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Treatment Decision Finalized

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Posted 9/10/2018 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
After a six month process of learning, listening and researching, I have made my treatment decision today and have the permanent tats to prove it. I want to thank the many forum members that have provided guidance and given of their own personal time to help me along this journey. I will be receiving a combination of external radiation (28 treatments) and HDR (two treatments) over the next six weeks in the Atlanta area. As many of you have said, there is a sense of relief when you finalize your decision and start the treatment portion of the journey. I know that there will be some bumps in the road during the treatment process but I am ready after six months to move forward with a positive attitude and meet the challenge head on. If I can be of assistance to any of you currently working thru the process, please let me know. - regards MJ

Note - can't add any more information to my profile but my second biopsy in August showed 7/13 cores positive versus the 1/12 in my first biopsy in profile below. The new biopsy also showed some Gleason 7 (4+3) versus Gleason 7 (3+4) in the first biopsy. The second biopsy created the need to add external radiation as a supplement to the original plan to have HDR as a mono therapy.
Posted 9/10/2018 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Congratulations on making a decision and good luck with the treatment. For most people the radiation treatments themselves are a big nothing. I could never be sure they were actually using radiation on me. The staff assured me they were. The biggest challenge was filling my bladder properly and at the right time, but not TOO full. Embarrassing accidents occurred when my bladder became overly full. Don't worry, however, because the staff have seen it all. I hope you will be able to regale us with hilarious tales of your experience.
Posted 9/10/2018 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like a good plan to me. Researched, thought out - doesn't get better.

Now, get it done.

Andrew
Posted 9/10/2018 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck.
Was there any discussion as to the somewhat different results in a fairly short time frame?
Posted 9/10/2018 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
EJC61 - I would say that both the urologist and RO seemed surprised by the change over a short period of time. The other ironic thing was that the one positive core area in the initial biopsy was negative this time. The best answer I could get from them was some combination of the accuracy of the biopsy process and the potential development of the cancer. The second biopsy was also a fusion biopsy and one of the positive cores was pulled from the PIRAD 4 lesion identified in my MRI. Personally, after I got over the shock of hearing the results, I know that PC is multi-focal and the chances are that if you have one tumor, you probably have multiple tumors. The results definitely focused me on making my final decision and starting the treatment process. - regards MJ
Posted 9/10/2018 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats on making your decision. I had the same treatment (with ADT, which I don't think you're having) and I'm doing quite well. (In fact, I just came back from my six-month doctor visit and it was a pretty fast discussion since things have been trending positive and there wasn't a whole lot to say.)

Keep us posted on how it goes for you and all the best to you.
Posted 9/10/2018 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Well done. The treatment method is very well suited to your situation and should provide superior cancer control with minimal side effects. I look forward to your progress.
Posted 9/11/2018 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
MJ1961 Way to Go! I had a similar 7-month process. My revelation at the final decision point was there really was too many choices Ha I start next week. Good Luck to you!

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68 yrs., PSA .012, 8.12.18, 1.42 June 18, 2018 (Lupron 5.21.18 & 8.15.18), 12.7 May 2018, 13.7 Jan. 2018, 2.1 May 2012. SpaceOar 9.6.18, testosterone >7, 8.15.18, Tot Mayo 19 ng .17 testosterone Free 6.18.18, Gleason 3+4=7 involving 15% of the right apex and 15% of the right mid, 3+3=6 prostate cancer involving 5% of the left base. Pathology interpretations by John Hopkins, UNM Cancer, and SF Path 3+4=7 or 4+3=7 MD Anderson Proton Center w/o %. T3 MRI 1.8 lesion left side 5P, Neg. Bone Scan. Prolaris test 3.5 consistent with intermediate and a PTEN test negative. Father PC age 78 RT & ADT now 93 yrs. Neurogenic bladder due to lumbar disk disease and recurrent bladder neck contracture with urinary retention man. 20 years doing catheterizations. TURP & scaring 2003, Finasteride 5 milligrams daily since 2002.
Posted 9/11/2018 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
All - thanks for the encouragement and best wishes

Santa Ian - what treatment did you decide on?
Posted 9/11/2018 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
MJ, Good on you for utilizing a deliberate process for making a decision, including educating yourself.
I wish you well in your treatment, I'm sure its a load off of your mind to have made this move.
Posted 9/11/2018 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats MJ.....may you have a short, uneventful RT. Wishes for good health and a great upcoming year! Keep us updated on your progress! Dave yeah
Posted 9/12/2018 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
MJ: Good luck with the TX you have come to this point with due diligence served.

For your signature you can cut and paste from a word document and that will allow more signature info.

Roger
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