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J and J's Journey!

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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)

Posted 4/17/2008 9:09 PM (GMT -6)
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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.

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
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
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
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
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
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

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
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.
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
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
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