3 months post ADT ending checkup

[chefjlu]

Just completed my checkup after ending ADT in May. My doctor was looking to schedule a PSMA scan to build a baseline. Since I was diagnosed Gleason 9 there is a chance that cancer could reoccur without expressing PSA. ---- well my oncologist talked directly with the insurance advisors (I consulted a doctor friend at The Cleveland Clinic) and the insurance company was amenable to an MRI or Bone Scan - so we are moving forward in that direction at this time.

My PSA remains at 0 and I am seeing adjustments to my body as my testosterone level is rising. I have a follow up with my Radiologist next and all is going great! My team of doctors have all expressed praise in my adjustments to my lifestyle that have improved my response to treatment as well as experiencing little in the way of side effects. At this point I am "cured", but still in need of monitoring and my journey continues to have little impact on my life.

One side note, a recent ranking and recognition of Prostate Cancer Surgeons/Urologists saw my doctor (Dr. Joseph Jacob) recognized along with a colleague in the same academic office as one the best in the US. Their academic department was also recognized at the top between Ohio and NYC. It's always nice to know you are in good hands. So far I have built a wonderful team of Drs. which relieves so much anxiety and stress!

[Cp014]

nice work to you and your drs!!

[maley2711]

Just wondering.....what was your original diagnosis? ADT is not commonly done with surgery?

One of the negatives of choosing radiation is the combo treatment with ADT....but that is not SOC with RP to my knowledge?

Maybe you had surgery and then salvage RT + ADT?

[rfgh20 in reply to maley2711]

Perhaps his came back like mine did with cancer in prostate bed and pelvic nodes. I'm also G9 and completed 2 years lupron/zytiga in May as chefjlu did. But, my docs won't to scanning unless PSA goes up.

[chefjlu in reply to maley2711]

I was Stage 3apn1 after surgery, Gleason 9 - everything clean except 1 lymph node showed positive. No treatment for almost 3 years at PSA remained at 0. At that point small rise in PSA, PSMA scan showed 1 spot in pelvic area. Started ADT & had 2 months of salvage radiation. Doctors were looking to get a "baseline" scan to use in the future scans if needed. Gleason 9 can develop cancer that does not express PSA. Insurance has recommended an MRI or Bone Scan. So we're moving with that along with quarterly blood tests.

[j-o-h-n]

Keep on cooking....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[dhccpa]

Sounds like a great outcome to date. Best of luck moving forward. I'm envious as hell. Right now, the thought of feeling the early effects of testosterone rising sound like heaven. And just imagine the later effects!

[chefjlu in reply to dhccpa]

Yes, I am pleased. I have responded to treatment very well with little side effects or problems. Looking forward to a rise in testosterone to assist with losing some weight put on with ADT. Nice not having a hot flash every so often as well, although mine were very mild.