Hello, I had colon cancer in 1993, with surgery for resection, radiation and chemotherapy. Clear colonoscopies ever since. Successfully removed melanoma from left ear in 2005.
I was diagnosed in early October (2021) with prostate cancer. After a series of reports, an MRI, bone scan, and CT scan, we know that my Gleason scores were all 9's; there was cancer in all 12 biopsy sites at 80 - 100%. PSA was 9.8. Bone scan showed several tumors (both shoulders, scapula, left arm, one rib, and several in pelvic region. No apparent lymph involvement. Nothing in liver, lungs, or other organs, thank God.
Another PSA taken about six weeks after the 9.8 had risen to 15.
I immediately was started on Casodex until insurance could clear Lupron and Zytiga. One week on Casodex seemed to have dramatic improvement in urinary control and reduction in pain in perineum. Doctor doesn't think Casodex would act that fast. One week after starting Casodex, had Lupron shot, started Zytiga and Prednisone, and stopped Casodex. So far, I have had zero side effects other than a dizzy spell right after one glass of wine.
I started having rather severe sciatica in mid-October. As I have had periodic sciatica over the years and it always resolved itself (usually with chiropractic help) within a couple of days, I wasn't initially concerned. But nothing has given relief for about 30 days, and now I am concerned it may be from one of the pelvic tumors. Have started pysical therapy, and will begin regular massages. Doctors are considering what else to do.
Just sharing as my introduction, but would appreciate any advice and prayers.
Goodness gracious, you've been on a rough ride -- colon, melanoma, & now prostate cancer. May your doctors find effective treatments for this latest beast! Blessings!
Thank you! I have always considered my experiences with colon cancer and melanoma as positive ones because both were caught in time and I had relatively minimal discomfort with both. The experiences gave me a deeper appreciation of life.
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, and I will pray for you.
Good to hear that you are responding well to the ADT. I also had de novo metastatic PCa, but mine was unfortunately already castration resistant.
I’ve also had low back problems for years, and found success with chiropractors. It’s hard to separate cancer effects from other ones. I had tightness in my ribs that persisted, so my Medical Oncologist (MO). Ordered an MRI. It showed a small lesion intruding into the fluid area near my spinal nerve. It was successfully treated with a single radiation dose and the pain went away.
I’d recommend you ask your MO for an MRI to rule out that type of cause.
Also, since you have metastatic disease you should be treated by an MO instead of a urologist.
(1) The very new findings of the PEACE1 trial seem to be relevant for you. Please send your oncologist the following link. Don't wait on this because cancer cells very quickly become resistant to the combination therapy. The results have not yet been published.
(2) Talk to your oncologist about the sciatica. Possibly the bone overgrowth caused by the bone metastases is impinging on the nerve. A single dose of SBRT to the bone may provide you some relief. The pain sometimes gets worse for a week or two before it gets better because the radiation causes temporary inflammation. A medrol dose pack and NSAIDs can provide relief during that time.
(3) 3 cancers in one man suggests that you may have a germline mutation (like BRCA2) that is making you cancer prone. Germline tests are cheap and widely available:
Thank you so much. I will share the link with my doctor. He has been aware of my sciatica, and is investigating options. And I had a genetic study done, and came out "clean" with no hereditary cancer genes.
If your sciatica is just that, the best stretches I found to alleviate it are the “cat, cow, cobra” and the piriformus stretch, and counter-intuitively, don’t stretch the hamstrings. Congrats on beating your other cancers. You’ll find good advice here on PCa treatment options.
Greetings TDL,Where are you located? Are you walking with a limp? Try using a cane when walking putting less pain on the pain side. FYI I had a melanoma on the back of my neck which was removed and unfortunately metastases in my lungs two years later. Was treated with Keytruda and it worked. I will say a prayer for you.... Stay with us this is a great site..........
I live in Spartanburg, SC. My sciatica is hopefully beginning to subside. Most of today I could walk normally. I am hopeful it is not related to the cancer.
Thank you for your quick response. See my prayer worked, that you would respond. I love humor so don't mind me..... I am glad that your sciatica subsided today. I would venture a guess that issue is due to your meds.... Stay well in a city named for those famous Greek warriors.....
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