Radiation with Hormone Therapy-Firmagon

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  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218

    Thanks Mark for clearing the rad measurement
    RadHope

    Yes, no cancer but flowers, that’s what you can expect for spring.
    Some guys experience pain in the spine or muscle due to the strict positioning in the mold during treatment. Without noticing we are nervous and tense, and that cause a variety of symptoms.
    Nevertheless you should tell the staff about the matter and get a satisfying answer. Radiation does not hurt or cause damage is such low doses (1.80Gy) at the pelvic area. Usually symptoms, if any, become apparent on the 5th week. Shoveling snow could be the cause of the pain too.
    Do not worry. Think that each time you are under radiation some of the “cancer cells” are being killed. Soon all is part of the past.
    Thanks Mark for clearing the rad measurement. My sections were also similarly of 1.7Gy.

    Wishing you both good prognoses.
    VGama

    Rad Dose
    Hello VGama & Thanks again for the reply

    I did some quick calculations on the dosage & would like your opinion

    If 1 Rad equals 0.01 grey or 1 centigrey----.01 times the 180 centigrey dose times the 44 treatments equals 79.2 Grey (TOTAL)----- & 44% of the daily dose goes to the prostrate> .44 times 79.2 equal only 35 to the prostrate.

    But I must remember I'm receiving 25 treatments (broad beam) & the last 19 focused on the prostrate --perhaps it all works out.

    I value your opinion & look forward to a reply

    Bless all afflicted with this demon

    Rad Hopeful
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member

    2nd Base
    2nd Base

    Sorry to hear your outcome after radiation, I guess my question is if your doctor noticed the rising PSA after treatments why wasn't anything done to control it? Can you tell me what year you had this treatment done--was it back in 2002? Weren't you monitored as you were receiving radiation treatments?
    Todays technology is using a broad beam radiation approach to try & capture any microscopic cells that may have escaped from the prostrate.
    Do you know if you had the broad beam treatments. I ask this based on your post that 8 years have passed & you are now in Hospice.
    It's good to see you enjoyed 8 years but the end result isn't pleasant. Thank you for the well wishes --I send the same to you > Isn't there anything else that can be done to save you?
    Bless you in your struggle --wishing you the best

    Rad Hopeful

    Dose plan
    RadHope
    I do not know how to dose plan radiation or how to calculate it. My case was as 2ndBase commented above, different location in the pelvic gets different dosage. The plan summarized in the radiologist report says this; “Ten fields (isodose) for radiation in the pelvic as follows: 45Gy in 1.8Gy/fraction/day, plus a isodose of 9.0Gy in 1.8Gy/fraction/day, plus an isodose of 14.0Gy in 2.0Gy/fraction/day; for a total of 68Gys in 37 sections”. You can ask about the dosage planned for your case. The report I got describes all in detail (4 pages) and the radiologist shown me in the computer those ten fields in 3 dimension before starting the treatment. We hold consultations once a week where I was informed of the progress and to discuss about any symptom.

    I presume that your broad beam (lymph-nodes, prostate fossa, etc) may represent what it was done to me, but you will receive radiation to the prostate that might be of higher doses (2.5Gy/fraction ?). You can ask for a copy of the plan together with the report.
    I had radiation sections every day except on Sundays. It all went smooth.
    Good luck to you.
    VGama
  • 2ndBase
    2ndBase Member Posts: 220

    2nd Base
    2nd Base

    Sorry to hear your outcome after radiation, I guess my question is if your doctor noticed the rising PSA after treatments why wasn't anything done to control it? Can you tell me what year you had this treatment done--was it back in 2002? Weren't you monitored as you were receiving radiation treatments?
    Todays technology is using a broad beam radiation approach to try & capture any microscopic cells that may have escaped from the prostrate.
    Do you know if you had the broad beam treatments. I ask this based on your post that 8 years have passed & you are now in Hospice.
    It's good to see you enjoyed 8 years but the end result isn't pleasant. Thank you for the well wishes --I send the same to you > Isn't there anything else that can be done to save you?
    Bless you in your struggle --wishing you the best

