J and J's Journey!

J and J New Member Date Joined Apr 2008 Total Posts : 7	Posted 4/17/2008 8:53 PM (GMT -6)
	Hello to all you, I am Happy and Sad at the same time to have found a wonderful support group. The one no one wants to be at. My Hubby was DX'ed on Monday April 7, 2008. Of Course all I herd was Cancer the rest of what the Doctor said was really a blur. We went back today for the test results of the Bone Scan and CT Scan. Doc said there is a Lymph Node that is Questionable and wants to start Hormone Thearpy on Monday and Schedule the Brachytherapy as soon as possible in the next four weeks he is saying the Cancer is agressive and does not want to wait to do treatment. The Volume study is scheduled for Monday. My Question is about Hormone Treatments Hubby is worried about the side effects. How many have had the Hormone Therapy and what kind of side effects did you experience . He is a very active man. (I am only 44 and cant keep up with him.) We Teach Ballroom Dancing and Martial Arts to Kids. Any input would be great Judy Post Edited ~ Subject line added ~J and J's Journey! Post Edited By Moderator (TC-LasVegas) : 4/17/2008 10:22:40 PM (GMT-6) Back to Top

Tony Crispino
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Date Joined Dec 2006
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Posted 4/17/2008 9:09 PM (GMT -6)

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Piano Veteran Member Date Joined Apr 2008 Total Posts : 847	Posted 4/17/2008 9:14 PM (GMT -6)
	Welcome to the group -- wish you weren't here I'm a new member myself and have not long ago gone through a similar experience. Yes it is a shock, and yes you do get over it. If the Doc want to do hormone therapy, then that's what you should do, regardless of the side effects. Your hubby sounds like a very fit guy, so it may effect him less than others. I haven't had hormone therapy so can't speak to it's effects -- but others here have and I'm sure they will be along soon. Age 63. Other than cancer, in good health Left hemi-colectomy April 2006 (colon cancer) PSA 5.7, Gleason 4+5=9 RRP 7 March 2008, non nerve sparing Histology showed clear margins and lymph nodes Two nights in hospital Catheter and staples out after 7 days Continent, no pads needed from the get-go No erections (of course!) Experimenting with VED and Bimix Back to Top

Tony Crispino Veteran Member Date Joined Dec 2006 Total Posts : 8128	Posted 4/17/2008 9:24 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi Judy, Welcome to the best site on the web for patient to patient interaction. Many members will be here with advice. Knowledge is very important before proceding. It will also ease the mind about what next to do. What options have you considered? The reason I ask is because this treatment plan is not on standard protocol. My first piece of advice is to get a second opintion. If a lymph node is suspect enough to warrant hormone therapy then why the brachytherapy? While it may be effective, brachytherapy, is a local treatment. HT does address distant lymph nodes but is best when combined with the beam radiations like IMRT, IGRT or Proton or surgical treatments. You may find other options will assist better if this is a stage III or IV treatment requirement. That stated, a second opinion will better clarify this for you. You will find very knowledgeable support here. HW is a great place to share you experience, regardless of your treatment preference. Stay close. Tony Age 45 (44 when Dx) Pre-op PSA was 19.8 Surgery on Feb 16, 2007 Post-Op Pathology: Gleason 4+3=7, positive margins, Stage pT3b (Stage III) HT began in May, '07 with Lupron and Casodex 50mg IMRT radiation for 38 Treatments ending August 3, '07 Current PSA (1/08): <0.1 I will continue HT until May '09. Years in Remission (3/23/07): 1 Visit my Journey at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tonycrispino STAY POSITIVE! Prostate Cancer Forum Moderator Back to Top

