Side Effects

[Darryl]

It would be helpful if you could tell us the side effects you are experiencing and the treatments that (probably) caused them.  Thanks!

[Donder]

Because of a PSA of 108, and following a diagnosis at NYU Langone in January I attended Darryl's Malecare Union Square meeting February 10. I was a mess and much of what I heard increased my fear. But at that meeting two men suggested I see a medical oncologist at Sloan Kettering. I saw one of them, Dr. Dana Rathkopf, March 8. As I was told she is upbeat, informative and proactive. She set up meetings with Dr Vincent Laudone (surgeon) and Dr. Sean McBride (radiologist). The surgeon explained in detail why surgery would not be the best choice given my situation. The radiologist, who I feel comfortable with, prescribed Casodex 50mg daily and a Lupron injection every three months. I had my first injection on March 25. After four weeks my side effects are fatigue, dizziness and some joint pain. I visit the radiologist again May 3 and the type of radiation and length of treatment will be determined. Meanwhile I will have a full body MRI (claustrophobia terrifies me so I'll take Lorazepan 1.0mg pill, something I'm told will work.) and a 45 minute prostate MRI. Anyway, I have moved on from that first support meeting and am so thankful it was there to help me move forward. Thank you.