Asking for input or advice

Hello fellow travelers on this journey,

Let me give you some background before my question.

I was diagnosed 9/2006 with PC after PSA of 12 and biopsy showed Gleason of 7. I had DaVinci on Oct. 23.
Biopsy of removed prostate showed positive margins (no lymph node or seminal vesicle involvement) and an upgraded Gleason of 9. This last bit of news seemed to somewhat un-nerve my surgeon and he suggested aggressive treatment.
PSA in 12/06--<.1
PSA in 3/07--<.1
PSA in 6/07--<.1
PSA in 9/07--<.1
(these levels are called "undetectible" by the Lab at UAB)

So, I began Lupron injections in December, 2006 and IMRT radiation in March.........38 sessions which ended June 1, 2007.

My issue involves my Ocologist, who insists that I continue Lupron for another full year.
Many, many of you have experienced the side effects of this powerful drug, and I have had them all.
In addition to the side effects I feel as though I am going through life in a fog.......or seeing life pass me by in black and white. I seem to have lost most of my initiative, energy, and desire to experience what is really a great life.

I am ready to try to FULLY recover....re-gain energy, passion for life, sharpness of mind.

Do any of you have insight into this dilemma? I cannot imagine another full year of Lupron........and its effects.


Thank you all for your input.

Hey ~ I personally think it's time that you have a chance to recover and heal....  Mentally and Physically. The information I'm adding here is an excerpt from a posting on Opie's thread:     Low level PSA after surgery Excerpt: Here’s a scale that helped me to understand our scale with having Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy: ( green is in the undetectable range for our lab) <0.01 (no pennies) 0.01 =      1 penny 0.06 =      6 pennies 0.07 =      7 pennies 0.09 =      9 pennies 0.1    =    10 pennies At this point we would start monitoring. 0.11 =    11 pennies 0.12 =    12 pennies 1.6       =   160 pennies 2.0    =   200 pennies 2.5    =   250 pennies <end excerpt>   I may be wrong in my thinking... but ~ I truly feel you need to get back to the new norm....  filled with energy, passion for life, and sharpness of mind!!!  You know your body... listen to it!   We're glad you reached back to all of us!!!  We hope you'll stay a little closer and let us know your next steps.  We will always be here for you! In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

Dreadnought,

I'm with Gordy (Les) on this one. It would not hurt to get the second opinion. I was on Lupron for some time then we switched to Elgard. I know what you mean about the fog and desire to enjoy life. It kind of trys to drain the will out of you. But man you have to fight. Find something that makes you want to get out and enjoy the world. My wife MADE me get off my rearend and engage again. Once I engaged I found my motivation. I still fight it every day, but I still fight. You can too. I know you will. Do what ever it takes to win the battle. "Persist without exception".

I poured myself into my singing and my church. Find your spot and go for it.

We all love you here and are praying for your light to return so it can shine on others. You are a legacy for future generations.

All our hopes and prayers and.................WAR EAGLE.

Walt