Golfing Okay?

[Danielgreer]

I was diagnosed with metastatic HSPC with PSA at 109 and have been on ADT for about 8 months. I was lucky (for now) that I was able to get my PSA down to .121. In addition to other bone mets I had widespread disease in my thoracic and lumbar spine. The ADT seems to have cleared a lot of the mets from my spine but not all of it. Also, my bone density is in the normal range for now. I went back to playing golf about 2 months ago and feel pretty good. Does anybody think I’m risking too much by playing golf? I’ve heard that if I break a bone it’s a pretty serious situation. I would hate to give up golf right now since it’s a big part of my social life.

[Tall_Allen]

It's the opposite.Golf more, not less (and carry your own bags). Exercise will help keep your bones strong and healthy. Plus a lot of other benefits.

[Bobcat64 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Since dx I’ve not had the energy to play. On eligard and Xtandi .?

[Tall_Allen in reply to Bobcat64]

You won't have the energy to exercise unless you exercise. If you can afford it, hire a trainer to get tough with you.

[Danielgreer in reply to Bobcat64]

Hi Bobcat, I agree with TA. Just need to get out and do it! Just being outside playing golf is such a needed escape for me, hopefully for you too. And now you have an excuse to tee off from the forward tees! 😀 Also, I was having some soreness in my joints and I started lifting weights and the soreness has decreased significantly.

[Bobcat64 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I very much appreciate your knowledge. I’m getting ready to start SBRT as you suggested for me earlier. To the prostate and pelvis. What an one expect in the way of side effects. Will I be able to get off of xtandi?

[Tall_Allen in reply to Bobcat64]

Here are common early side effects of prostate radiation:

pcnrv.blogspot.com/2018/10/...

The pelvic lymph node radiation can add other side effects. A lot depends on individual anatomy (this is one time where belly fat can be beneficial). The pelvic soft tissue moves independently of the fiducials in the prostate, so the bowels can get a higher than expected dose leading to inflammation. Lymphoceles and lymphedema are rare with radiation but are not unknown.

[Bobcat64 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks nodes are clear and like big John hoping for remission or cure.

[pjoshea13]

See: macmillan.org.uk/_images/ph...

"People with MBD {metastatic bone disease} should be advised ... against exercises that induce high torsion, such as yoga-style twists, using the rowing machine, and swinging in golf and tennis."

However, I imagine that a spine specialist might be able tell you if the risk is low in your case.

-Patrick

[Danielgreer in reply to pjoshea13]

Thanks Patrick, the brochure is helpful. I see my MO next Friday and I’ll discuss it with her. She may not be aware of the spine torsion required for golf. In the past she has recommended a Prolia shot for me to be able to play. I’m scheduled to get my first XGEVA shot on Friday so maybe she will be okay with me golfing sometime after the shot. Fingers crossed! Also, I understand TA’s viewpoint to exercise for bone health.

[tom67inMA in reply to Danielgreer]

This is the first I've heard of torsion being a problem. I don't golf, but I do shovel snow and am not shy about seeing how far I can fling it to keep me amused.

[Hidden in reply to tom67inMA]

If flinging snow amuses you, I have at least a half ton of animal waste mixed with straw that your welcome to drop by and sling.

[monte1111 in reply to Hidden]

Slinging animal waste and Turd Launchers. Love to start my Saturdays with a laugh. Enjoy.

[pilot52 in reply to Hidden]

I use a muck rake for Gracie's (Penny's) large droppings....I refer to it as my Tango Lima......or better known a Turd Launcher.......my neighbors beware!!!

[monte1111 in reply to pilot52]

Funny. I am having a turd war with my neighbor. He tore his lawn out and my cats view it as a giant litter box. He has his Chihuahua crap on my lawn. I am winning. I will give you his address. You and Gracie can come in low and drop bags of manure on his lawn. The Red Baron and Snoopy. Love it.

