Prostate Radiation vs Surgery

[marko]

Update:
I had my final radiation on Friday, April 4! Rang the bell and the whole waiting room on the other side of the wall exploded in applause! Heartening.

After 28 sessions, I've had zero, I mean zero side effects from the radiation. None. I joked with my radiologist wondering if the machine was plugged in. The Lupron and Casodex side effects have been minimal: occasional headache (Tylenol) and not sleeping very soundly at night (afternoon naps).

My PSA just came in at 0.06 which doesn't mean much right now as it is driven by the hormones. I got my second, three month Lupron shot today and will stay on Casodex for another three months. Oncologist is very pleased with where I am at this point. I don't go back to him until September as the hormones wear off.

For me, the hard part starts now. I don't handle uncertainty well. Not well at all. But it could be as late as December or later before we can declare victory as the hormones fade away and a new set of real PSAs show their colors.

My main worry is that my PSA has always run high: mid-teens for almost 20 years with no signs of cancer until this year. If that was accurate, I wouldn't be here now. As PSA is the primary indicator post radiation, I wonder and worry if I'll return to my former false highs after the hormones. Then what? Only time will tell. That's for another day.

All the doctors have echoed "Entirely curable" so I'm hanging onto that. If it was possible, DW and I have grown even closer which has been an added blessing. I remain positive and hopeful envisioning a long future. Longevity runs in the family and at 73, I'm keeping my sights on breaking mom's record of 93.

I'll be back for another update toward year's end once I get a final disposition! Thanks to all for your encouragement

 

[Koolau]

In June of 2020 I was diagnosed with PCa after 2 years of above 4 PSA level, 5.1-5.3. My biopsy showed that I had cancer in 3 of 12 samples. My doctor assigned me a Gleason Score of 6. Due to my age and overall health my doctor recommended “active surveillance“. I opted for a second opinion at a larger hospital and received the same recommendation. During Christmas of 2021 my entire family came down with Covid, everyone recover without any issues. I added ivermectin to my daily regimen for the Covid. I had read a couple of studies that had positive results with ivermectin treating PCa. Since I had started the ivermectin for Covid I continued and increased the dosage every day for 5 months. I then cut it back to 3x/week for a year. A year after my biopsy I had a MRI. The MRI showed no changes, so “active surveillance” was recommended to be continued. When I mentioned the studies and my taking ivermectin to my doctor he poo, pooed it and said I probably wouldn’t help nor hurt. In May of 2023 I had my second biopsy. 12 of the 12 samples came back clear. I’m still on “active surveillance” and now take ivermectin twice a week. Was it the ivermectin, my high D blood level, other vitamin/supplements I’m taking, sampling a mm outside the PCa area, dietary changes, some combination or the hand of God? IDK. Would I have chosen this path if my Gleason Score was higher and there was an urgency to act, probably not. Never the less, so far, so good.

I suppose it could even have been due to being infected with Covid! In any case, great news. I hope you continue with good check ups.

 

[Koolau]

Update:
I had my final radiation on Friday, April 4! Rang the bell and the whole waiting room on the other side of the wall exploded in applause! Heartening.

After 28 sessions, I've had zero, I mean zero side effects from the radiation. None. I joked with my radiologist wondering if the machine was plugged in. The Lupron and Casodex side effects have been minimal: occasional headache (Tylenol) and not sleeping very soundly at night (afternoon naps).

My PSA just came in at 0.06 which doesn't mean much right now as it is driven by the hormones. I got my second, three month Lupron shot today and will stay on Casodex for another three months. Oncologist is very pleased with where I am at this point. I don't go back to him until September as the hormones wear off.

For me, the hard part starts now. I don't handle uncertainty well. Not well at all. But it could be as late as December or later before we can declare victory as the hormones fade away and a new set of real PSAs show their colors.

My main worry is that my PSA has always run high: mid-teens for almost 20 years with no signs of cancer until this year. If that was accurate, I wouldn't be here now. As PSA is the primary indicator post radiation, I wonder and worry if I'll return to my former false highs after the hormones. Then what? Only time will tell. That's for another day.

All the doctors have echoed "Entirely curable" so I'm hanging onto that. If it was possible, DW and I have grown even closer which has been an added blessing. I remain positive and hopeful envisioning a long future. Longevity runs in the family and at 73, I'm keeping my sights on breaking mom's record of 93.

I'll be back for another update toward year's end once I get a final disposition! Thanks to all for your encouragement

Thanks for the great update, marko. We're all happy for you.

I love your sense of humor with your radiologist. I hope s/he appreciated it too. I've had docs with zero sense of humor. Laughter might not be the best medicine, but it really is helpful. Blessings.

 

[Healthy Lifestyle]

Thanks for the update and sending best wishes your way.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

Thought I'd start a separate thread not to step on @Midpack thread of a similar nature. Main hope of posting is to possibly help others in this journey.
This is an extension of what I posted on a BPH Options thread but that is no longer the best place to continue the discussion.

From "BPH Options" thread BPH Options

Update: met with a three doctor team today (1/7/2025) at Mass General (one of the best facilities on the planet). Oncologist, radiologist and robotic surgeon. They did an impressive job of reviewing my case earlier in the day and even consulted with the original surgeon.

My case is somewhat unique in that I had 80% of my prostate removed 18 months ago, showed no cancer but now there is some. Because of the prior surgery, I'm not a candidate for surgery nor the new "cyberknife" radiation.

So, the plan is traditional radiation, "five days for six weeks" coupled with hormone therapy. The good news is that my PETscan shows no migration anywhere. Also the radiation center is four miles from my house so an easy commute with minor inconvenience. (Aiming for early morning sessions) Radiologist and oncologist will co-lead the effort.

I'm extremely encouraged. At least now we have a plan. They all echoed "entirely curable", obviously with no guarantees. There's a lot of preparation involved including a SOAR procedure (if you don't know, don't ask) but I should be good to start mid-February and have it wrapped up by April.

I'll keep you posted.

Four years ago, I had a procedure done, developed by Boston Scientific, that freezes the impending cells in the urinary tract. It is an outpatient procedure but takes a couple weeks for recovery and longer for total recovery. The advantage over other procedures...adjacent, healthy cells are not destroyed in the "freeze" process. After two years, I really noticed a profound improvement. Less bathroom visits and less urgency and better flow. Good luck to all...it seems to be a common male issue.

 

[rodi]

Some I bought I from an Indian Pharmacy (12mg pill form) and some I bought through a veterinary supply house (1% solution). I never used the horse paste but it is widely available.

The good news is you don't have to worry about scabies.

 

[Fahshah]

The good news is you don't have to worry about scabies.

Or worms & parasites! Sounds like a win-win