    Rad Hopeful

    Treatment Choice
    I was given a 50% chance to survive 2 years and a 2% chance to make it to 10 years when diagnosed. There is a fair chance I will make it for all 10. I took no further treatment after radiation by choice as I wanted the best quality of life and any treatment after cancer has spread seldom if ever does anything to extend one's life and may more likely cause one's death. I received the very latest treatment at a top notch facility and of course I was monitored. As I posted I have no cancer in my prostate and what more can the treatment do? My tumors are now in my bones like the spine, hip, shoulder, etc. I could have taken a lot more hormone shots and chemo and chose not too and am so happy I did not. I am still working a job I like for 18 hours a week and I can still play golf. You are right the end of life with this cancer is not pleasant. A whole lot of pain when it gets to the bone. Morphine and marijuana pills and steriods keep my pain level at aboout a 4 to 5. Hospice tells me I can move on to much stronger pain killers as needed, so not to worry.
    The best treatment I used was getting the stress out of my life and that along with great support from my wife and family is the main reason for having survived so long. If I had kept taking hormone shots my psa would have not gone up as fast, but there is no evidence that keeping your psa number down after treatment, assuming the cancer has spread, allows one to live longer. I saw my previous wife die of breast cancer 11 years ago and she took every treatment they offered. The side effects left her disabled for the last two years. I told myself never again.
    No, there is nothing medically that can be done to save me. A miracle on the other hand would be welcome. Mark
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    2ndBase said:

    Treatment Choice
    I was given a 50% chance to survive 2 years and a 2% chance to make it to 10 years when diagnosed. There is a fair chance I will make it for all 10. I took no further treatment after radiation by choice as I wanted the best quality of life and any treatment after cancer has spread seldom if ever does anything to extend one's life and may more likely cause one's death. I received the very latest treatment at a top notch facility and of course I was monitored. As I posted I have no cancer in my prostate and what more can the treatment do? My tumors are now in my bones like the spine, hip, shoulder, etc. I could have taken a lot more hormone shots and chemo and chose not too and am so happy I did not. I am still working a job I like for 18 hours a week and I can still play golf. You are right the end of life with this cancer is not pleasant. A whole lot of pain when it gets to the bone. Morphine and marijuana pills and steriods keep my pain level at aboout a 4 to 5. Hospice tells me I can move on to much stronger pain killers as needed, so not to worry.
    The best treatment I used was getting the stress out of my life and that along with great support from my wife and family is the main reason for having survived so long. If I had kept taking hormone shots my psa would have not gone up as fast, but there is no evidence that keeping your psa number down after treatment, assuming the cancer has spread, allows one to live longer. I saw my previous wife die of breast cancer 11 years ago and she took every treatment they offered. The side effects left her disabled for the last two years. I told myself never again.
    No, there is nothing medically that can be done to save me. A miracle on the other hand would be welcome. Mark

    Treatment Choice-2nd base
    Hello 2nd base

    I respect your decision to proceed as you have & it's great you WILL make the 10 year mark-remain positive --miracles do happen.
    FYI>I subcrbe to the NHD Health Watch & received the latest E-mail dated Feb3,2011. It states there is an amazing non-toxic liquid that kills cancer cells.
    Don't know the facts of such claims but you may want to read the report. Try going on line & access the NHD Health Watch site. Don't know if it's a a scam or legitimate. Perhaps some others on this site are aware of it & can lend insight.

    If it's not legit than what kind of people would try & make money off those with cancer issues & why is it even allowed to be published.

