Re: Successful PC cryoablation followed by a troubling malady.

[Guest guest]

FWIW --

I remember that Mulhall's " Saving Your Sex Life " has a discussion of the

side-effects of hormone-blocking therapy. He doesn't take it lightly, and says

that the side-effects are sometimes permanent (or very long-term).

I don't have the book handy, but it's back in print -- get a copy.

>

> Last spring (May 26) I asked the group members to report your impression of

the cryoablation's record in curing prostate cancer. Mine was an advanced case:

Age 69, T2b (nodule on one side), Gleason 3+4, PSA 5.5 and rising. A negative

bone scan. A couple of you opined that the technique is new and unproven, and

that I should stick with radiation or seeds.

>

> What pushed me toward the cryo was a 2003 paper by Katz and Rewcastle

reporting on 590 patients who underwent cryoablation as well as the other four

other therapies. The authors found cyroablation to be a superior choice for

people in high risk. I especially appreciated a note from Allan Meyer on making

sure I had the top talent doing the work. And, of course, hoping for Lady Luck.

>

> In September I underwent cryoablation surgery. This following 4 months of

preparatory hormone treatment with Lurpon in order to shrink my prostate. The

size was markedly decreased, and the operation was a success. My first post-op

PSA reading (January) was " undetectable. " My urologist advises a repeat sample

in May. So far, so good.

>

> But not great. Since weeks following my surgery I've been struggling with

chronic fatigue and vertigo. My urologist says it has nothing to do with my

surgery. I went to a general practice doctor who says my testosterone is " low. "

(Sorry, no numbers. These days one must communicate to doctors through their

nurses.) All other blood counts are normal, including TSH, red cells, etc. He

believes my low testosterone may be an after effect of the Lupron, and that over

time I should recover my good health.

>

> I find myself doubting his sunny prognosis. The Lupron was a four-month

capsule implanted in June, nine months ago. If, as the doc claims, the effects

are supposed to wane with time, wouldn't I have started noticing some

improvement by now? It's been five months since the hormone was (supposedly)

expended.

>

> The punch line: cryoablation works, but you might not want to risk taking

Lupron. Numerous complains can be found online about a link between Lupron and

" chronic fatigue syndrome. " CFS sounds like something no one would want, and it

doesn't go away. Any ideas?

>