Update to my treatment & A question

[Billash]

Recently switched Treatment center to A small Huntsman affiliated clinic in Rexburg Idaho. The first thing they did was to order an Auxuman Scan and the results were so good they stopped my ADT2 treatments to try & help my QOL and energy level. The statement from the scan read “mildly increased metabolic activity centrally in the mid apex of the prostate gland is non specific, residual disease can’t be excluded.”

This after being diagnosed with Stage 4, Gleason 8 & 9 in October of 2016. Tumor= T3b,N1,M0. No surgery, 45 IMRT radiation treatments and ADT2 (Casodex & Eligard) After 6 weeks off of the ADT my PSA remains near the Nadir 0.48. Testosterone = only 9.9 virtually nothing. Oncologist happy but there has been no increase in energy and hot flashes continue.

My question is do I dare add some DHEA to help spur my old body to begin producing some Testosterone again. I am trying to be very active thru exercise and walking. Some golf and weights. I have also been doing some odd jobs to supplement my retirement income. I still tire very easily and suffer from hot flashes at night. My urinary activity is as close to normal as possible with Flomax. I take a lot of supplements and very few prescriptions. I am 78 and also had a quad bypass in 2010. I suffered no other side effects from the radiation so far. I requested a referral for a nephrologist from my previous clinic as I had continuing Hydronephrosis from the tumor. They refused and I switched clinics. As a result of neglect my right kidney is now atrophied but my overall kidney function is good but I could lose the right one someday. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[ctarleton]

The SWOG study (Adjuvant Androgen Deprivation for High-Risk Prostate Cancer After Radical Prostatectomy: SWOG S9921 Study) looked at a large group of men on ADT for two years and they found the median time to recovery was 11.7 months (just over 51 weeks).

The median age of men was about 60 years old, with a range from about 40 to 82.

However, it also found, "Although 89% of men recovered normal testosterone levels after 18 months, the fact that some men remain hypogonadal after 2 years of adjuvant ADT is an important piece of information in counseling patients."

I might surmise that already being around 78 years of age might also have some statistical impacts on testosterone, and testosterone recovery. On the other hand, it is very good that you are still active and exercising. That could help, too.

[Tall_Allen]

I guess the only way to know for sure is to biopsy the mid apex. Lacking that biopsy, I don't understand why they would stop the Adt, unless you've already ad the full course. How long were you on ADT2? - about 2 years is standard of care these days - the time to recover your natural T production is related. Figure on it taking at least 6-12 months. If by then it hasn't come back, you can talk to your doctor about clomid and hCG to jumpstart your testicles.

I would be worried about the unknown effects of the "lot of" supplements you are taking on your kidneys.

[Billash in reply to Tall_Allen]

I have been in the Supplement Business for 30 years & have studied them extensively. All that I take have been cleared by my Nephrologist. I also attribute my success so far to the supplements I take. Especially the IP6 With inositol which is a proven immune system booster. I take 7-8 grams daily in the powder form in water. Some studies have shown the IP6 particularly successful against prostate cancer. I trust them more than the pharmaceuticals that the Cancer industry backs and charges far too much for.

[Break60]

Have you tried estradiol patches changed twice weekly for hot flashes?

Bob

[Billash in reply to Break60]

I have not, was told early on to stay away from all hormones. But will revisit,Thanks for the suggestion.

[blindsquirrel]

Tell me a bit more about the "IP6 With Inositol." What brand? Where do you get it? How much. I've heard good things about it. Thanks.

[Billash in reply to blindsquirrel]

It is made by Enzymatic Therapy, available from amazon for about $35 for 14.6 oz. I use 2 scoops/day to get 6.5 oz of the IP6. At that rate it lasts a month. I firmly believe it was instrumental in my successful treatment so far. I have cut back to one scoop/day since my Auxumin scan results.

[Nfler]

Bill are u still on the ip6 inositol