So much for a cancer free summer

Don't be scaring us with a title like that! I was expecting terrible news when I clicked on it!

Todd- sorry you had to have your PSA tested but in reality, you don't need to look at the results if you don't want to....

I hope you have a great rest of the summer!

Hey Jack. Dendreon may be flying Mandy and I to hotlanta for a couple of days in August. If so it would be great to meet up again at the fish house for oysters and martini's

That is great news Todd. Go out and enjoy summer.
Michael

Todd - I sent you an email. Looks like Provenge could be in my future concurrent with SBRT to prostate, prostate bed and pelvic lymph node radiaiton, as long as my next two PSA results show some increase.

Tall Allen tells me being on the immunotherapy same time as SBRT helps on something called the abscopal effect.

prostate-cancer.org/abscopal-effect/

LupronJim

Jerry L
You wrote that you have not been able to get Provenge because of your current progress. Have you, in the past, met the requirements for Provenge: ie. Metestatic PC with 3 rising PSA's (or other demonstrable disease progression) while on continuous ADT?
I fought my insurance carrier for months regarding coverage for Provenge, thru two written appeals and an in-person visit to the appeal board to make my case. Third time was a charm - they authorized it. Their argument was that I did not have currently rising PSA, after the metastatic area had been treated with spot radiation. I proved with documentation that, once you get a diagnosis of metastatic disease, you keep that diagnosis even if the metastatic areas are no longer present! And the rising PSA does not have to be current, just documented. That's how I was able to start Provenge treatment with a PSA of <0.02 (not a typo - less than zero point zero two)! My oncologist recommended Provenge as soon as possible because, as he said, "Study results indicate that the lower your PSA is, the longer the overall survival can be, and your PSA isn't going to be any lower than it is now"
Jerry, if you have met the basic Provenge requirements, you may have a case to appeal. Let me know if there is any of this info that may help.
Bob

Great news Todd! Enjoy your summer

Congrats Todd! Fooled me with the title, and I am so glad you did! Enjoy, the summer is only starting!

Jerry L. said...
Jim,

You're psa is at .1 currently? If not already, with everything you're throwing at it..you could soon see a < sign soon hopefully...

I realize an increase might allow you to receive Provenge, but I would take the < sign I think.

I've tried 2 different places to get Provenge, but can't because of my current progress...makes for an interesting dilemma doesn't it?

Jerry

I am behind on updating the profile. The PSA test on June 9 at Marina del Rey CA (Scholz, Lam, Turner) where I was hoping for the elusive < (less than sign) to be officially undetectible came in at 0.23.

So may be starting to turn, or an aberration, but still a very low number, with next PSA test on July 10.

Testosterone which is what we are actually trying to lower so cancer cannot feed off of it, went from <003 to =003 to <20 last 3 measures, so well below threashhold of 50.

LupronJim

Very happy for you and Mandy! Now back to your summer, there is plenty of it left to enjoy...

Hello Todd,

Glad to hear from you and the news about your PSA. We missed you dearly, and your blog.  I've read some other blogs, but I don't get the same personal felling as I do when I read yours. I feel like were on the same wavelength, rather be on a waverunner!! I asked My Docs about maybe getting on Provenge, but they suggest Zytiga first at this time. Possibly later for Provenge. Still have until 8-1-14 to decide. Working on not worrying at this time, but still reading and learning as much as I can. Thanks for your personal stories of the "journey". Keep hope alive, and Keep the Faith is my most important message as always, missed you Brother and Mandy too .Hope you had a nice start of summer vacation. Dan and Rose in So. Cal  @ 99 degrees today!!