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Hello to all. I am new here, so any tips are welcome.
I was Dxed with PC 1990, with RP in June of 90
My Gleason score in 1990 was listed as 2+3=5 with extensive perineural invasion. Also listed as stage C, T3
I was tracked by a oncologist for 10 years with PSA still undetectable.
On the 12th year my PSA test was 0.1, PSA gradually elevated to at the 15th year check it was 0.6.
I checked back with my surgeon, who sent me back to my oncologist. At this time I was told I should have salvage radiation treatment.
42 salvage radiation treatments on trillogy machine at OSF St. Francis Medical Center 10-19-05 to 12-13-05..
PSA dropped to 0.1 after treatment, but now is up to a 2.9 as checked 11-8-11.
I went to see my oncologist Wed 11-15-11. and he wanted me to continue to wait and watch. I have also been advised that maybe I should be on a hormone therapy.
I have decided to look for a second opinion from another oncologist some place else.
I am looking for information on what course of treatment I should be looking for.
As of last year, no metastasis could be found. I am a 78 year old, and except for the PC, I feel that I am in very good health. .
Thanks for any suggestions anyone medical, or personal experience has to offer.
Jack
Jack,
I would try the hormone treatment for 6 months (get monthly injections and not the every 3 month type) and see how you react to it. But there is no rush to do that if you don't want to. Often the fear of the treatment is far worse than the treatment itself for most men but not all. You probably found that with the radiation treatment. I have tried the hormone treatment for 6 months and the hot flashes were hard to take at night as it affected my sleep but it was not too bad.
You seem to have a type of PC that is hard to kill off but is not very agresive either so the oncologist is just trying to control it enough so it doesn't kill you before your "best before date."
Thanks for the input. I just sort of feel like I should be doing something to keep it from spreading. I will probably continue learning all I can until my next appointment with my past oncologist, or a new one in 5 months.
Thanks again for your help. Jack
