Re: : Proton Beam Therapy 1st post beam results

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Hello I just had my first PSA test results and consult Dec 19th, after completing my proton beam therapy Sept 16, 2011. My Gleason score was 7 (3+4) originally, changed to Gleason 7 (4+3),PSA was 5.7 last May, 2, 2011 before treatment. Original diagnosis was metastic prostate cancer, due no doubt to a bond density scan that showed darkening of the small seventh right rib. A second XRay seemed to indicate that this was probably due instead to an old fracture. XRays indicated that there was no visible breach of the prostate, only a slight buldge that did not involve the outer layers of the prostate. So, my prostate cancer is not being treated as metastic. Though, I am receiving 7 months of antihormone therapy. Today, it was reported that my PSA has fallen to less than 0.5. The key will be the trend lines for PSA and testosterone levels, as the prostate recovers. I was told that it would be ideal if the PSA would gradually rise to no more than 2.0 at some point in the future and remain at that level. I asked if there were additional treatments to add to the protocol. At the moment, it is just watchful waiting, eat healthy and exercise. Regards, T Thanks for sharing, Terry, Don’t know if you noticed the commentary by Dr. Jonas Moses. Even the researchers are at odds as to appropriate research. Over the years we have seen improvement in medications to at least rein in cancer development, and combinations that though not necessarily approved for the manner in which they are prescribed, showing more effectiveness than if administered singularly. And these combinations are more often determined and administered by those we have come to know are involved in deep research and treatment of, particularly, recurring and/or advanced/high grade prostate cancer. Most other physicians on the staff of larger facilities are less likely to try combinations or are prevented from doing so by the facility for which they are employed. Yet, the medications to date continue to be just band-aids to an ailment that just keeps festering. Unlikely in my lifetime that science will finally yell out “Eureka!†with the medication that in one fell-swoop will prohibit cancer from even developing as well as eradicate that cancer already present in our bodies. Having served on panels reviewing proposals from research scientists seeking funding for the prostate cancer research, I am aware that there is considerable on-going research. Yet, I noticed even on those panels that several scientists are working on very close the same research, but doing so separately within the organization for which they are employed. I don’t know what it will take for more collaboration between scientists and their organizations with other scientists of other organizations to work together towards the same end. We see some of that, but not as much as I feel could still be accomplished. Chuck Always as close as the other end of your computer to help address any prostate cancer concerns. "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." (Chuck) Maack - Prostate Cancer Advocate/Activist Email: maack1@... PCa Help: "Observations" http://www.theprostateadvocate.com From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Terry HerbertSent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 6:06 PMTo: ProstateCancerSupport ; 'NewDx'; ww@...Subject: Blocking cancer escape routes I found this article http://the-scientist.com/2011/11/30/cancer%E2%80%99s-escape-routes/ very interesting. The research being done may well shed some light on why and how intermittent therapies may be better and also why some combinations of therapies may be helpful – and which they are. These studies on the genetics of cells are fascinating, but I believe that the more that is discovered, the more they will find that we don’t know. The article concludes by summarising what is clear to many of us old hands, but less so, regrettably, to newbies and to many of the medical profession: <snip> While there may be general principles that apply to cancer resistance, for now, treatment requires a tailored approach ……… With more thorough genetic sequencing, it’s become clear that there’s no single answer, even for a single patient. “We’re all looking for the common theme, so that we can find ways to overcome it,†Pao said. Unfortunately, “cancers are heterogeneous, not just across individuals, but within individuals.†<snip> All the best Prostate men need enlightening, not frighteningTerry Herbert - diagnosed in 1996 and still going strongRead A Strange Place for unbiased information at http://www.yananow.org/StrangePlace/index.html