PSA rising post RP

@Lyn

Hi.

Regarding what you said about HT + RT. I can see the sense but someone else I was talking to said if might be a bad idea because HT might cause the cancer to become refractory earlier. Do you know how do the oncologists reconcile these concerns?

I'm erring on the side of action because I'm getting nervous about my life expectancy right now (less about me but more about fear of abandoning my family by dying). I feel so useless right now.

Some oncos offer SRT without hormones so it will be useful to hear what the specialist is proposing and then formulate your questions in response - if no HT, why? If HT, which one and why and for how long? If RT is proposed, where will that be targeted and what is the rationale for assuming the cancer cells are in that space. You could also ask whether there is a plan to book PET or other detailed scans to see if there is any visible cancer to target. Also ask what difference the mucinous adenocarcinoma makes and whether that was identified before or after your op.

It is certainly worth asking about trials but for many of these you have to be prepared to be randomised plus the fact that some of it was mucinous PCa may rule you out of some options - if it was John I would be more tempted to ask the onco whether there is anything coming out of the most recent trials that would indicate a 'best course' for you.

You could ask about life expectancy but since we are all hoping the onco offers you RT / HT, you would hope the answer is that you have a good chance of living until something else gets you. Keep hold of the fact that if they offer RT it will be with curative intent.

Lyn

Thanks. There are lot of choices about scans (choline etc.) and so on I need to read up on and will ask. I know there are some trials around this, but I suspect they may incvliude travel. As an aside, I had to laugh at the use of choline. I understand choline is one reason omne has to avoid eggs and I so miss my fried egg and bacon butty on a Sunday :)

Generally with trials, I will enquire likewise. I understand that the branch is random but I also understand that if one is on the wrong branch, sometimes they will swap you if the working branch is doing so well. Game on.

I did the nomogram (thanks francij) and with a best guess on my doubling time (not quite enough data) I am 54% at 6 years. Better odds than Vegas tables, I think.

Bestie

I like your attitude. As Brian says - "always look on the brioght side of life" :) I am trying to look at it that with multiple throws of the dice I will eventually roll a critical hit and slay the beast.

Ido

About the same as what I was given for the RP surgery in the first case. I suspect that the longer you go free, the odds start to go in your favour.