Update my progress posted by Formosan

[Formosan]

Almost a month elapsed since I posted on this very informative and supportive group-net. To update my condition to those who responded to my question, i am pleased to tell you that my PSA done yesterday ( May 30) was 0.05. I don't really know what does it mean, at least I know it has come down quite a bit from my original reading after the RP at 9.

I got my first injection of Differeline P.R.3.75 ( Triptoreline) plus Casedex (by mouth one tablet daily) on April 17 and the PSA droped to 1.356 on May 3. I got my second injection on on May 15 and PSA dropped to 0.05 on May 30. ( this was done by another a medical oncologist in Taipei where I went to seeking second opinion. The sides effects are obvious espeically hot flash, joint pain and some fatigue.

As suggested by some responders that I should consult a medical oncologist and also cardiologist. I did both. the oncologist told me PSMA should be done before my surgeryy. The surgeon who did the operation booked me right away for RP without any further examionation on Jan 31. PSMA is not eaily available here and very exorbitant (about $ 3000. 00US)in Taiwan where I live. Many medical services in USA are not avaialbale here. I am however glad to notice the effect of ADT on my so far. I wonder how long can the effect last? what should I take heed and any food to avoid?Your advise are appreciated.

[gsun]

Your PSA is nice and low right now. The ADT and surgery is working. The PSMA scan is expensive so don’t worry about that right now. If your PSA goes up , then think about it. You can live many years on ADT. I’m at five now and still kicking. As far as food goes, you will get many different opinions here. Science has not determined what foods are best so eat what makes you feel good. All the best!

[Formosan in reply to gsun]

Thank you GSun for your response. So far you are the only one who responded and gave me some relief telling me I am doing well in my treatment. After I posted my original question, many shared their experience and opinion that opened my eyes. I knew very little of PC but now I can say I have a good knowledge of it and I am still pursuing for more information. I hope my PSA of 0.05 can last for many years to come but who knows? A nurse at the hopsital extracting my blood told me it is sort of undetectable. the machine will show some reading anyway, none will get a 0, so to speak. Many have suggested that i should have done PSMA but since it is not covered by my health plan and it costs so expensive plus MO said that since I started ADT, PSMA may not show all spread as some cancerous cells have thrinked to the point that it cannot be seen on the examination.

I thought about radiation and MO told me without PSMA, we do not know where the cancer aoreads to and radiation may cause more damage due to side effects especially I turn 80 last month. My life expectancy is about done. So I sort of decide to remain ADT for the moment. I wonder must the cancer mutate to cause the rising of PSA sooner or later? Any will remain the same and never mutate? ( My Gleason scroe is 5+5. ) If any others who read my posting, I will appreciate your input to increase my understanding. I still wonder if I refused the surgery and opted for radiation therapy in the first place, would it be a better choice? If I chose radiation, would I still be treated with ADT to follow up? My incontinnence is still going on after 4+months. I gave up sexual desire, not dare to think about it, never having election since the surgery. I am on the first generation ADT. Is the drop of PSA due to Casodex or Tripreline? Thank you for responding.

[gsun in reply to Formosan]

Hopefully others will answer. I am not the best around here! You are being on the negative side a bit. ADT should help you for years. Gleason 10 is not great but I am 9 and have five years on ADT + Abiraterone. have not heard of Tripreline and can't find out anything online. Casodex is SOC. The drop in PSA should be because of this.

You ask what may have happened if you did not do surgery? It doesn't matter. Focus on now.

The cancer may turn into CRPca, but that may take a long time. If it does, there are treatments for that.

Stop over thinking and get some QOL.

[Formosan in reply to gsun]

gsun, sorry, typing error, it is Triptorelin or Diphereline.I notice my memory has been somehow going down, often mis-spelling the words I typed. YOur respnse is appreciated.

[gsun in reply to Formosan]

Memory and brain fog is common from the lack of testosterone and the meds. I have issues as well.

[j-o-h-n]

Sir I am 86 years old and I have been fighting this disease for 22 years, so I believe you will definitely make it to 90 years old.

先生，我今年86岁，与病魔抗争了22年，相信您一定能活到90岁。

先生，我今年86歲，與病魔抗爭了22年，相信您一定能活到90歲。

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 06/03/2023 12:58 PM PST

[Formosan]

John, If my math is all right, do you mean you were diagnosed a PC patient when you were 64? I guess your Gleason score must be 3+4 =7 with no met, right? Did you have radical prostatectomy and radiation treatment? You must be cured. If I could live for 6 more years will make me happy. By the way, your Chinese is excellent. Where did you learn it? I still wonder why my PSA did not go down to zero after my RP ? perhaps I made a wrong decision to undergo the RP that reduces my life quality, urine leakage, no erection and now hot flush, brain foggy.... . I know it is useless to look back but I wonder. Your words however encourages me to be more positive . Thanks.

[groundhogy]

Hi Formosa,

I like that you use the old name for Taiwan.

I was in Taiwan, i think in 1990s. My big plan was to come home with a nice Taiwan laptop. But I went to the shops and they were too expensive. Lol. But i did find some beautiful paintings.

[Formosan in reply to groundhogy]

Hi, Groundhogy, you could have found something reasonable and cheap if you looked for the little older one, still new but not the up-to-dated model. Some stores are expensive but mostly are reasonable. The computer manufacturers such as Jsus, Acer and other smaller companies produce new model almost yearly. I am still using the older type, still good. The price, almost everything, keeps going up lately. Perhaps you can find something better in the US now. Just like medicine for prostatate cancer, you have all kinds of drugs and new techniques but not in Taiwan although there is a good health plan for everyone here.

[groundhogy in reply to Formosan]

i also went to a place that was all Taiwan attractions but very miniature. So you could walk around and see small models of the attractions

[groundhogy]

Not everyone here gets the top tier treatment...

[glgr]

My oncologist explained that until the PSA reaches 0.4 the PSMA Pet will not show any signs of PC. Therefore, you might want to consider waiting until your PSA reaches that level.