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IMRT-ONE to GO-Good talk with the Doc today

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 1/15/2010 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
That's right sports fans, can you believe it, tomorrow is my 35th and final IG/IMRT treatment. Gonna be a great day in the land of Oz.

Thursday is my normal day to meet with the doc and we had a very good conversation. Talked about the Positional Incontinence issues and he didn't bat an eye at the term PI. His explanation is that while they are not radiating the bladder, there is minor irritation of the bladder neck and the last sphincter that I have. This irritation cause signals to the brain not unlike the signals that we get when the bladder is full and the brain tells us that it's time to go. He was confident that this should settle down in the next couple of weeks.

He scheduled my post treatment PSA test for 6 weeks from today. Many of you have seen me post that whatever the outcome I wasn't sure that I would do any more PSA tests after that because at this point in my life I am not really open to HT therapy.

He said I would not be the first to say that HT was not in their future, however he made a very strong case for continued PSA tests.

If (big if) I started to see a rise in PSA that indicated the cancer was becoming active, tests could be done to find out where it was. By knowing that it was becoming active in a bone for instance, I could have that spot treated with radiation and prevent spontaneous bone breakage in my future. By actively monitoring any progressive activity I could decide to battle it while maintaining a quality of life for the future. It would sure mess up the travel plans we have if I had a spot growing on my spine which suddenly caused a spine injury while loading the RV for a much anticipated trip.

So while I don't really see me changing my mind about HT, I will in fact have the recommended PSA tests in the future. He made a lot of sense about the benefits of it.

Okay there you have it. TOMORROW IS THE 35TH AND FINAL. YEEHAW!

I'll post the celebration and details of the big party and bell ringing ceremony after the treatment tomorrow.

Sonny
Posted 1/15/2010 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Sonny, so happy you are down to that last one, long time coming, but you are just about there. My wife went with me on my last one, the only time she went, and they showed her the machine and console.

What your dr. said about continuing the PSA tests beyond what you and I have spoken about makes a certain sense. I might consider that after I know a little more about where I stand in a few months. Still haven't changed my mind on the HT path either, and interestingly, when I met with my uro/surgeon Monday, I mentioned that to him in passing, and he said that he wasn't surprised, and it wasn't the first time patients of his felt that way.

Good luck on that last zap, and give my best to Lynn.

David in SC
Posted 1/15/2010 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you got through it O.K., Sonny. I finished mine 3 weeks ago and feel great. If only we didn't have all this snow on the ground. I'd sure like to get back on the golf course. The doc was right about the bladder business, but this too shall pass. Groan.
Bob
Posted 1/15/2010 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
David, Lynn asked if I wanted her to go with me for the last one. I told her I love her and appreciate the offer, but trying to get her up at 5:30am to make a 7:30am appt is more than I want to take on the morning of my last day. She seemed relieved that she could stay in bed. Anyway that would be about 5 hours before her normal rising time. No real good could come from that in my day. LOL

Bob, thanks for the words man. Glad to see that things are looking up for you. Here is the said part though. You can't wait to go golfing and I live on the #9 tee box of one of the most played courses in the US and haven't been out there in four years. Man have I got my priorities screwed up or what? Best of luck with the weather. Dress warm, break out the orange or lime green balls and give em a whack.

Sonny
Posted 1/15/2010 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
Sonny, I don't blame Lynn, my wife happened to be on a day off when I had my last one, and wanted to come, and it was at 200 PM if I remember. Hope she is doing better and recouping from her RT.
Posted 1/15/2010 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
David, she's doing fine, she is just most definitely NOT a morning person. I could not make enough coffee that would make this a pleasurable experience for either of us. I mean think about it. She gives up 5 hours of sleep to hear me ring a bell 3 times. Where is the equality and justice in that equation? LOL

Sonny
Posted 1/15/2010 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
Sonny So happy your on the last zap. I know your a happy man.

Will be talking to you.

Your PC Brother

Jeff T
Cajun Country
Posted 1/15/2010 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Congrats Sonny! I'll be on a Tomo blaster for the first time this Tuesday. Glad to hear it went as well as it did for you. I'm encouraged by your experience.

Take care,
Jake
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