Looking To The Future

My husband was diagnosed at age 60 with prostate cancer.  The gleason was 8 and the psa was 147.  The surgery was delayed six months from the PSA reading of 147.  He had 3 months of ADT before the surgery and the surgeon was very happy with the outcome of surgery - negative margins and negative venus, lymph node, and seminal vesical involvement.  However there was single foci extraprostatic extension and perineural invasion on one side.  The PSA 3 months post RP was <.1 - again happy news.  However at 6 months Post RP the PSA was up to 4.7 and 3 weeks later was at 7.5.  My husband received his first dose of Lupron in mid October 07 and another the end of February.  My question is, is there anyone out there that can give me some information on what to expect in the future?  I am assuming I will be retiring alone in 5 years because of my reading on the subject.  Sure would be helpful to "speak" with other women who have been in this position (must be lots of them). I cannot talk to my husband because he is in denial and if this works to make his life happier I don't want to burst that bubble.

I have two friends who are 60 and 90 currently doing well on hormone treatment.  The important thing is to remain active and improve lifestyle wherever possible.

One had leg pains and bone scan hot spots when diagnosed  a couple of years ago,  He hasn't had any recent pain, the hot spots did not show up on his recent scan and his PSA readings have been under 1. He still plays golf and goes on a lot of trips.

The other friend has also kept active at 90, and still drives around for his usual activities or to visit.

If there are any problems with hormone treatment, there are things which can help, including change in medication. Some men react differently to the various medications and find one can be more effective than another. Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone levels should be checked to ensure the medication is doing what it's supposed to.

The yananow site has stories from many men who have used various treatments including hormones over some time. It's worth looking at the mentors experiences section there.

It's also worth reading the book by Dr Myers on beating PC with hormone treatment and diet. Dr Myers used radiation and hormone treatment for his own high risk PC about 8 years ago, and has used it extensively for many of his patients since.  He is one of the few available experts on hormone treatment.

 

 

On 3/3/2008 frightenedwife wrote:

My husband was diagnosed at age 60 with prostate cancer.  The gleason was 8 and the psa was 147.  The surgery was delayed six months from the PSA reading of 147.  He had 3 months of ADT before the surgery and the surgeon was very happy with the outcome of surgery - negative margins and negative venus, lymph node, and seminal vesical involvement.  However there was single foci extraprostatic extension and perineural invasion on one side.  The PSA 3 months post RP was <.1 - again happy news.  However at 6 months Post RP the PSA was up to 4.7 and 3 weeks later was at 7.5.  My husband received his first dose of Lupron in mid October 07 and another the end of February.  My question is, is there anyone out there that can give me some information on what to expect in the future?  I am assuming I will be retiring alone in 5 years because of my reading on the subject.  Sure would be helpful to "speak" with other women who have been in this position (must be lots of them). I cannot talk to my husband because he is in denial and if this works to make his life happier I don't want to burst that bubble.

 Hi Frightenedwife..

 My husband was diognosed with pc 12 years ago. His PSA was 300. His doctor started him on Lupron and cassodex. They did not want to do surgery because the cancer had already spread to the outside of his prostate. Hormone therepy was going to be it.. They said he would live about 18 months.  His doctor knew he could bring down the PSA level but when it returned it would be very aggressive...That has been almost 12 years ago...

Two years ago his PSA started up again. It went from .04 to 7.2 in 3 four months. They decided to do radiation 39 treatments. and his PSA came down again. He has always been very active. They closed the plant he had worked at for 32 years. And he was able to take early retirement at that time. This was wonderful for he has had lots of years to do all the things he wanted to do. Most do not get this time. It was a blessing actually. No one would have even known he had any problems. Because his health was very good.

 Now though h is PSA is going back up again. And he has not felt good.. He has so very little engery. It is scary wondering what is going on. I want him to see another doctor and get another opinion. His doctor said after telling him he had about a year, started him back on the cassodex, took more labs and said he would see him in a month... and that was it.. I am upset but I do not want to upset my husband more than he already was. I have suggested once but that is it.... I am not sure what to do.. I want 12 more years with him... and doing nothing does not sound like it will give him 12 more...

How has your husband been handling all of this? Are you able to talk with him or just let him pretty much do the talking? We love them and never want to upset them or make them think bad thoughts I know.. But it is hard holding back my thoughts about seeing another doctor.. even if just for a second opinoin. You did not say how long ago it was that your husband was diognosed.. My husband is 67 and he was diognosed 12 years ago. I am 55. I would be happy to tell you anything I can to help you through.  My greatest tool has been prayer. I pray you and your husband can enjoy retirement together for many years ot come...   

 

 

On 3/3/2008 Johnw100 wrote:

I have two friends who are 60 and 90 currently doing well on hormone treatment.  The important thing is to remain active and improve lifestyle wherever possible.

One had leg pains and bone scan hot spots when diagnosed  a couple of years ago,  He hasn't had any recent pain, the hot spots did not show up on his recent scan and his PSA readings have been under 1. He still plays golf and goes on a lot of trips.

The other friend has also kept active at 90, and still drives around for his usual activities or to visit.

If there are any problems with hormone treatment, there are things which can help, including change in medication. Some men react differently to the various medications and find one can be more effective than another. Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone levels should be checked to ensure the medication is doing what it's supposed to.

The yananow site has stories from many men who have used various treatments including hormones over some time. It's worth looking at the mentors experiences section there.

It's also worth reading the book by Dr Myers on beating PC with hormone treatment and diet. Dr Myers used radiation and hormone treatment for his own high risk PC about 8 years ago, and has used it extensively for many of his patients since.  He is one of the few available experts on hormone treatment.

 

Where can I find Dr. Meyers' book?  I looked on Amazon and through my local library with no luck.