    I thought of you as I read some of the testomonials claiming people with only weeks to live were cured--like I said it sounds too good to be true but thought I would pass the info along. (You have nothing to lose in reading the report & forming your own opinion)

    Wishing you many more years of life & a pain free future, "I'll pray for you"
    God Bless

    Rad Hopeful
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218

    Dose plan
    RadHope
    I do not know how to dose plan radiation or how to calculate it. My case was as 2ndBase commented above, different location in the pelvic gets different dosage. The plan summarized in the radiologist report says this; “Ten fields (isodose) for radiation in the pelvic as follows: 45Gy in 1.8Gy/fraction/day, plus a isodose of 9.0Gy in 1.8Gy/fraction/day, plus an isodose of 14.0Gy in 2.0Gy/fraction/day; for a total of 68Gys in 37 sections”. You can ask about the dosage planned for your case. The report I got describes all in detail (4 pages) and the radiologist shown me in the computer those ten fields in 3 dimension before starting the treatment. We hold consultations once a week where I was informed of the progress and to discuss about any symptom.

    I presume that your broad beam (lymph-nodes, prostate fossa, etc) may represent what it was done to me, but you will receive radiation to the prostate that might be of higher doses (2.5Gy/fraction ?). You can ask for a copy of the plan together with the report.
    I had radiation sections every day except on Sundays. It all went smooth.
    Good luck to you.
    VGama

    Dose Plan
    Hello VGama & all

    Had my 6th treatment today & all is well, a blood count is now being done, should have results by Monday according to the nurse who drew the blood. I'm glad to see they are monitoring the red/white blood cells.
    I did get to see the radiation oncologist & she explained what areas were being radiated along with the dosage similar to what you explained in your post. I was shown pictures & graphs -very technical info plus was told she will see me at the end of each week as we move forward again similar to what you experienced. I will be receiving 180 centigrey everyday throughout the 44 treatment sessions with 25 being wide beam & 19 focused on the prostrate itself.
    Thanks for the posts & I pray for everyone facing this challenge.
    God Bless

    Rad Hopeful
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218

    Dose plan
    RadHope
    I do not know how to dose plan radiation or how to calculate it. My case was as 2ndBase commented above, different location in the pelvic gets different dosage. The plan summarized in the radiologist report says this; “Ten fields (isodose) for radiation in the pelvic as follows: 45Gy in 1.8Gy/fraction/day, plus a isodose of 9.0Gy in 1.8Gy/fraction/day, plus an isodose of 14.0Gy in 2.0Gy/fraction/day; for a total of 68Gys in 37 sections”. You can ask about the dosage planned for your case. The report I got describes all in detail (4 pages) and the radiologist shown me in the computer those ten fields in 3 dimension before starting the treatment. We hold consultations once a week where I was informed of the progress and to discuss about any symptom.

    I presume that your broad beam (lymph-nodes, prostate fossa, etc) may represent what it was done to me, but you will receive radiation to the prostate that might be of higher doses (2.5Gy/fraction ?). You can ask for a copy of the plan together with the report.
    I had radiation sections every day except on Sundays. It all went smooth.
    Good luck to you.
    VGama

    Dose Plan
    Hello VGama & all

    Had my 6th treatment today & all is well, a blood count is now being done, should have results by Monday according to the nurse who drew the blood. I'm glad to see they are monitoring the red/white blood cells.
    I did get to see the radiation oncologist & she explained what areas were being radiated along with the dosage similar to what you explained in your post. I was shown pictures & graphs -very technical info plus was told she will see me at the end of each week as we move forward again similar to what you experienced. I will be receiving 180 centigrey everyday throughout the 44 treatment sessions with 25 being wide beam & 19 focused on the prostrate itself.
    Thanks for the posts & I pray for everyone facing this challenge.
    God Bless

    Rad Hopeful
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218

    Treatment Choice-2nd base
    Hello 2nd base

    I respect your decision to proceed as you have & it's great you WILL make the 10 year mark-remain positive --miracles do happen.
    FYI>I subcrbe to the NHD Health Watch & received the latest E-mail dated Feb3,2011. It states there is an amazing non-toxic liquid that kills cancer cells.
    Don't know the facts of such claims but you may want to read the report. Try going on line & access the NHD Health Watch site. Don't know if it's a a scam or legitimate. Perhaps some others on this site are aware of it & can lend insight.

    If it's not legit than what kind of people would try & make money off those with cancer issues & why is it even allowed to be published.

