Not many times a man will brag about 'shrinkage'! I just had scans done and my 71cc size tumor reduced to 12cc. Been on ADT since January, big corrections made with diet and exercise and taking pretty normal supplements.
Doc, I and Wife extremely pleased, but still realize this is still very high risk and aggressive PC. From the scan summary: ...."but still has extracapsular spread, contact with the right external sphincter and likely involvement of right neurovascular bundle."
No other spreading was found.
Moving forward: Meeting with Radiation next week. Surgery is not an option, as this damn thing is still touching/attached to rectum. So radiate it is.
I am also a candidate for Ketruda due to my Lynch genetics. This would be in addition to radiating.
Doc said we have three choices: Radiate, Radiate + Keytruda, or wait, continue on with ADT and see what the beast looks like in August.
I am opting for the dual treatment, and not waiting.
What all should I consider with this choice?
Much appreciate your wise input.
Good news like this makes me want to go fishing!
Dave
Written by
DMohr011
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Congratulations on the shrinkage. I agree that ADT+radiation+Keytruda sounds optimal. The radiation increases the antigen presentation, which may help Keytruda work better.
The only outstanding question is which kind of radiation and exactly what should you radiate? Brachy boost therapy has the best outcomes for very high risk (T4) patients like yourself. On the downside, it also carries a 19% risk of serious urinary retention.
Your rectal tumor poses a problem. Obviously, SpaceOAR is not an option. But the rectal wall is easily damaged by radiation and the last thing you want is a fistula. Your RO will have to take great care in irradiating this. Great care= scrupulous contouring, more frequent low doses of radiation. Especially important to avoid fiber and laxatives, have a comfortably full bladder, and avoid all supplements.
Thank you TA for your input! Urinary issues seem to be a big part of me, having two TURPS done and now on antibiotics for a UI that just appeared. I will let you know what the Radiation peeps think is the best option!
Met with Radaition and find out they need to wait at least until September - need 6 months after the last TURP. Just too much risk of serious urinary problems. Thankful this tumor is shrinking without spreading. (knocking on wood)
The type of radiation is to be proton. He feels they can use much lower doses around the rectum area.
Fingers crossed I don't have to have any more TURP procedures. I guess I could consider a more permanent catheter if things start clogging up again? I've had a tough past couple of days pissing but hoping that's b/c of a UI infection....
I have experienced shrinkage also, but in my case it is my testicles. After 6 months of ADT and 6 weeks of EBRT my family jewels are the size of small grape tomatoes. Although, that’s where the comparison ends. Grape tomatoes are full of juice, whereas my testicles no longer have any juice. My advice is to go full on and attack it on all available fronts. Full frontal assault and attack on both flanks. Kill it Dave, kill it.
That's what I am thinking too, hit it with both. I feel great today and have set some time aside this June/July for this. But it better not F up my August kayak fishing trips along Oregon coast! Hope to get er done by then.
I have some Cialis for sale too! The wife is actually OK with the lack of sex. After being chased around for 35 years she said likes the break!
Grape tomatoes wow. My jelly beans in a bag were snip snipped Mar of '18. No more lupron for life.... Just my choice just at the beginning of my journey on my 10 yr. plan. Additional surgeries 2 years in on my now 8 yr plan. New scans coming up at the 7 yr mark and counting down. Lots of life left. Life is good.
That makes total sense to me as my sex lymphs are out of order and have been since November, way before ADT. Tottenham and I are the rookies in the room as our Journey has just begun. Life is good, I like that!
Northern Idaho is so beautiful, plenty of lakes. I was in Coeur d'Alene two years ago and loved it. Best Farmers Market! I fished the lake, caught plenty of smalls, floated around the floating restaurant! North of there seems is where the real life and lakes begin.
We like it. Just couldn't move up when we wanted to acct needed job related med insurance for the high priced chemo and xtandi.. Who has money for a $6000/mo. copay?? Now VA is picking up the costs... being a disabled VN era vet finally gives me some much needed benefits. Life is good.
Thank you for your service Shooter. You Vets deserve all the care that you need.
I hear you about the health insurance. My premium is high, my deductible is high and it's going to force me to keep working to keep my plan. But it's paying for my Mayo care and that is well worth it, today.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Going off vacation.
On treating micro-metastatic disease 
I got some doubts about the know-how of my oncologist
No SOC treatment. Metastatic lymph nodes by PSMA-PET. Rising PSA. Bone/CT scans neg. Waiting to die. 
Intermittent ADT criteria and rules
