Guest guest Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Beth; I hate to say it but I agree with Bob. I am tired of the probing and poking also. Sometimes I think I was abducted by aliens and they probed and prodded my private parts. Sorry, Beth, My cancer was discovered too late. Mine has mets into the bone. I did not have the option of surgery or radiation. Just ADT and then Chemo, then I guess I probably get to die. Bob; We are talking about the difference in life and death here. But be sure to have a bone scan to make sure there are no bone mets. Be sure also to have imaging done to look at the lymph nodes as they also can be radiated at the same time if they are involved. This disease is nothing to fool around with. Be sure if you go for radiation to have it done by the best in the business. Go Here: http://www.prostate-cancer.org/ Look for Radiation Oncologists here: http://www.prostate-cancer.org/resource/special.html I hate this disease and the toll it takes on people and their families. Best of luck to both of you. Remember PCa is not for sissies. Steve B President and founder of SOAR (Save Our Asses Rationally) I have no medical training and I am not a doctor. I am a recent student (Dx 2007) of PCa who has Stage 4 PCa and is fighting for his life. My advice is free so please take it for what it is worth. Steve B http://www.yananow.net/Mentors/SteveB.htm beth wrote: haven't been here in awhile, altho i "lurk" occasionally. i don't know if anyone remembers us - bob and beth - bob had laparoscopic surgery in 2005. the doctor told us at that time that he wasn't sure he got all of the cancer, because some of it was on the outside of the prostate gland; bob's last PSA reading was .091 - it's been going up .03 every time, and now the doctor thinks it's time for radiation treatment. our appointment with the radiation oncologist was yesterday morning, and they want bob to do 6-1/2 weeks of radiation which surprised us. we had no idea it would be for that length of time. needless to say, he is scared witless and doesn't want to proceed. he's tired of the "poking and prodding" and feels "fine." if anyone can give us words of wisdom, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks to all of you for being here - you are a godsend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Beth; I hate to say it but I agree with Bob. I am tired of the probing and poking also. Sometimes I think I was abducted by aliens and they probed and prodded my private parts. Sorry, Beth, My cancer was discovered too late. Mine has mets into the bone. I did not have the option of surgery or radiation. Just ADT and then Chemo, then I guess I probably get to die. Bob; We are talking about the difference in life and death here. But be sure to have a bone scan to make sure there are no bone mets. Be sure also to have imaging done to look at the lymph nodes as they also can be radiated at the same time if they are involved. This disease is nothing to fool around with. Be sure if you go for radiation to have it done by the best in the business. Go Here: http://www.prostate-cancer.org/ Look for Radiation Oncologists here: http://www.prostate-cancer.org/resource/special.html I hate this disease and the toll it takes on people and their families. Best of luck to both of you. Remember PCa is not for sissies. Steve B President and founder of SOAR (Save Our Asses Rationally) I have no medical training and I am not a doctor. I am a recent student (Dx 2007) of PCa who has Stage 4 PCa and is fighting for his life. My advice is free so please take it for what it is worth. Steve B http://www.yananow.net/Mentors/SteveB.htm beth wrote: haven't been here in awhile, altho i "lurk" occasionally. i don't know if anyone remembers us - bob and beth - bob had laparoscopic surgery in 2005. the doctor told us at that time that he wasn't sure he got all of the cancer, because some of it was on the outside of the prostate gland; bob's last PSA reading was .091 - it's been going up .03 every time, and now the doctor thinks it's time for radiation treatment. our appointment with the radiation oncologist was yesterday morning, and they want bob to do 6-1/2 weeks of radiation which surprised us. we had no idea it would be for that length of time. needless to say, he is scared witless and doesn't want to proceed. he's tired of the "poking and prodding" and feels "fine." if anyone can give us words of wisdom, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks to all of you for being here - you are a godsend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 beth wrote: > haven't been here in awhile, altho i " lurk " occasionally. i > don't know if anyone remembers us - bob and beth - bob had > laparoscopic surgery in 2005. the doctor told us at that time > that he wasn't sure he got all of the cancer, because some of > it was on