    I thought of you as I read some of the testomonials claiming people with only weeks to live were cured--like I said it sounds too good to be true but thought I would pass the info along. (You have nothing to lose in reading the report & forming your own opinion)

    Wishing you many more years of life & a pain free future, "I'll pray for you"
    God Bless

    Rad Hopeful

    Treatment update-February 7th
    Hello KONGO , VGama & all

    I promised updates as I journey through the Rad treatments>
    Today was my 7th treatment & all went well. Got the results of my CBC (complete blood count) which I had taken on Friday the 4th---all within acceptable tolerance--makes me happy. I will have such a test every week per the nurse.
    I truly hope I'm not boring anyone, I'll stop if I am. Don't want to offend anyone or get anyone upset. This was my choice of treatment & I was willing to share the results giving others hope & insight as to what & where this type of treatment involves.
    We all have a HUGE burden on our shoulders & I respect everyone for their choice of treatment.
    I pray for all afflicted with this cancer & hope a cure will be found very soon.
    Bless everyone
    Rad Hopeful
  • Kongo
    Kongo Member Posts: 1,166 Member

    Treatment update-February 7th
    Hello KONGO , VGama & all

    I promised updates as I journey through the Rad treatments>
    Today was my 7th treatment & all went well. Got the results of my CBC (complete blood count) which I had taken on Friday the 4th---all within acceptable tolerance--makes me happy. I will have such a test every week per the nurse.
    I truly hope I'm not boring anyone, I'll stop if I am. Don't want to offend anyone or get anyone upset. This was my choice of treatment & I was willing to share the results giving others hope & insight as to what & where this type of treatment involves.
    We all have a HUGE burden on our shoulders & I respect everyone for their choice of treatment.
    I pray for all afflicted with this cancer & hope a cure will be found very soon.
    Bless everyone
    Rad Hopeful

    Not boring
    Hopeful, thanks for the update and I'm glad things continue to go well for you in this treatment. Please keep us informed of your progress.

    K
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member
    Kongo said:

    Not boring
    Hopeful, thanks for the update and I'm glad things continue to go well for you in this treatment. Please keep us informed of your progress.

    K

    Today is yours 8th
    RadHope
    I hope you do not get bore yourself and stop posting. Today is yours 8th section, and to keep you entertained, let me tell you that in the Mediterranean rim countries we have a meaning for each number. For the seventh we say “It was full and complete, and good” for the eighth we say “It is over and above the perfection of the 7th, it is complete”.

    I wish you a continuous uneventful progress.
    VGama
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    Kongo said:

    Not boring
    Hopeful, thanks for the update and I'm glad things continue to go well for you in this treatment. Please keep us informed of your progress.

    K

    Posts
    Thank you VGama & Kongo for the replies

    Morning>Makes me feel more comfortable knowing there is interest in my posts.
    Today will be my 8th treatment & I do have to tell them about a little discomfort I had last evening -not severe but I could feel a sporadic pain in my right side near the appendix area --perhaps nerve irritation. Don't feel it all the time just periodically. I'll mention it just to be on the side of caution. Did anyone experience this?
    Other than that, I feel fine.
    Afternoon>Back from treatment at the hospital> all went well I did inform the technician about my discomfort last evening & it was put in the records, I'm to let them know if it happens again. So far so good--guess I'm jittery about everything with this cancer & treatment. I must try to relax more but find it difficult. The weather is still bad--supposed to go to five above zero tonight--another night to keep the pellet stove going. Next week they are predicting temperatures in the forties--(here comes spring).
    Again I pray for everyone having to address this disease.
    Rad Hopeful
  • Kongo
    Kongo Member Posts: 1,166 Member

