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Posted 12/9/2014 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hello ... rainy and cold grey in Chicago

Had a very good two hour first meeting with a RO to discuss the external beam option. Good info, good insight and very easy to speak with. He addressed a number of my fears/questions.

1. EBRT is not as toxic as I thought as it is comprised of many low dose beams all shooting into the same targeted location.... thus not seriously injuring the healthy flesh its passes through but coming together to destroy the cancer cells... does that sound familiar/sensible to anyone?

2. He indicated any of the 3 treatments would provide the cure for me.. LOVED hearing that!!

3. He indicated that there would /could be limited ejaculation after ERBT treatment (surprise to me)

4. He stated that I should look more at the nccn.org site for info. That is where he goes as well

5. He strongly felt that after 10 and even 20 years I would remain below the nadir

6. He said fecal incontinence is close to 0% and he said that ED (using radiation) responds much better to Viagra/ Cialas treatment then it does to ED via surgery.

7. little to no chance of bladder damage with EBRT

Sure sounded like a positive choice.... I mean other then the 8 weeks...

I was curious to see that my most recent PSA total (taken when I had the PHI-46) went back down to 3.2.... ?? very curious..... NO COMPLAINTS

The RO even said I could wait a bit not great rush in my case.... nice to hear I think


Now time to make appointment to see Dr. Moran--BRACHY guy of Chicago (which the RO knows and highly respects his work.)... Keep searching --researching.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

MS
AGE: 57

PSA
2.98 6/16/14
3.42 7/14
6.86 10/8/14
3.2 TOTAL PSA 10/16/14 (done with PHI test)

PHI-46
VOL. 32.3
AUA Score (flow) 13-14

BIOPSY 11/14
5/12 cancer cores (25%, 25%, 40,50, 60) One PNI in 60%
All on right lobe making me a T2b

Overall good health, active, no other issues
Posted 12/9/2014 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
On #3, I think that is to be expected as the prostate's primary function is to produce the fluid that forms most of the "ejaculate", right? The fluid that takes the sperm from the testicals out through the penis.

My RO said the HDR Brachy wouldn't destroy all cells in my prostate, just the side with the cancer.

I'm just figuring I'll have about a 'half' functioning prostate since my cancer was located on one side of my prostate.

Yeah, that's a good report. In 20 years you'll be 77 and at the rate medicince is improving there's no telling what might be possible then. Think about treatment options in 1994! Heck, that wasn't too long ago.
Posted 12/9/2014 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Great update BenSam, sounds to me like you got lots of information to stuff into your dossier! Good luck on your visit with Dr. Moran and I'm sure you will walk away from that meeting equally pleased and even more informed - tell him "Jeff from Wisconsin" says hi!
Posted 12/9/2014 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Great report and all in-line with my experience with EBRT (I did the IGRT variant). Three years later, I am still close or am at nidar and am very happy with my outcome.

Side effects for me include, a slight increase with hemorrhoid issues, urinary urgency from time to time, mild ED (need occasional blue pills), and yes ejaculate volume us about half what it use to be.

and I got a nice certificate of completion from the treatment team.

My older brother went the brachy route and two years later is close to nidar and has few SEs than I do.

I really think you should strongly consider going the brachy route. Lots of good reasons for that.

Andrew
Posted 12/9/2014 5:28 PM (GMT 0)

Dewayne said...
My RO said the HDR Brachy wouldn't destroy all cells in my prostate, just the side with the cancer.

I'm just figuring I'll have about a 'half' functioning prostate since my cancer was located on one side of my prostate.

Dewayne, so you had "focal" HDR? I had a consult with Dr Demanes last week and he mentioned the possibility of only treating part of the prostate. Can I ask how you arrived at that decision in your case?
Posted 12/9/2014 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Always in good hands with Dr. Moran. He's one of the best around.

Good luck!
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