the outside of the prostate gland; bob's last PSA > reading was .091 - it's been going up .03 every time, and now > the doctor thinks it's time for radiation treatment. > > our appointment with the radiation oncologist was yesterday > morning, and they want bob to do 6-1/2 weeks of radiation > which surprised us. we had no idea it would be for that length > of time. needless to say, he is scared witless and doesn't > want to proceed. he's tired of the " poking and prodding " and > feels " fine. " Beth, I'm not a doctor and not qualified to give advice, but I'll raise a few questions and offer a few considerations. The questions are: How old is Bob? How is his general health? How long is the time interval between the .03 PSA rises that occur " every time " . If Bob is elderly or has other life threatening health problems, and/or if the PSA is only going up .03 every 6 months, or maybe even every 3 months, then further treatment may be entirely unnecessary. It's possible that he could go many years with no symptoms, and if he did get such a high PSA that symptoms might be expected to appear soon, there might be treatments like ADT or newer options which could hold them at bay for long enough. Furthermore, treatment is not a guarantee of curing the cancer. The radiation might work or it might not. The radiation oncologist would know more about the odds of success, but I seem to recall reading that around 50% of salvage radiation attempts eliminate cancer. On the other hand, radiation is really not too hard to take. There will be a small amount of poking and prodding in a few sessions, but the radiation itself is quick and completely painless. You lie on your back on a table while a machine moves around you and a buzzer tells you when it is emitting x-rays. The actual treatment only takes about 10 minutes each day (plus time to drive over there, park the car, sit in the waiting room, and drive home) and you feel nothing at all. There will be side effects. The most common and annoying one is that there can be urinary urgency that can last for several months after treatment. There can be a loss of potency. There can be rectal irritation and hemmorhoids. There will likely be some minor sunburn like effects that go away a week or two after treatment ends. More serious side effects are possible, but most men don't have them, especially if they are treated at a competent and experienced clinic. The decision would be easy if a doctor were able to say: Bob, you will get symptoms in 8.5 years and die in 11 years if you don't get treatment. If you do get treatment, you'll live another 18 years and die gently of something else. But alas, no doctor has a crystal ball. No one knows if the treatment will work, if the patient will ever get a life threatening cancer, or if the patient is likely to die of something else before the cancer can become a problem. At this point, I would consider the questions above, talk to the doctor again, find out what he would do if he were in Bob's shoes or if he were treating his own father, and get a second opinion from another doctor. Then I think the two of you should search your souls, decide what seems to be the best course of action and resolve that, whatever you choose, you're going to accept that you made the best choice you could and never look back in anguish. Best of luck. Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 Beth, My husband was told that the cancer maybe be on the outside wall of the prostate. We saw five different specialists and the only thing all could agree on was radiation. If he had the surgery he would have had to have a least 6 weeks of radiation. From what I've learned this is not uncommon. My husband decided against the surgery and had IMRT treatments. He is doing fine and now we will start checking his PSA. First test wiil be on the 18th. Tell your husband the radiation is worth while. You want all the cancer to be killed and that's what the radiation will do. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Sheila -------------- Original message -------------- haven't been here in awhile, altho i "lurk" occasionally. i don't know if anyone remembers us - bob and beth - bob had laparoscopic surgery in 2005. the doctor told us at that time that he wasn't sure he got all of the cancer, because some of it was on the outside of the prostate gland; bob's last PSA reading was .091 - it's been going up .03 every time, and now the doctor thinks it's time for radiation treatment.our appointment with the radiation oncologist was yesterday morning, and they want bob to do 6-1/2 weeks of radiation which surprised us. we had no idea it would be for that length of time. needless to say, he is scared witless and doesn't want to proceed. he's tired of the "poking and prodding" and feels "fine." if anyone can give us words of wisdom, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks to all of you for being here - you are a godsend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 Beth, My husband was told that the cancer maybe be on the outside wall of the prostate. We saw five different specialists and the only thing all could agree on was radiation. If he had the surgery he would have had to have a least 6 weeks of radiation. From what I've learned this is not uncommon. My husband decided against the surgery and had IMRT treatments. He is doing fine and now we will start checking his PSA. First test wiil be on the 18th. Tell your husband the radiation is worth while. You want all the cancer to be killed and that's what the radiation will do. