Update

[GayLaw]

I thought I would update the group and get anyone’s thoughts. In January of this year, I had radical prostatectomy here in Chicago. Unfortunately, post operative PSA was 1.37 at seven weeks post surgery. SuBsequent PET scan Axiuma was clear showing no signs of cancer. Most recent PSA is 1.14. Current plan is to begin with a Lupron injection followed by 7 weeks of radiation therapy. Appreciate your thoughts and experiences.

[SpenceNYC]

I am in a similar situation, except it took me almost 2 years to reach 1.3. Tomorrow I am seeing the radiation oncologist since it hit 1.3. Months ago, when we first discussed options in case my PSA went above 1.0, I asked about hormone therapy (which I said I would like to avoid) and he said at the time that he would only give me radiation. I'll know for sure tomorrow. Best of luck to you, and thanks for sharing.

[EdinBmore]

I went the radiation route (beam and brachy) and ADT, Lupron. Not to be a downer, but I found Lupron devastating. The numerous side effects were/are awful. Here's a list, in no particular order: no sex drive, genital shrinkage, increase BP, bone density issues, depression, despair, grief (crying for no apparent reason), weight gain (10+lbs), insomnia, hot flashes (which are annoying as hell and cause wakefulness at night), cardio issues, and so on. Despite dieting and changing what I eat, I still gained weight. The ONLY thing that I've found that helped was/is exercise (and I am no gym rat). Exercise seems to help with the emotional roller coaster caused by Lupron. It also may help with the bone density and cardio issues. I wish I could be more positive about this but my experience was/is the pits. I have one more injection; 3 mos duration (but be aware that this drug remains in one's system for 6+ mos and I've not gotten a straight answer about what side effects will disappear after the drug wears off - lose wt? bone density stabilize? BP drop? genitals return to pre-Lupron size? insomnia go away?).

For me, the shortest duration of Lupron worked the best. At least, I could see 3 mos in the future and felt some kind of control over what was happening; 6 mos duration would be too much for me to handle. Might I suggest a book to you? "Androgen Deprivation Therapy: An Essential Guide for Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones." It's written in plain simple English, doesn't mince any words regarding what to expect, and provides some helpful ideas about how to deal with this experience.

Btw, you might want to talk with your RO about other forms of radiation - fewer sessions and stronger dose. Also, check out the side effects from beam radiation to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally.

Good luck to you, GayLaw.