Prostate Cancer Survivors

 

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This forum is for the discussion of anything to do with Prostate Cancer.
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Re: Doubts about ADT

I agree with the previous posts about researching options. I've now been on ADT for 2 years and although there are inevitably side effects such as occasional lethargy and loss of libido for me ( thankfully ) the side effects so far have been tolerable. It might be best to look at the individual experiences of people on this site. Don't panic, a lot of people seem able to manage to live with the occasional side effects and still enjoy a full life.

Best wishes for the future and your decision.

Re: Doubts about ADT

Make sure you are getting treated at a large prostate cancer center so you will have access to the latest treatments.

Everything is reversible so if you decide you can't tolerate the hormone treatment after 6 months to a year you can stop and everything will go back to how it was. Hormone treatment would seem like the next treatment to do in your case. You also know what to expect so watch your diet/weight gain and make sure you start an exercise program if you are not on one already. For me the fear of treatment was always worse than the treatment itself except for maybe the hot flashes.

Also, you want to make sure you are alive in ten years to benefit from the new drugs and treatments that will be available then.

Re: Doubts about ADT

Hey Frank,
Thank you for your reply.
Living in Sydney,Australia,and without private medical insurance, I'm at the mercy of the Public Hospital System, i don't have access to a specialised prostate centre, but never the less, the standard of care is quite good. I guess your'e right about fearing the treatment, we all tend to fear the unknown,don't we?
I appreciate your positive remarks, it has definitely helped.
Thanks again,
Cheers,
Mark

Re: Doubts about ADT

Mark,
I also live in a land of socialized medicine but we still have excellent prostate cancer centers. Sydney must have something similar. Check with your local support group to find out where you can get the best treatment; they will know.

Re: Doubts about ADT

Hi Mark sorry to hear of your recurrence. I am also an aussie and understand where you are coming from re the public hospital system. I am involved with a local PCa support group and we have several men with Advanced Metastatic PCa and for the most part, they have done well. Might I enquire which city in OZ you reside in?

ADT is the first line treatment for a recurrence. To give you some idea ADT has worked for men in our support group from 3 to 5 years before becoming hormone refractory. We actually have one chap who has been on ADT for nine years. Second line therapies are also available in OZ now. However whilst ADT may be prescribed by an Uroligist or a Radiation Oncologist, second line therapies are the domain of Medical Oncologist's.

best wishes
john

Re: Doubts about ADT

Hey John,
Thanks for your reply.
I live in Sydney,in a south western suburb,Bradbury.
I would very much like the contact details of your support group please,and I think you are correct ADT is the best option for me.
Thanks again for your help,
Cheers ,
Mark

Re: Doubts about ADT

Hi Mark,
I think our support group might be a little to far down the track for you. We are located in the Port Stephens Region. But you do have a support group almost on your doorstep in Cambelltown. The details were current as of July this year.


Macarthur Prostate Cancer Education and Support Group meeting, on Thursday 7pm-8pm, Campbelltown RSL Club. Details: Suzanne, 4654 6424

The good thing about support groups is interacting with other men in a similar circumstance as yourself. Whilst not being expert medical advice it will give you an overview to the various treatment options that other men are undertaking and there effectiveness.

I suggest you also have a read of the website below. It is a bit dated now but still a good read for a man in your situation. Just cut and past the link into your browser.

http://www.harvardprostateknowledge.org/how-to-handle-a-relapse-after-treatment-for-prostate-cancer

Ok Mark you have some info to get you started. Do let us know how you get on and feel free to ask questions on here. The guys on here are pretty much on the ball.

best wishes
john

Re: Doubts about ADT

Hey fellas,
Thank you John Bonneville, Don Oberlin and Lyn for all your replies and advise.
2 months after Lucrin 30mg 4 month injection my PSA is down from 15 to 1.5.
Experiencing frequent hot flushes ( 30-40 in a 24 hour period),and loss of libido,but
overall more tolerable than I thought.

Again many thanks, I appreciate all the support you guys have given me,

Cheers,

Mark Deane

Re: Doubts about ADT

Mark:
As tough as it may have been, you made your decision and you sound satisfied with your decision. Thanks for the update.
Continued best wishes.

Re: Doubts about ADT

Hey Lyn,
Thank you your reply.
Will certainly keep your comments in mind, you have been a great help.I really appreciate it,
Cheers,
Mark

Re: Doubts about ADT

Mark:
If you proceed with ADP (as I would if I were in your shoes), please provide us with: (1) the protocol prescribed for you and (2) the results and side effects if any. By doing so you will5 help others in their decision-making effort and provide us an opportunity to assist in any way we can.
Best wishes Don O.

Re: Doubts about ADT

Hey Don,
Yes I will certainly document everything as it happens. I have an on going history in
the Survivor Stories section.I will keep it updated.
Cheers,
Mark

Re: Doubts about ADT

OK Mark! I'll look in on you from time to time.

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