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Sheila -------------- Original message -------------- haven't been here in awhile, altho i "lurk" occasionally. i don't know if anyone remembers us - bob and beth - bob had laparoscopic surgery in 2005. the doctor told us at that time that he wasn't sure he got all of the cancer, because some of it was on the outside of the prostate gland; bob's last PSA reading was .091 - it's been going up .03 every time, and now the doctor thinks it's time for radiation treatment.our appointment with the radiation oncologist was yesterday morning, and they want bob to do 6-1/2 weeks of radiation which surprised us. we had no idea it would be for that length of time. needless to say, he is scared witless and doesn't want to proceed. he's tired of the "poking and prodding" and feels "fine." if anyone can give us words of wisdom, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks to all of you for being here - you are a godsend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 Beth, My husband was told that the cancer maybe be on the outside wall of the prostate. We saw five different specialists and the only thing all could agree on was radiation. If he had the surgery he would have had to have a least 6 weeks of radiation. From what I've learned this is not uncommon. My husband decided against the surgery and had IMRT treatments. He is doing fine and now we will start checking his PSA. First test wiil be on the 18th. Tell your husband the radiation is worth while. You want all the cancer to be killed and that's what the radiation will do. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Sheila -------------- Original message -------------- haven't been here in awhile, altho i "lurk" occasionally. i don't know if anyone remembers us - bob and beth - bob had laparoscopic surgery in 2005. the doctor told us at that time that he wasn't sure he got all of the cancer, because some of it was on the outside of the prostate gland; bob's last PSA reading was .091 - it's been going up .03 every time, and now the doctor thinks it's time for radiation treatment.our appointment with the radiation oncologist was yesterday morning, and they want bob to do 6-1/2 weeks of radiation which surprised us. we had no idea it would be for that length of time. needless to say, he is scared witless and doesn't want to proceed. he's tired of the "poking and prodding" and feels "fine." if anyone can give us words of wisdom, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks to all of you for being here - you are a godsend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 I have been reading and reading and want to say how much I appreciate all your posts and indeed how much I have learnt from them. I wanted also to give you an update on my father's situation. If you remember PCa diagnosed Sept 2007, PSA 120. Hormone trreatment and PSA down to 70 by Jan 08 after which it rose again, 280 in April, bone scan showed widespread bony metastases, started casodex, no effect, PSA up to 400, started stilboestrol which initially kept PSA at around 400 and then back down to 280. We saw the oncologist yesterday and the stilboestrol has stopped working now, PSA now the highest it has ever been at 560. Starting chemotherapy next week (docetaxel). Complicated by the fact that he has a corneal abscess and is in hospital on an intensive antibiotic eyedrop regimen. It never rains but it pours... Sue I hate to say it but I agree with Bob. I am tired of the probing and poking also. Sometimes I think I was abducted by aliens and they probed and prodded my private parts. Sorry, Beth, My cancer was discovered too late. Mine has mets into the bone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 I have been reading and reading and want to say how much I appreciate all your posts and indeed how much I have learnt from them. I wanted also to give you an update on my father's situation. If you remember PCa diagnosed Sept 2007, PSA 120. Hormone trreatment and PSA down to 70 by Jan 08 after which it rose again, 280 in April, bone scan showed widespread bony metastases, started casodex, no