J and J New Member Date Joined Apr 2008 Total Posts : 7	Posted 4/17/2008 9:36 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi Tony, Thank you all for such a quick response. The Doctor did not say what stage he was in or maybe he did and of course I did not hear it. My hubby has had fat deposits all his adult life and sometimes has them removed. We both feel this could be just one of them Doctor says it could be. I am not sure why he thinks the Hormone Therapy is the way to go but after doing research ( I am now have brain dead on all the information I have read over the last week) I am not sure it is necessary I think Hubby ( Jerry) is going to call the Doctor and tell him he does not want it. I just want to make sure he is making the right decision. Judy Age 69 Father of 8 Children 4 Boys 4 Girls ages from 14 to 43 PSA 7 in June, 07 PSA 6.9 in Feb, 08 Biopsy March 31 08 Results April 7, 08 Gleason Score 3+4=7 Involving 80% of Specimen 1 of 2 Cores Contain Cancer Gleason Score 3+4=7 Involving 90% of Specimen 1 of 2 Cores Contiain Cancer Bone Scan April 14,08 All Clear CT Scan April 14, 08 Lymph nodes is Questionable Back to Top

Tony Crispino Veteran Member Date Joined Dec 2006 Total Posts : 8128	Posted 4/17/2008 9:49 PM (GMT -6)
	Judy, Keep up that research. HT is a stage III or IV treatment. It comes with many side effects. If it isn't certain, it should not be begun. I am on HT and it's something I would only recommend when it is absolutely required, and it is proven to be necessary. My case involved failed surgery, meaning that they did not get it all and that was confirmed in the post operative pathology. I still think Jerry should consider more options if its even possible a lymph node is involved. This is an opinion (my own which can be questioned) but it's fairly educated. Brachytherapy is a great local treatment for stage I and stage II disease. But it is not effective in most stage III and definately not effective in stage IV diseae. Tony Age 45 (44 when Dx) Pre-op PSA was 19.8 Surgery on Feb 16, 2007 Post-Op Pathology: Gleason 4+3=7, positive margins, Stage pT3b (Stage III) HT began in May, '07 with Lupron and Casodex 50mg IMRT radiation for 38 Treatments ending August 3, '07 Current PSA (1/08): <0.1 I will continue HT until May '09. Years in Remission (3/23/07): 1 Visit my Journey at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tonycrispino STAY POSITIVE! Prostate Cancer Forum Moderator Back to Top

J and J New Member Date Joined Apr 2008 Total Posts : 7	Posted 4/17/2008 9:49 PM (GMT -6)
	Tony, Sorry I did not answer some of your question. I dont't think we really have talked about other treatments we have reseached them and it seams the out come is the same so Jer decided he did not want to have the surgery The Doctor gave that to us as an option but said the brachatherpy would give the same results. At this point I am so confussed as to what we should do. After reading many post on here it seams the Doctor is moving quit fast. You are right a second oppinion is needed. Doctor never mentioned the beam raditation. Mostly the Brachatherpy and Hormone together. I will keep posting as we go though are journey. Judy Age 69 Father of 8 Children 4 Boys 4 Girls ages from 14 to 43 PSA 7 in June, 07 PSA 6.9 in Feb, 08 Biopsy March 31 08 Results April 7, 08 Gleason Score 3+4=7 Involving 80% of Specimen 1 of 2 Cores Contain Cancer Gleason Score 3+4=7 Involving 90% of Specimen 1 of 2 Cores Contiain Cancer Bone Scan April 14,08 All Clear CT Scan April 14, 08 Lymph nodes is Questionable Back to Top

Tony Crispino Veteran Member Date Joined Dec 2006 Total Posts : 8128	Posted 4/17/2008 9:52 PM (GMT -6)
	Good job. Keep reading these stories. These are some great people with excellent knowledge of their treatments. You will get some great support no matter the treatment option. Tony Age 45 (44 when Dx) Pre-op PSA was 19.8 Surgery on Feb 16, 2007 Post-Op Pathology: Gleason 4+3=7, positive margins, Stage pT3b (Stage III) HT began in May, '07 with Lupron and Casodex 50mg IMRT radiation for 38 Treatments ending August 3, '07 Current PSA (1/08): <0.1 I will continue HT until May '09. Years in Remission (3/23/07): 1 Visit my Journey at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tonycrispino STAY POSITIVE! Prostate Cancer Forum Moderator Back to Top

