to treat it once one has BCR.

Post Edited (zufus) : 3/16/2011 8:38:52 PM (GMT-6)

Woodysgirl,

Thanks for the note. I really do not want to do the HT again but will if it works. Best to you and Woody. I will post again after next visit and path ahead is clearer.

Don