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Prostatectomy + 8 Years -- PSA Creep

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Posted 2/23/2019 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
If you chose Lupron alone and passed on the radiation, you would likely have plenty of time before you need to start. But it would not be curative, so probably life long, albeit possibly intermittent.

If you chose Radiation with or without lupron, it could be potentially curative, although risk of possible side effects does exist.

It will be interesting to hear what you get out of the meetings. Good luck.
Posted 2/23/2019 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Jazzman. Keep us posted.
Posted 2/24/2019 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks fellas. I appreciate the good wishes.

Pratoman, given my understanding of the side effects I'm hoping for radiation over Lupron, but that might just be my ignorance showing. It'll also depend on the chances of radiation being curative. We'll see what the oncologists think. I think they're both top notch and they'll probably want to do some imaging before proposing a specific course of treatment.

I've long hoped to remain ignorant about these things, but I guess I'll be getting an education.
Posted 2/24/2019 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Jazzy, I just saw this and wanted to send a quick hello and best wishes for your upcoming appointments. I did the Axumin scan last August and they found 2 positive lymph nodes. PSA was 5.72. The oncologist told me radiation was no longer an option and that I should start Lupron immediately. He was a real nice Dr., but not for me. I have a second oncologist now and he is recommending Casodex with Xtandi. I just completed my first T test and it was 735. That explains a few things, lol. Anyways, I am still researching and struggling to make some real life changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking and alcohol). Give a hug to your other half, we'll talk soon.
Posted 2/24/2019 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Startech; nice to hear from you. Thanks for the good wishes.

Sorry to hear about your lymph nodes and PSA. Good luck with the Casodex and Xtandi. That 735 testosterone level probably isn't working in your favor, but I'd kinda like to know what that feels like.

Don't give up on alcohol; you ain't that sick. Just stick with the good stuff. Consult with 142. ;-)
Posted 2/28/2019 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Saw the oncologists yesterday and today. The plan is to wait and watch. The radiation oncologist wants to test the PSA in six months. There's no magic number, but if it goes up significantly we'll be talking about a course of radiation. Apparently I'm not a candidate for Lupron (whew!), but he's looking for a significant PSA rise and a change in doubling time. The nomogram app in his phone showed that waiting wouldn't hurt my odds of being recurrence free in 7-10 years. He said it's his job to make sure I die of something else. I like his attitude. The medical oncologist concurred with that plan.

One of the docs was fine with resuming Androgel while the other was more cautious, so I guess I'm still kicked off it. I got him to agree that if my numbers are good in the summer I can try it again. I did feel better when I was on it. Meanwhile, I'm gonna take a break from worrying about this stuff and go back to worrying about whether I can afford to retire. Variety is the spice of life.
Posted 2/28/2019 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
Watching and retesting sounds like a plan for now.
Posted 2/28/2019 5:37 AM (GMT 0)

Jazzman1 said...
.....he's looking for a significant PSA rise and a change in doubling time......waiting wouldn't hurt my odds of being recurrence free in 7-10 years.

....I'm gonna take a break from worrying about this stuff and go back to worrying about whether I can afford to retire. Variety is the spice of life.

Fine advise from your RO and MO, although lets hope they don't find any significant rise!

Good plan not to worry about this stuff, cause it doesn't help. Best of luck retiring and living a long and healthy life!
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