Got some real good medical news today

Howdy. Just finished my appointment with Dr. Lam and it was really good news.

Cancer is a horrible emotional roller coaster, but it's nice to be on a high! It can change on a dime.

In my last report, I was thrown a curve with my liver enzymes suddenly going crazy.

Dr. Lam suspected one of the two drugs I was on and told me to discontinue it IMMEDIATELY. That was Casodex

Today they redid the tests. Bottom line, they are greatly improved.I think one is in the normal range and the other is just about there. That was a huge drop, thank goodness.

Even better, the PSA was the same level as it was 10 days ago, so stopping the one drug did not negatively impact the PSA. Dr. Lam feels the other drug is doing the "heavy lifting" So we will just do the Lupron for now

We will re-check the liver enzymes in mid-September and the PSA in mid-October. If things are steady, I will have one more shot of the major drug. If the PSA continues to behave, I will be able to drop the last drug.

He said my response has been phenomenal and it indicates a high probability of a lengthy remission.

I am very grateful to have an expert medico. I really doubt that most doctors would have been on top of this, by ordering these tests and following up immediately. In fact, these test results went to 4 other doctors and none of them followed up

Mel

That is great news!

All the best,
Andrew

Wonderful news, Mel!!! :)

Mel,
Sounds like Dr Lam is an expert who is not afraid to make a timely decision and let his patient know versus your other 4 doctors who seem to be either laggards or afraid to make a decision; a lot of that going on in the medical community! Glad that lupron alone is doing the job. Stay active and you probably will conquer most of the SE's..I strongly disliked casodex as you know--lol..All the best to you.
Bill

Wonderful news, Mel! You're sure right about the emotional roller coaster that is PCa. So glad the coaster is riding high right now.

Greg.

Glad to hear it Mel. I'm happy for you.

jerry

dr. lam said to stop the fish oil for now

mel

Mel, John and I are very happy for you...great news. I can feel your relief in your post!

Take care, and enjoy your travels.

Mel, terrific news! I agree on Dr. Lam. I go back for my visit with him in December. Best wishes for a very, very long remission.
SC

Fantastic  news Mel

GREAT NEWS Mel ! Glad you found a good Doctor. May you continue to be feeling good on the high side of that rollercoaster.

Don

As I understand, Mel, liver function is one of the side effects…Casodex is extensively metabolized by the liver.   Naturally, everyone is affected different by the various side effects, but this is of course why everyone receives a blood test before each and every HT and Chemo treatment.   It is a bit of a poison you are taking, so it is a delicate balance to not have to discontinue treatment.   Are you jaundiced? Even though increased enzyme test results is also an adverse reaction to Flutamide, some people respond differently to that similar drug, and so it may be an option for you in the future, instead of Casodex. Also, and I assume this was a treatment warning which was issued in advance, but keep in mind that alcohol can unfavorably affect liver functions.   Glad to hear your PSA is steady.  Enjoy your visit with your daughter!