effect, PSA up to 400, started stilboestrol which initially kept PSA at around 400 and then back down to 280. We saw the oncologist yesterday and the stilboestrol has stopped working now, PSA now the highest it has ever been at 560. Starting chemotherapy next week (docetaxel). Complicated by the fact that he has a corneal abscess and is in hospital on an intensive antibiotic eyedrop regimen. It never rains but it pours... Sue I hate to say it but I agree with Bob. I am tired of the probing and poking also. Sometimes I think I was abducted by aliens and they probed and prodded my private parts. Sorry, Beth, My cancer was discovered too late. Mine has mets into the bone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 I have been reading and reading and want to say how much I appreciate all your posts and indeed how much I have learnt from them. I wanted also to give you an update on my father's situation. If you remember PCa diagnosed Sept 2007, PSA 120. Hormone trreatment and PSA down to 70 by Jan 08 after which it rose again, 280 in April, bone scan showed widespread bony metastases, started casodex, no effect, PSA up to 400, started stilboestrol which initially kept PSA at around 400 and then back down to 280. We saw the oncologist yesterday and the stilboestrol has stopped working now, PSA now the highest it has ever been at 560. Starting chemotherapy next week (docetaxel). Complicated by the fact that he has a corneal abscess and is in hospital on an intensive antibiotic eyedrop regimen. It never rains but it pours... Sue I hate to say it but I agree with Bob. I am tired of the probing and poking also. Sometimes I think I was abducted by aliens and they probed and prodded my private parts. Sorry, Beth, My cancer was discovered too late. Mine has mets into the bone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 Dear Sue, I just read your post and my heart goes out to you. I just wanted to let you know that I will keep you and your father in my thoughts and prayers. Sinceerely, Sheila -------------- Original message -------------- I have been reading and reading and want to say how much I appreciate all your posts and indeed how much I have learnt from them. I wanted also to give you an update on my father's situation. If you remember PCa diagnosed Sept 2007, PSA 120. Hormone trreatment and PSA down to 70 by Jan 08 after which it rose again, 280 in April, bone scan showed widespread bony metastases, started casodex, no effect, PSA up to 400, started stilboestrol which initially kept PSA at around 400 and then back down to 280. We saw the oncologist yesterday and the stilboestrol has stopped working now, PSA now the highest it has ever been at 560. Starting chemotherapy next week (docetaxel). Complicated by the fact that he has a corneal abscess and is in hospital on an intensive antibiotic eyedrop regimen. It never rains but it pours... Sue I hate to say it but I agree with Bob. I am tired of the probing and poking also. Sometimes I think I was abducted by aliens and they probed and prodded my private parts. Sorry, Beth, My cancer was discovered too late. Mine has mets into the bone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 Dear Sue, I just read your post and my heart goes out to you. I just wanted to let you know that I will keep you and your father in my thoughts and prayers. Sinceerely, Sheila -------------- Original message -------------- I have been reading and reading and want to say how much I appreciate all your posts and indeed how much I have learnt from them. I wanted also to give you an update on my father's situation. If you remember PCa diagnosed Sept 2007, PSA 120. Hormone trreatment and PSA down to 70 by Jan 08 after which it rose again, 280 in April, bone scan showed widespread bony metastases, started casodex, no effect, PSA up to 400, started stilboestrol which initially kept PSA at around 400 and then back down to 280. We saw the oncologist yesterday and the stilboestrol has stopped working now, PSA now the highest it has ever been at 560. Starting chemotherapy next week (docetaxel). Complicated by the fact that he has a corneal abscess and is in hospital on an intensive antibiotic eyedrop regimen. It never rains but it pours... Sue I hate to say it but I agree with Bob. I am tired of the probing and poking also. Sometimes I think I was abducted by aliens and they probed and prodded my private parts. Sorry, Beth, My cancer was discovered too late. Mine has mets into the bone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Thank you Sheila, that is much appreciated. Sue Dear Sue, I just read your post and my heart goes out to you. I just wanted to let you know that I will keep you and your father in my thoughts and prayers. Sinceerely, Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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