Dutch Regular Member Date Joined Feb 2007 Total Posts : 400	Posted 4/17/2008 9:59 PM (GMT -6)
	Judy & Jer: I would agree with Tony - I think a second opinion would be very helpful to you. The more knowledge you have the more power you have. Keep us posted and the best to you both. Dutch Diagnosed Feb 2001 (Age 65) Currently 72 PSA 4.8 Gleason 3+3=6 Stage T2b Completed Proton Therapy @ Loma Linda - 2001 - No side effects. My journey is at: http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=727565 7yr PSA - 0.2 Our responsibility now is to educate men about Pca, PSA and the importance of early detection. Back to Top

livinadream Veteran Member Date Joined Apr 2008 Total Posts : 1382	Posted 4/18/2008 4:09 AM (GMT -6)
	I to agree with Tony. I have lymph node involvement and I to am on HT. Yes there are side effects that I would not choose if it weren't for cancer, however it is life sustaining so proceed with optimism. I do encourage 2nd opinions as well. Your course of treatment seems a bit od, but I am no doctor. I was put on Casodex, Lupron, and 44 IMRT's, which together seemed to be effective. I know this is a trying time in life, please try to find strength and support via your friends, local church, or right here at this forum. Hope is the one ingredient that will make the journey a little more palatable. peace and love to you Dale My PSA at diagnosis was 16.3 age 46 (current) http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dalechildress My gleason score from prostate was 4+5=9 and from the lymph nodes was 4+4=8 I had 44 IMRT's Casodex Currently on Lupron I go to The Cancer Treatment Center of America Married with two kids Back to Top

Johnny Canuck Regular Member Date Joined Jan 2008 Total Posts : 88	Posted 4/18/2008 5:00 AM (GMT -6)
	If not a second opinion, I'd at least ask the doctor to explain his thoughts. To my understanding the key to sucessful brachytherapy is the the cancer be localized and contained...early stage. I'm not sure that my oncologist would even go for it over a gleason of 6. Each case is different, though. Please stay in touch and let us know what you decide. Best of luck. Age: 54 Gleason Score: 3+3=6 PSA: 3.33 Biopsy:7/8 Positive Stage: "Bulky" T1c Prostate Size: 27cc Diagnosed: December 05, 2007 Brachytherapy: on February 26, 2008 68 seeds, (Iodine 125). Back to Top

myman Veteran Member Date Joined Feb 2007 Total Posts : 1219	Posted 4/18/2008 6:44 AM (GMT -6)
	My husband is on HT and unless it had to be done I'd suggest waiting until all your options have been looked at. I'm assuming the reason HT is even suggested is the questionable lymph node. Maybe I missed it but where is the lymph node located? Adjacent to the prostate or distant? I understand your fear and confusion. There's so much info to read and many opinions on what the best options are. Get that second opinion (you must take all test reports with you) Keep posting, we'll be here for you, Susan Husband Diagnosed 11/17/05 Age: 63 PSA: 7.96 No Symptoms 2/09/06: LRP - Post Pathology - Gleason 4+3 Stage T2b NO MX 3 mo. PSA: 11.8 Stage T3a 6 mo. PSA: 18.8 Stage IV Systemic w/ distant lymph node involvement Start HT - Lupron 3 mo. shots 12/06/06: PSA 0.8 03/07/07: PSA 0.3 PSA - Undetectable since 6/07/07 Link to journey: http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=826731 Back to Top

creed_three Veteran Member Date Joined Jan 2007 Total Posts : 762	Posted 4/18/2008 1:05 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi Judy, I can't add anything really but welcome - you are at exactly the right place to become informed. Good luck and stay. A second or third opinion is all good for anything we think. Lana & CJ Creed_three (Lana & CJ) Husband CJ aged 50 yrs (49 years at diagnosis and surgery) PSA (2002) 2.1. PSA (2006) 3.5. 1 x (5%) core of 12 positive at biopsy. 11 cores negative. Open Radical Prostatectomy with nerve sparing, on 17th April 2007 (Sydney, Australia). Gleeson 3 + 4 = 7. Cancer confined. 1st PSA 0.01 (June 07) 2nd PSA 0.02 (Oct 07) undetectable. 3rd PSA 0.02 (April 08) undetectable. Back to Top

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