ADT and SRT Journey Part 5

Great news, Larry. Love to see the < sign!

Well, week six is done, put it in the books. 2 more weeks to go and SRT is done. I understand now why guys who’ve been through SRT, ART, or RT as primary, say it’s a marathon. And one more (3 month) shot to go on the Lupron, end November. Then it’s just wait and see.

So far, no troubling side effects. I’m pretty tired at the end of the day, but I think that’s a combo of RT, ADT and in large part, waking at 4:15 every morning, driving into the city, then back out to work.

Had a few days of 3 bowel movements, but it doesn’t happen often. No urinary frequency.
From the ADT, mild hot flashes, followed by sweats and then I get. Cold.

If it stays this way, I’ll be happy. And if my PSA stays undetectable, I’ll be overjoyed, but that’s a ways off.

Hi fellas,

Been awhile since I've been on here, but as a result of PSA rising again I am back. Some of you will remember that post radical surgery my PSA started rising after about 24 months. When it got to 0.2, I had discussion with Uro and he wanted to wait to see if it continued to rise. Sure enough, two and a half months later I'm at 0.5.....he termed the cancer aggressive and suggested ADT and RT. I am currently waiting for a call from Emory to get a PET scan and see what happens. Appt with the RO later this month. I have read all your comments about Lupron and mood swings, etc. Not looking forward to that but don't see any alternatives given the rapid "doubling time" . I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions and I know this is the best place to get answers.....looking forward to bouncing things off you guys as I begin this phase of the journey.

Teeitup....
Started my Lupron (Tamsulosin) 8/22 so I'm about 2 1/2 months in, All I get is Hot flashes and their no big deal....And some adt fog....

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement guys! I really thought I was through with all this but I should have known better....I mean I have the WORST luck of anyone I know....my wife won't even let me be around her in a casino it's so bad! I'm hoping I tolerate everything well, but if not, I will surely ask for your advice. I tell ya, John Boehner has nothing on me....without any hormones I tend to tear up at the drop of a hat. I'm a military retiree and anything to do with veterans, wounded warriors, etc., the faucet turns on.....can only imagine what it's going to be like on ADT. Guess I'll carry around a box of Kleenex! Thanks again fellas, I'll be in touch. Still waiting for call on PET scan appt......

I just got great news. Six months since my last check and PSA is undetectable! This is now 9 months post SRT. Its a big one in that the Lupron wore off in the July timeframe and the PSA hasn't come back indicating positive results of the SRT. I'm feeling blessed and looking forward to a celebratory weekend.

Such great news, AZ. Go celebrate!

Thanks, Sky - appreciate your thoughts. Sorry to hear about the incontinence - I know all about that!. I have not been completely dry since my RP in Jan 2016......still have to wear a daily pad for those little squirts that happen when I swing a golf club too hard, bend over just right and, oh yeah, let's not forget after a beer I leak too....which really gets me po'd (no pun intended). Sorta disappointed about all the RP side effects but, like folks have told me, thank God you're alive....and it's spilt milk anyway. Have to get ready for the next phase of treatment and move on....everyone have a wonderful Veteran's Day - thank a Vet if you get the chance...

AZ Guy said...
.....T-levels...Dr didn't seem like it was a priority but I can tell you I certainly feel back to normal. ADT is not fun but at this point I'm glad I added the 6 month regimen to the SRT. I also had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago....He said there is a 1/500 chance of secondary cancer and that would typically be 15-20 years out. Given all we have to worry about it appears secondary cancers are low on the list.

IMO it’s amazing how many Uro’s and RO’s don’t think T levels, side effects or radiotherapy secondary cancers and radiation proctitis are NOT a serious concern. Maybe, for them personally, it isn’t. “Not my job” syndrome, I suspect.

Anyway, excellent decision on only six months of ADT. Too many RO’s go to two years just because. Another good call on waiting a year after RT for the colonoscopy. You’re doing fine.

Post Edited (garyi) : 11/10/2018 8:58:03 AM (GMT-7)

I wasn't fatigued at the end either, Ken.
Sprint those last 100 yards, man.

Ur the man Prato!!!!

Hi There, Time to join this thread.

Thanks to all who have shared their experiences. It’s really helpful to hear from others on similar paths. Further review of my own pre-surgery “clear” PSMA/PET and post-RP Axumin scan identified 3 hot pelvic lymph nodes - so the “good” news is that I have an explanation for my persistent 4.0/4.5 PSA immediately after surgery.

First Lupron shot tomorrow and SRT to start in a month....

Good luck Duane, you’ll do fine,