Orgovyx: Check, Barrigel: Check, Next Up: Ray-Gunz!

[mababa]

After 16 weeks on Orgovyx (relugovix) my PSA: 0.71 (from 16.5) and my Testosterone: 25-ng/dl (from I don't know what. Normal T is 250-800 I'm told.) I want to pass on that I've been able to greatly diminish some SEs from the drug. I now take the pill in the evening vs morning, at approx. 9 to 10 pm. Sleeping is still difficult, with more intense hot flashes at night. But, I wake up with reduced heart pounding, dizziness, and hot flashes and generally feel more myself during the day. Remarkably, I've had a significant drop in blood pressure to the point where I'm no longer seeking additional medication. Whereas my systolic had been in the 180s to low 190s, it's now averaging in the mid 140s. The diastolic went from the 80s to the 60s. I will ask my MO if he can explain the sudden drop. My tinnitus is still intense, and fatigue and stamina are still problematic. Although I feel perkier, I'm still wrestling with brain fog and malaise.

The Barrigel barrier was installed yesterday in a procedure lasting 75 minutes--not the grandest of experiences. At different times, there must have been up to six people in the room, all admiring my derriere as the doctor and nurses went about their business. (There were the attendants, the MD, an intern, and "the rep.") My discomfort was partially relieved by the nitrous oxide provided me through a breathing tube that I controlled. First came the numbing of tissue, then the injection of gel, encompassing the geometry of the prostate and placed in a narrow membrane between rectum and prostate. While the procedure was mostly tolerable, there were moments when I came to understand why my legs and feet were actually strapped into the stirrups. The nurses did a great job of taping my parts up and out of the way whilst happily chatting away. I apologized jokingly for having the genitalia of a 13-year-old, blaming it on the ADT. It was then that I realized the laughing gas was having the desired effect. Thankfully, unlike my biopsy, this was a bloodless event and I feel well recovered after 24 hours. BTW, they issued me a special card identifying me as a Barrigel Barrier Bearer. Apparently, I may need this to get through airport security.

Next week: Prep for the Photon Bombardment.

[MarkS]

That's a long time to insert a spacer. It took 10 mins for my spacer and I could watch it on the screen. It should just need local anaesthetic. It's good you've had it done, it allows more room for error with the RT.

[mababa in reply to MarkS]

I thought so as well, although 10 minutes sounds pretty dang fast. The nurse told me the doctor used to utilize SpaceOars, but “those took a very long time to install.” Maybe he just works more slowly. The Barrigel rep was also assisting. They seemed to act as a team in mapping out the placement. I was never shown the screen—only the ceiling.

[j-o-h-n in reply to mababa]

You'll be happy to know that your wonderful episode will be available on youtube for two months......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[janebob99]

Have you considered using estradiol (E2) patches to reduce or eliminate the hot flashes? The standard (low) dose is one, large estradiol patch per week of strength = 0.1 mg E2/24hr. Some patch manufacturers recommend changing the patch twice a week, instead of once a week. Best place to place it is the hip or upper buttock. Ask your PCP for a prescription.