radiation pros/cons

Hi mgl,
You are following my path. I completed my surgery on 2/16. I then commenced on hormone therapy. I completed IMRT radiation just last Friday. If you are considering hormone therapy, I would start it then move on radiation three weeks later or so. The logic, so I'm told, is that the HT begins to shrink any extra-prostatic extension while hitting it with radiation. MY RO did not recommend this but he did indicate that there is logic in this method. I had 38 IMRT sessions. I feel great and only had a brief looseness in my bowel movements. I am still undetectable and am hoping that radiation will keep it that way. With a Gleason 7 and I believe you are pT3a post operative stage? Then I would proceed with radiation. Don't worry though. You will likely fair well and certainly feel better that you are taking action. Mayo is a great institution and I am certain that they did a great job surgically. I like you have Stage III disease and feel better knowing I took the right action. Side effects have been minimal for me.

Tony

My surgeon and radiologist had me go on Zoladex two months prior to commencing my radiation, which will begin the end of this month.  As TC mentioned, the studies indicate that the HT will weaken the cancer cells, so the radiation will be more effective.  How long I will be on the hormones is another issue.  My surgeon feels two years, while I've read that only 6 months are necessary.  I guess we'll wait until the radiation is done to make this decision.  So far, I've not had a problem tolerating the Zoladex.  I still take my one hour walks in the morning and have continued my sports officiating with no problems.