New Member - My Story Part 2

After what we thought was successful surgery and a great recovery, we were somewhat depressed when my 1st PSA after surgery was not <0.1. In late June we met our RO, and she reviewed my pathology and surgery results. It seems there still might be some cancer cells around my bladder neck. She also stated she was "concerned" about the G9. She suggested we start with Hormone Therapy and then 38 Radiation Treatments. We agreed, and the next day I started on 30 days of Casodex. Fortunately I had no noticeable side affects. Our RO also ordered another NM Bone Scan, and a Prostate MRI with and without Contrast.
I do want to say one of the reasons we agreed to move ahead was due in part to our lifestyle. We had just purchased a manufactured home in a 55+ community in Florida, and we want to go there in January. If we waited 2 months for another PSA test, my treatments would not have been completed by January. And, we wanted to have this darn cancer gone!
At our next meeting our RO informed us both scans were clear! This was a mixed blessing, as we still did not know if or where any cancer was left. At this appointment I also got my 1 month Lupron injection.
A month later (August) we met again for my simulation, and a 3 month Lupron Injection. This one ached for about a day but that was it. After the simulation we met the physicist who explained how the radiation equipment worked and gave us the manufacturer and model number. (I asked for the information ahead of time and I was an engineer). He also showed my wife the room and equipment. For the record, the equipment is Varian TrueBeam, about 1 1/2 years old.

On Tuesday September 4th on a somewhat emotional day, I had my first of my 38 radiation treatments.
As of today, I am at #18 and tomorrow (Friday) we will celebrate our half way mark.
I finish drinking 27 ounces of water about 45 minutes before my treatment time, and our RO has complemented me about my full bladder.
We meet the RO each Tuesday, and she gives us all the time we need answering our questions and listening to concerns. This week she showed us scans of the actual treatment, and pointed out my full bladder, rectum and then where the radiation was actually being aimed. For an engineer, it was very interesting!

So far the Lupron has only caused me small hot flashes at night, and I have a higher urination frequency. Per my RO, I started drinking 2-3 glasses of chocolate soy milk each day, and the hot flashes do seem to have slowed down. I have not gained any weight and we have not noticed any other changes to my body. I also have not noticed any fatigue. We are continuing our biking and walking (per our RO's recommendation) and I continue my workouts.
I am still able to achieve about a 60% erection, and we are working on that together.

Now that I am a member, I will continue to post my progress. Thanks to all of the forum member for their good advice.

Hi CaptainG, welcome, sorry you have to be here. Also sorry you have to join G9 crew. That is rough to find out after surgery as most guys who know try and skip the surgery part and instead go for the triple play for the aggressive G9. However with that said, it sounds like you are in the right frame of mind and will do well. I wish you and your wife well on this journey. Keep us posted. Take care. -JR

Keep us updated.
Andrew

full speed ahead dam the torpedoes! Hang in there shipmate!

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