Update

[ExPat193]

Dx in Dec. PSA 13.1, Gleason 10 76 and healthy otherwise

Told only option Lupron, 6-8 weeks then schedule radiation

Leave tomorrow for Netherlands. Have residency n healthcare there

Have interview at Erasmus MC

Anything I should know/ask?

Anyone had/have European experience?

[Jimhoy]

Gleason 1076?!!!

[cpcohen in reply to Jimhoy]

I suspect that means "Gleason 10, age 76".

"PSA 13" suggests a fairly small tumor, hopefully organ-confined.

If it _is_ Gleason 10, age 76, then ADT combined with radiation is a reasonable treatment plan. .

I think that ADT + radiation should be easily available in Europe. Doing a medical residency while undergoing treatment -- that could be a challenge.

. Charles

[ExPat193 in reply to Jimhoy]

Sorry missed the space bar

Gleason 10

76 years old

[Jimhoy in reply to ExPat193]

What cpcohen said!!!!

Radiation went fine for all intents and purposes. ADT... not so much but most men handle it well!!!

Standard of care for ADT in Europe differs from US (so I’ve been told). It’s “better” by being based upon the need and not Big Pharm. You receive treatments based on your level of castration not based upon the calendar!!! Exactly the SoC that I will fight for myself if warranted. I’m on a quality of life break from Eligard. I believe that I received way too much Eligard (Lupron equal) to accomplish what was needed!! Drugs of which I was clearly allergic to but my Dr was in Big Pharms pockets and he kept them coming!! Likely kept his kick backs coming too! Yes... Once I learned enough to be dangerous here on Malecare, he got fired!!! Next blood work in a couple month so 🤞!! This is the worst waiting period ever!!!

Anyway, Good luck brother! What ever it takes, keep up the fight!!

Jc

[Hidden]

Netherlands, as you know, is the seat of Philips Medical. They manufacture MRI scanning equipment.

Elekta Oncology Systems is another Nordic company manufacturing linacs for RT.

They have formed a joint venture for manufacturing MR guided RT, the most precise and adaptive irradiation technology, IMO, currently.

If not mistaken, there are two such units in The Netherlands. One in Amsterdam and one in Utrecht. They are used primarily for research, so I do not know whether you could get your RT in one of them. In your shoes, I would have tried.

Good luck to you.

usa.philips.com/healthcare/...

elekta.com/radiotherapy/tre...

itnonline.com/article/elekt...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/271...

redjournal.org/article/S036...

reader.elsevier.com/reader/...