Visited my Oncologist

I had one of mine 6-monthly visits with my Oncologist at Duke. He is now agreeing with my Rad Onc that I should stay on the HT for three years. Ouch! Not something I expected from him. He has previously said six months. I don't know why, but I feel disappointed. My first six months on HT were not a lot of fun. I've gained 15 pounds. At that rate, I will have gained 75 pounds, by the time this is over. I just hope this is not going to be linear. I have doubled the amount of exercise, but I am always hungry and tend to overeat.

My Onc recommended that I start on between 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D with calcium, fish oil and multi-vitamin.

Also, we had a what-if discussion. What if this did not help? There are a few very promising drugs in the pipeline (including Provenge) that will be approved in the next few years, though they are mostly HT drugs. Vaccines being the most promising new direction, he thinks that Provenge approval will generate a lot of research and competition in the area.

Finally, he is moving to UCSF to run the genitourinary cancer department. Highly recommend this guy to anyone in San Fran area. I am thinking I will keep seeing him. SF is a fun town to visit.

Sorry Geebra, sure that was disapointing news. I don't think could assume you will gain 15 extra pounds each six months, hope you were kidding. I eat too much and I am not on HT. Too many sweets.

Was stationed for a spell in SF (Treasure Island to be exact), loved my time there. Beautiful city.

David in SC

Hi Geebra,
My T levels are creeping back after 2 years 4 months on Lupron/Casodex. While I am back up to 128 on the T levels (still a bit to go), I am feeling the effects of the return and notice the return of many good things. I mention this as I endured the longer term and got through it well and it has done a great job of helping maintain undetectable PSA's and for that I am very thankful. With the rise in T levels there has not been a rise in PSA to this date.

Hang in there and stay positive and you get through it fine. Don't let the extended run on ADT get you down. Keeping that PSA down is more important than a quick recess on ADT.

Tony

Thank you all for your support. I am taking it one shot at a time.