One Year Post Diagnosis

[TottenhamMan]

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate in late October 2020. After initially being on Eligard for 4 months my PSA had dropped to around 2.0, and the Oncologist was happy.

My next PSA test after a further 4 months which included a continuation of Eligard and 25 radiation treatments, my PSA was 1.3 and my Testosterone was 0.4.

I had another test last week around the 12 month anniversary of my diagnosis and my PSA was <1.0, and my early morning testosterone level was 0.6 (all of these tests are performed in Canada).

My Oncologist has advised me that she thinks that this is an excellent response to treatment. Of course i already know that this can all change on the very next blood test, and I still remain cautious and wary of things going sideways in the future.

My Oncologist advised that the Eligard will continue for another year or possibly more 2 years. ADT is currently kicking my arse in terms of side effects. The observable side effects for me so far are; fatigue, muscle wasting, additional stomach fat, the start of metabolic syndrome, complete loss of body hair, total loss of libido, impotence, penile shrinkage, and testicular shrinkage.

I'm exercising, only eating vegetables with some chicken occasionally, but still drinking a glass of red wine every day and the occasional single malt. My family doctor has prescribed Metformin to try to stave off the commencement of metabolic syndrome.

I'm still taking supplements such as VITAMIN D, VITAMIN K, TURMERIC, COQ10, GARLIC, ARGININE/CITRULINE/VITAMIN C, QUERCETIN, BLACK SEED OIL, MISTLETOE, MUSHROOM EXTRACT, MAGNOLIA BARK, IP6 INOSITOL, MODIFIED CITRUS PECTIN, and GRAPE SEED EXTRACT (am i missing anything?).

Anyway, that's my one year update. I can only take a deep breath and wait to see what next year will bring.

[tango65]

I would discuss adding abiraterone to the treatment for 2 years.

oncologypro.esmo.org/meetin...

[TottenhamMan in reply to tango65]

Thanks Tango, I’ll bring this up with my oncologist.

[Hidden]

I salute you . The first year is rough . You’re doing a lot of good stuff . Hang in there !

[TottenhamMan in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Lulu, you’re right about the first year but I’ll go through whatever I have to endure to beat this. Some of us have had a worse first year than me so I’m not complaining.

[DMohr011]

Numbers are looking good! Diet and supps look good! Keep it up!

Well, whatever we can 'keep up' anyway!

What a year it's been eh? Crazy life game changers that get thrown at us.

Keep Positive!

Dave

[TottenhamMan in reply to DMohr011]

Hey Dave, I know that your first year was worse than mine by a huge margin but at least we are both still here. What a year is right! but look at you, you’ve made great progress. I’m staying positive but can’t believe how much the ADT has changed me. I’m still pushing through it. The good news is that I haven’t developed breasts (yet). I’ll be in touch soon.

[TottenhamMan in reply to TottenhamMan]

By the way, I have to get it up first before I can keep it up. I had a dream recently that I had a huge erection, just like the old days. Then I woke up, reached down, and found a scared turtle. I went back to sleep.

[DMohr011 in reply to TottenhamMan]

Funny shit! I remember the date, time and place that I last made live to my wife. Would be guessing on the date and time of my diagnosis!

[DMohr011 in reply to DMohr011]

"love", dang it!

[Shooter1 in reply to DMohr011]

Me too. Before prostatectomy my urologist loaded me up with multiple pills and we had a week long orgy. Fun while it lasted... Wide spread aPca with surgery and no nerve sparing left, killed my little friend..

[TottenhamMan]

I forgot a couple of supplements that I’m taking:Broccoli Sprout Extract, Berberine, Theanine, & Sulforaphane (I think that’s all of it). Nope, i just recalled Nattokinase and Serrapeptase. Okay, that’s really it this time.

[DMohr011 in reply to TottenhamMan]

My box of supplements is similar and I didn't take any during radiation. Now I'm back on them, but just read Tall_Allen recommends no antioxidants while on Ketruda. Looked them up and most of the shit I'm taking is an antioxidant!I'm confused now, as usual.!

[Hailwood]

Almost mirror like in diagnosis, even living out in Western Canada, with RP in Nov 2020 and I have been on Lupron/Erleada since post PSMA scan revealed distant mets in the abdomen. Actually losing weight on this med combination, so the moobs/breasticles haven't really developed yet. The side effects again mirror yours especially the goodbyes to hair, willy, nuts and libido, but so far I'm able to continue to work full time. The diagnosis from my MO was a 28% chance of a 5 year survival, which seems to be confirmed by many of the algorithm calculations out there, but so far, so good. Recent bloodwork shows 0.02 PSA and 0.5T. Just hoping that those numbers continue.Take care

[Hidden]

I don't see the kitchen sink in your list of supplements?

[j-o-h-n]

"The observable side effects for me so far are; fatigue, muscle wasting, additional stomach fat, the start of metabolic syndrome, complete loss of body hair, total loss of libido, impotence, penile shrinkage, and testicular shrinkage."

Holy shitsky you sound like a lot of us....Happy anniversary!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 11/04/2021 10:33 PM DST

[CSHobie]

Tottenham, you are doing well. Reading the list, I didn't see Calcium supplement. Remember to check your bones, get a Dexa scan. So you can do another one next year, and monitor your bone density.