Replicant
Moderator
Joined: 01 Nov 2006
Posts: 124
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 Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject: For Chrisz |
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Hi Chris--you asked how I was doing so I'll post it here, in case anyone else is curious.
To recap, I had a Da Vinci prostatectomy in 2006. Positive margins, extracapsular extension, Gleason 3+4. By my second follow up PSA, my PSA was detectable and rising. I had salvage radiation--IMRT-- Jan-Mar 2007, 70.2 Grays, and when I started my PSA was 0.7. Afterwards my PSA quickly dropped below 0.1 (my doc is using the standard assay, not the ultrasensitive one).
My last PSA was done in late December and the oncologist wanted to stretch out my next visit to 5 months, so I'll see him in a few weeks. If my PSA is still below 0.1, we'll make it 6 months next time. All fine with me, since I get a DRE each time. You kind of get used to it, but it's a rude test no matter what. The oncologist says he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't examine me, and who am I to argue...
I had a side effect towards the end of radiation. Proctitis, which mainly meant very loose bowels and painful bowel movements. It was awful, but the radiation oncologist gave me a prescription for Proctofoam which was great---worked like a fire extinguisher in my nether regions. After 3 or 4 months I didn't need it any more and things have continued to improve as far as bowel irritation to where my main complaint these days is that I'm especially prone to bloating and gas.
I have ED from the prostatectomy, but can still enjoy sex and if I want the full experience, Levitra does the job albeit with some restlessness, headache, and stuffy nose. So far radiation has not worsened the ED or the incontinence. I am doing fine with leakage--just an occasional drop now and then. My youth probably helped with ED and incontinence issues, since I had just turned 44 when I had surgery.
So--I couldn't be more pleased. I still do a lot of reading on salvage radiotherapy, and I know that I'm a long, long ways from "cured". I've seen studies that show the median time to failure after salvage radiation ranges from 8 to 20 months or longer. I think I'll feel like I've passed a psychological milestone once I'm 24 months out from salvage and my PSA is still undetectable.
So...that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Please remember that it's just that--a story. My anecdote. It should not be taken as advice.
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Replicant
Dx Feb 2006, PSA 9 @age 43
RRP Apr 2006 - Gleason 3+4, T3a, N0M0, pos margins
PSA 5/06 <0.1, 8/06 0.2, 12/06 0.6, 1/07 0.7.
Salvage radiation (IMRT) total dose 70.2 Gy, Jan-Mar 2007@ age 44
PSA 6/07 0.1, 9/07 <0.1, 12/07 <0.1, 4/08 <0.1
http://pcabefore50.blogspot.com |
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chrisz
Regular
Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 27
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| Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject: Re: For Chrisz |
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Replicant,
Thanks for the reply ! I think posting your response helps all of us. I like to see what people had, what they did, and the outcome.
Looks like the outcome for you is good. I got a feeling that all of your cancer cells have been wiped-out.
I'm glad to hear you have a good sex response (with help) when needed. And, as for the drip, I've had that on and off for quite a few years.
I'm dealing with other health issues in my life, some relate to the chemistry in my brain. This PC scare is not something I need right now.
"It's the way it is..." "What ever will be, will be...." etc. etc. etc.
Chris |
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