Do I need an Oncologist?

[johnson2691]

Originally had PSA test that came back 28+ and was referred to Urologist. I was not interested in Surgery so the Urologist referred me to a Radiation Oncologist. After the radiation treatments were over I went back to the Urologist to continue the Lupron treatments. My last visit with the Radiation Team was in August 2023 when I was "discharged" after completing the follow up visits. The Radiation Oncologist told me I'm always welcome to call or even schedule an appointment if needed but their initial treatment was complete and my Urologist would provide continuing and follow up care from this point.

Is this the normal treatment workflow? Should I be seeing any other type of Oncologist?

[Derf4223]

My $.02, get a medical oncologist fast. Yourbio did not say if you are taking another ADT drug like Zytiga. There are meds for hot flashing. My MO has me on venlafaxin. You need to exercise a lot -- resistance/weights, cardio/aerobics, the more the better. This helps with SE's in general. Right now it sounds like you are not getting SOC. Are you US-based? What is your age (not in your bio)?

[Tall_Allen]

Why did you delay Lupron until after IMRT? You do not need an oncologist. Hopefully, the radiation + Lupron cured you. Medical oncologists treat incurable patients.

[Helpmate77 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Lupron is not necessarily a cure. It can stop working.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Helpmate77]

Lupron+IMRT may be curative in his case. It does not stop working when used as an adjuvant treatment.

[Helpmate77 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I'll check on IMRT.

[johnson2691 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I did not delay Lupron. First injection was in April, 2nd injection was in October. Radiation started in May and finished in June. I re-read my bio and can understand why it may read that way. I'll update it. Thanks for your reply.

[MarkS]

I was under the care of a urologist but as I made the decision to go for RT I have now switched to an oncologist with a particular interest in PC. I am very happy I made this decision and I will remain with her after my treatment ends in 3 years time as I think she would be a lot more useful were any further treatment be required.

[Howard53545]

You should have periodic visit and PSA blood tests

[ron_bucher]

Lupron is easy for doctors to prescribe, but it gave me the same awful (and intolerable for me) side effects you listed. My body tolerated chemotherapy (docetaxel) pretty well and those side effects were temporary. Although my case is advanced, I'm still trying to avoid ADT due to those awful side effects.

Best care would include adding a medical oncologist to your team who has had at least a hundred prostate cancer cases.