[pilot52 in reply to tom67inMA]

Snow? I have a muck rake and I clean Gracies yard I see how far I can throw the stuff....hence I renamed the muck rake...It is a Tango Lima or better known as a Turd Launcher!!!

[timotur]

If your bone density is normal and there is no pain, why not play and get the benefits from exercise? In the linked study, look at the Mirel's score and if you fall into the category below 7, you should be good to go. I have osteopenia in the thoracic and lumar area at 85% of normal, and I still play competitive club-level tennis and run without any pain or complications.

[pilot52 in reply to timotur]

Great Job....I had a Pickle Ball Court built in my back yard and it is lighted...Play Golf , lift weights, paddle board, but my real new true love of all intense exercise is the Peloton. The classes are incredible ...I am addicted ...Blue Skies

[timotur in reply to pilot52]

Awesome! That’s a good mix of sport, can’t go wrong with that. Pickle ball is so popular now that tennis clubs are building courts. Will have to try Peloton.

[pilot52 in reply to timotur]

I first played PB at Bradenton Country Club...after two days of playing I came back to Georgia and began construction...I usually like to take on a yearly project and it turned out perfect.....

[PeakClimber in reply to pilot52]

Likewise, love that Peloton!

[Danielgreer]

Thanks timotur, it’s good to hear that you’re still playing tennis. I’ll look into my Mirel score and see where I am.

[Danielgreer]

Lol! The best part of my game is my short game - unfortunately it’s off the tee!

[westof in reply to Danielgreer]

Hmm... Hey Dan, remember what Arnold Palmer said ...

golf is “predominantly played in the six inches between the ears”.😁

Best

[Danielgreer in reply to westof]

Hey westof that sounds kind of painful, a 4 iron between the ears 😀!

[Hidden]

Live your life. Do what you enjoy.. I’m almost five years in past dx. Osteo penia is ripping my ass. I just got my first of four six-month shots of prolia..I’m told to do weight bearing Exercises often and use bone nutrients too... keeping social can do wonders for morale . I say go for it ! 🏌️‍♂️Fooouurr!

[Ausi]

I have some bone loss around my pelvis, the ball and socket, my MO advised not to take up sky diving!

I golf twice a week.

[Cancer2x in reply to Ausi]

As a former Sky Diver, I agree! Jumping beats the hell out of your body as you battle air flow in free fall at 120+ mph, let alone piloting a canopy and landing safely. Golf is a lot less stress! (But then again, so is drinking all day watching golf!)

[Schwah]

I golf 3 times a week with stage 4. Its my passion. I also weight lift 3 times a week which really helps. Your body will tell you if it hurts too much to play. We go thru all of this to be able to enjoy our lives. Go for it Brutha.

Schwah.

[Hidden]

Play golf, muck a stable, walk/run a mile- get some exercise.

[CYR7]

Wrestling? Yes you can break a bone there! But golf, the worst is break double par and the best, break par! I play golf too, just past 5 years with Pc and containing it. Too bad I am edging towards double boogies more than breaking par these days. Enjoy life and golf, might as well!

[Mullumbimby]

Have always played golf during my 14 years of treatment with no problems except fatigue

[wagscure259]

Firstly , I would recommend that you discuss this with your MO . If your bone density is normal I would think fracture risk would be low . Just wondering how large your spinal lesions are ? Under normal circumstances spinal fractures occur under compressive loads - but you no longer have a normal spine . Just wondering how efficient your swing is ? A large number of professional golfers have spinal problems with their extreme torsonally loaded spines but they are primarily of a diskal nature . I have multiple spinal mets and have played golf for past six years ( and for years pre- diagnosis ) , and I work out vigorously . If you’re going to play golf ( I’m not recommending ) it should always be pain-free and you should walk if the course allows you to , and while doing so switch your sides that you are carrying your bags on .?Any sign of pain consult a spinal specialist MD to diagnosis the etiology of symptoms , and make sure you do a proper warm up and ensure a strong core through proper exercise -?It might benefit you to consult a physical therapist who regularly treats golfers with spinal problems to learn these principles .

