Posted 3/17/2015 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Sue.
Welcome to a place where none of us want to be. You will find great support and advice here.
My stats were very similar to your husbands. I did the IMRT/IGRT last summer 40 sessions. It mostly was an endurance contest. You need to watch your diet a bit. My RO said no popcorn or peanuts, don't eat anything with seeds or skins and carry a pill box with Imodium in your pocket. You need a comfortably full bladder and an empty rectum just before treatment. Other than that it was not a big problem. The techs were very supportive. I didn't need the Imodium and other than a little fatigue, the treatments were a piece of cake. The biggest problem was the hour and 20 min. drive each way for the treatment which took about 25 minutes each time.
Having the markers implanted is much easier than a biopsy. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes. I had no side effects from the implant. The effects of the Lupron takes a while, may start to feel a hot flash soon.
I know it's hard to get your head around treating something that only shows up as lab tests and no symptoms. IGRT will give you good results without too many side effects. They tell you all the possible side effects, just of cover their rears, but in reality most of them don't show.
I was very happy with my choice. I have another year on the ADT, but the latest study from Spain shows good results by staying on the ADT for the 24 months.
Once the treatments start, get in a rhythm, make friends with the techs and it will be over before you know it. IMHO this is the best treatment choice. I know his treatment will go well.
If you have any questions don't be afraid to email me, I will be glad to help any way I can.
Best wishes from all of us.
Carl