Successful PC cryoablation followed by a troubling malady.

March 4, 2011

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?

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