[Danielgreer in reply to wagscure259]

Hi Wagscure259, I’m not sure how big the lesions are but I’ll see the scan on Friday. I think my swing is relatively efficient but I do turn quite far. Thanks for all of your suggestions. I walked today with a pull cart. Not sure about carrying the bag but maybe I’ll try that. I was tired enough with the pull cart!

[wagscure259 in reply to Danielgreer]

Certainly continue with the pull cart . Better for the spine !

[Litlerny]

Au contraire, mon frere...Golf is Good! 🏌️⛳️😎 I’ve continued to golf regularly, with my Mayo M.O.’s blessing (usually 18 holes twice a week + a few trips to the practice range) since my stage 4 oligometastatic diagnosis 4 1/2years ago. I even golfe on all but my worst days when I did chemo a year or two ago. It is not only great exercise, but it is the thing that keeps me going, and the bellwether to how I judge how I’m feeling. No matter what the tests say, I feel good and upbeat if I can get out for breakfast and 18 holes with my buddies. IMHO the worst thing you can do physically and emotionally is to sit around and let your muscles and joints atrophy, especially if it is for something you love doing.

This past Monday was a bad day for me at Mayo. My PSA went up from 0.47 to 1.44 (not a high number, I know, but still indicative of progression). My bone scan showed 3 new hot spots, and my bone density study showed mild osteopenia in the hips bilaterally. I go back on 12/26 for a CT scan neck to pelvis. Oddly, I have never had any bone pain. I told my M.O. was golfing Thursday. He had no problem with it.

Also, if you are worried about the torsion in your swing, watch one of the plethora of You Tube videos on the so-called “senior swing,” which doesn’t require you to wind up like a corkscrew to swing.

If you do not have symptomatic bone pain, you should have no problems. If you do, follow the advice of your oncologist.

Hit them long and straight! Mark. 🏌️⛳️

[Danielgreer in reply to Litlerny]

Hi Litlerny, sorry to hear about your PSA. Hang in there and I hope golfing with your friends was able to cheer you up a little. Thanks for the tip on the senior swing, I’ll look into that and have decided to move up to the closer tee box.

[Rocketman1960]

Fore!!!! Swing away!

[j-o-h-n]

To cut down on chasing the ball use a square one instead.... (orange colored too)...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 12/14/2019 10:34 AM EST

[RayTrevitt]

I play twice a week, lift weights three times a week and walk every day. Not giving any of it up if I can help it.

[Zetabow]

With any sport you have to listen to your body but being able to continue at some lower level will help bones and most importantly your state of mind.

Just before I was diagnosed I was top Barebow Archer (3rd 2017 world champs in France), I've had to quit international competition but dropping 10# draw weight has at least allowed me to continue at local level on one day competitions, I'm not very good anymore and my ego had to take bit of a hit but being able to get outside and shoot some arrows has certainly kept my morale high and is helping my bones remain strong.

My Wife and I own an Olympic training School and Corporate shooting center so I'm at least able to do some Coaching and courses as well.

[Danielgreer]

Thanks everybody for your advice and encouragement. I’m glad to hear that you guys are continuing with golf and other sports and you’ve become an inspiration for me to keep going as long as I’m able.

[Break60]

I would do whatever you’re capable of doing and take xgeva as well. I’ve continued to play with bone mets but psa is now undetectable, I’m still castrate sensitive and bone density is great. Plus I lost 50 lbs bringing BMI from 31 to 25 . My game sucks due to loss of distance and accuracy but I still play because I enjoy getting out there. Life is too short!

[Hidden]

What kind of rounds are you having? Under 80 it’s worth the pain. Just kidding.

[Danielgreer in reply to Hidden]

You’re right! At some point you have to balance your score vs. the pain it takes to get that score! 😀

[Hidden in reply to Danielgreer]

Don’t twist anything important until you have the bone scans and an orthopedic guy turn you loose. Lots of other fun things to do. Fishing comes to mind.