Big Meeting with my Oncologist tomorrow

I have an appointment with my Onco at 1:45pm tomorrow and I have mixed emotions about it.

I have continued to respond favorably to Lupron, the PSA is still going down. My PSA one year ago was 92.5 and last test 3 weeks ago was 7.02.

I have had a ton of scans in the last 6 months and the bones are still clean. The lymph nodes showed no progression at all. Some show regression and a couple show resolution. There were only 5 to begin with.

I am involved in 3 diagnostic trials with the NIH. 1) includes a new scan agent and an F18 Sodium Fluoride Bone Scan. I am due for another set of these in 4-6 months. 2) will involve a new contrast agent and a biopsy of a targeted soft tissue met to look for a specific genome that would indicate that HT is not right for me. I am in this trial for the most part to get another soft tissue scan so that I can stay on top on any new developments. 3) involves yet another contrast agent and will give me more info.

I am participating in these trials because I want to take a break from HT. Monitoring things this closely will allow me to move quickly (re-start HT) should anything new show up.

The weirdest thing is occurring though, I am about a week passed due for my next 3 month Lupron shot and I am starting to have hot flashes like I have not experienced in this last year. They are not terrific or unbearable, it is just that there are more of them than I am accustomed too. Crazy stuff for sure. Also I am gaining a few pounds.

I really want to take a break from this stuff. I am nervous about how my Onco will react to this. I just don't see myself being on this stuff for life.

I have been married for only 17 months and I want my libido back a little. I want to work out and get back some of the muscle mass I have lost. I am also thinking that maybe by mixing it up a little, I can continue to see Lupron remain effective for a longer period. Maybe this on again off again will keep things confused and forestall refractory a little longer. I don't really want to think that my future is more drugs and chemo anytime soon.

As you can tell, this is just a little vent. I guess it shows how much this appt is weighing on my mind today. An Oh Yeah, I just came in from the second appt to have a root canal finished.

Another Bonus Day here on the ranch. The sun is shinning, no clouds in the sky, the temp is 71 and the root canal didn't hurt. Life is good.

Sonny

good luck to you Sonny

Good luck and all the best wishes.

Good Luck, Br. Sonny, you always seem to decide correctly, just do what your head is telling you to do, you will be fine.

71 huh? It's 28 and falling fast here in SC tonight, huge cold front on it's way, bay hit 10 by Saturday night, and snow forecast early next week.

How far are you from Daytona? I may be there for the Abarth Experience (I drive a new Fiat Abarth) and spend a day on the race track. Perhaps it would be close enough for me to visit. Believe its on May 13th.

David

Sounds like you have plan, Sonny. Hopefully your Onco will be on board.
Best to you.

Sonny - I talked to Yolanda at NIH about trying to get into the 2 clinical trials you apparently were accepted into.

Sh said her workload is backed up, but she has all the nfo she needs and will get back to me soon.

Lupron has a fairly long half life, so not backing your bum up to the needle alter today is not an irreversible decision if you decide you need it a month from now after you review your PSA results.

I have no explanation for the sudden re-emergence of your hot flashes. Like you I am hoping to go onto IHT soon and see when my libido returns home.

LupronJim (Can't wait to change my handle again on Memorial Day, but not going back to T1cN0M1b I promise:)