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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 4/3/2020 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Despite coronavirus, I'm still on deck to be seen for HDR Brachy on April 21st at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center. I am counting the days. Been on Eligard since Feb. 14th with no real side effects to date. I'm a 4+5 = 9, Stage 3, T1C, 36 PSA. I am a Disabled Veteran and I got community cared from the VA to UTSW, which is a blessing as UTSW is a top notch cancer care facility. I'm anxious but ready to take the next necessary step. HW has been a great help corresponding with others. Much love to all Gleason 9's on this journey that none of us wanted to be involved.
Posted 4/3/2020 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
Wayne, sounds like great plan. Please let us how things go. Good luck!
Posted 4/3/2020 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
Wayn, glad your treatment will go forward. I am sure they will be taking special precautions. Good luck, man
Posted 4/3/2020 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Wayne.
Posted 4/3/2020 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
Wayne
Good luck on the treatment journey. I did a plasma donation at our local medical center yesterday. Although bit apprehensive about venturing out I decided that the need for blood and plasma was still present. I was screened in the lobby when I arrived. After confirming I had an appointment I was given an ID and permitted in. I was screened again at the donation site and had my temperature taken before being admitted. They went through all the normal questions including another temperature. While there I could see extra cleaning and care being taken in light of the current Covid situation. From what I saw there was clearly extra precautions and hand sanitizer everywhere but no panic. I would not be too concerned.
Posted 4/4/2020 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
Good to hear it is moving along like you had hoped for. Will you be doing radiation beam treatment after HDR brachy?
Posted 4/4/2020 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
As info, I had HD Brachytherapy in the Chicago area exactly ten (10) years ago next month. I was hoping to make it to at least five years but I am still going. My PSA stays right at 0.14, that’s zero point fourteen. My Oncologist advises that as long as I have a prostate, it will never be down to a total zero.
HD Brachytherapy was the right choice for ME and I will be 84 years old later this year.
Posted 4/4/2020 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Mumbo......yes I think the plan is 18-25 EBRT sessions after the HDR Brachy and to be on ADT for a total of 18 months. I am scheduled for a marking and a MRI on the 30th. I assume EBRT will commence around mid-May.
Posted 4/4/2020 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Wayne, you will do very well. Excellent treatment choice.

Like erbob I had HDR nearly 10 years go for very high risk PCa. Just had my 37th undetectable PSA test last week. Also I am side effect free from the treatment. Too bad more men are not offered this method. Intel founder Andy Grove used it more than 20 years ago and said it was a no-brainer choice compared to surgery and external beam radiation therapy. His account was instrumental in my choosing it as a primary treatment.

Best wishes and I hope you stay on schedule.
Posted 4/4/2020 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
rebob.......that's inspiring to hear you are 10 years removed after HDR Brachy. I feel I made a good choice with HDR Brachy and more confident of outcome with UTSW running the show. I am grateful VA is footing the bill, but no way VA was removing my prostate and EBRT was just not enough treatment by itself at my stage. That's all they had to offer me.

Post Edited (WayneTX) : 4/4/2020 6:12:50 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/4/2020 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
JNF.......I did a lot of research and listened to others. I wanted Brachy not long after bring diagnosed and because that was my golden ticket to get community care to UTSW from VA.. The UTSW Radiation Oncologist recommended HDR with Triple Play ADT and EBRT. I already knew the "Triple Play" was a real possibility before UTSW Radiation Oncologist recommended so it came as no surprise. I got on the stick and pushed the VA to get my on ADT (Eligard) just two weeks after being diagnosed - Feb. 14. I'm really glad I pushed it because now I will be able to have HDR done just 11 weeks from diagnosis - April 21 - and hopefully all radiation completed by mid-June.
Posted 4/5/2020 3:40 AM (GMT 0)

Hello WayneTX,

First of all, thank you for serving your country - I am grateful to every veteran, so thank you for your service.

I want to wish you great success with your treatments. You have a proactive treatment plan in place, and you have done your research, and sought out the expertise of your medical team.

We're here to encourage and support you, WayneTX.

You have caring and compassionate comrades here!

Iowa State University CYCLONE
Posted 4/5/2020 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
TY Cyclone.......I appreciate any and all support and advice from those who have already ventured where I am about to embark. I appreciate this Forum and the important purpose it represents as nothing is more more profound than brothers reaching out to their brothers with love, help, and wisdom that we all need searching for answers and hope. .
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