Looks like the RT/HT cocktail for me

Went for my RT picture and tattoo today. Rad doc said I should have HT along with the RT. She had previously said that HT would not be necessary with my adjuvant RT, but since my PSA has gone from 0.2 to 1.1 since I last saw her, she strongly suggests I start on Eligard.

Was hoping RT would take care of things, but oh well.

Ted

good call.  good luck to you!

Thanks, guys.

David, I know it's ultimately up to me. I had hoped I wouldn't have to go the HT route, but was prepared for the eventuality.

Apparently I have an angry cancer and it isn't dawdling. Best do what I can to knock it back. Whether I want to continue HT for the rest of my life is another story. I'll have to wait and see what effects it has on my quality of life. In any event, PCa seems to be one adjustment after another.

Ted

You are high risk and need aggressive treatment. The HT helps the radiation be more effective. I used Eligard for the first eighteen months of HT and now am on Lupron since it is available in the six month dose. I am also on Jalyn (avodart and flomax). The avodart reduces the powerful DHT and also starves the cancer and the flomax helps the urinary through the radiation. I suggest you talk to your docs about using it. I had absolutely no urinary issues during the radiation.

Ted,
My hubby was a gleason 6 pre-op and a gleason 5+3=8 post-op/pT3b. His PSA began rising soon after his RALP, and he had both radiation and hormone therapy. His hormone tx ended a year ago after 1 1/2 years of treatment, and his PSA has remained <.01 ever since. He saw his uro yesterday for his 6 mo. checkup and was told that if this continues, he will only need to have one more 6 mo. checkup and then go to yearly exams. It's been a very long and stressful 3 years, but things are finally getting somewhat back to normal.

We know there are no guarantees and are prepared to resume the attack on the beast if it comes back one day. At least we've bought some precious time and will have new therapies to consider if needed in the future. Best of luck to you!!

I just completed HT/RT. I really didn't want the HT, but multiple opinions led me to include it. I only did 3 months on Firmagon, but I feel it was more difficult than surgery or radiation. On a good note....I felt like a superhero when my testosterone began to return!
Scott

Well, I get my first shot of Lupron tomorrow. Going the one month at a time route just to see how it sets with me. May then go to a longer lasting version.

Pay me now or pay me later is a good analogy, Peter. I'm resigned to throw the kitchen sink at this thing and hope for the best. The tough part is the re-incontinence and ED. Though, I hope Trimix can help in the ED dept.

Isn't it funny how a cancer that starts in such a vital male gland can be so emasculating. Not that I'm laughing at this point.

Ted

Hi Ted, I just finished RT last week in October. HT, only one 4 month Lupron, given in July with RT starting in September. All went OK except for hot flashes and a little weight gain from the Lupron. RT's hardest part is the daily grind of going there and doing it. Just took blood today for PSA test. Given the lingering effects of Lupron, I expect PSA still to be insignificant. Now comes the waiting game for about a year to see what happens.

I too feel your pain of being back at square one, but its best to go forward. I like to think that at least I am having RT without the prostate and therefore less radiation has to be given. GOOD LUCK Ted.