    Posts
    Thank you VGama & Kongo for the replies

    Morning>Makes me feel more comfortable knowing there is interest in my posts.
    Today will be my 8th treatment & I do have to tell them about a little discomfort I had last evening -not severe but I could feel a sporadic pain in my right side near the appendix area --perhaps nerve irritation. Don't feel it all the time just periodically. I'll mention it just to be on the side of caution. Did anyone experience this?
    Other than that, I feel fine.
    Afternoon>Back from treatment at the hospital> all went well I did inform the technician about my discomfort last evening & it was put in the records, I'm to let them know if it happens again. So far so good--guess I'm jittery about everything with this cancer & treatment. I must try to relax more but find it difficult. The weather is still bad--supposed to go to five above zero tonight--another night to keep the pellet stove going. Next week they are predicting temperatures in the forties--(here comes spring).
    Again I pray for everyone having to address this disease.
    Rad Hopeful

    Weird Sensations
    I know what you mean about weird sensations during treatment. I recall during my first session my arm fell asleep and I was afraid to move it because I thought it would screw everything up. Then my nose started itching and was driving me crazy because I thought I couldn't scratch it. Later they told me it was okay to move my arm!

    I listened to music from my iPod during treatment (tried to pick out something calming) and that seemed to help me take my mind off of what was going on but after the first session, I really didn't have any issues.

    Hope your weather abates.
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    Kongo said:

    Weird Sensations
    I know what you mean about weird sensations during treatment. I recall during my first session my arm fell asleep and I was afraid to move it because I thought it would screw everything up. Then my nose started itching and was driving me crazy because I thought I couldn't scratch it. Later they told me it was okay to move my arm!

    I listened to music from my iPod during treatment (tried to pick out something calming) and that seemed to help me take my mind off of what was going on but after the first session, I really didn't have any issues.

    Hope your weather abates.

    Sensations
    Kongo>
    Thanks for the reply
    Both you & VGama are inspirations to all of us with your knowledge & personal experience-"Thank You"
    Happy to report -NO Discomfort or pain last evening & ready for round 9 today.
    Very cold here in Pennsylvania--5 degrees last night & another couple nights of cold in the forcast.
    It's nice & warm in the hospital--I have to change into a gown each day prior to treatment.
    The radiation technicians assured me the Varian machine has numerous safety features built into it & should any type of malfunction occur it will shut down. They push buttons releasing the radiation when things are lined up. The three gold markers in the prostrate help them in guiding the beam to the target.
    So far I'm pleased with the radiation treatment approach. The waiting room is filled with people every day, it's unbelievable all the people afflicted with various types of Cancer. Have a GREAT DAY & again "THANKS" for the posts.
    Another update--Had 11th treatment today (2/11/11) All is well -no issues. Other Info> Had the opportunity to converse with another patient in the waiting room prior to treatment. He had his prostrate removed several years ago & now his cancer came back. He told me some cancer cells were left behind in the area where the prostrate was & they were simmering like a burning amber which is why his PSA shot up again. Now he is on Eligard & claims it is under control. Ironically he has the same urologist I currently have.
    Just passing along info I obtained giving insight into other problems people are facing.
    Bless everyone


    Rad Hopeful
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218

    Sensations
    Kongo>
    Thanks for the reply
    Both you & VGama are inspirations to all of us with your knowledge & personal experience-"Thank You"
    Happy to report -NO Discomfort or pain last evening & ready for round 9 today.
    Very cold here in Pennsylvania--5 degrees last night & another couple nights of cold in the forcast.
    It's nice & warm in the hospital--I have to change into a gown each day prior to treatment.
    The radiation technicians assured me the Varian machine has numerous safety features built into it & should any type of malfunction occur it will shut down. They push buttons releasing the radiation when things are lined up. The three gold markers in the prostrate help them in guiding the beam to the target.
    So far I'm pleased with the radiation treatment approach. The waiting room is filled with people every day, it's unbelievable all the people afflicted with various types of Cancer. Have a GREAT DAY & again "THANKS" for the posts.
    Another update--Had 11th treatment today (2/11/11) All is well -no issues. Other Info> Had the opportunity to converse with another patient in the waiting room prior to treatment. He had his prostrate removed several years ago & now his cancer came back. He told me some cancer cells were left behind in the area where the prostrate was & they were simmering like a burning amber which is why his PSA shot up again. Now he is on Eligard & claims it is under control. Ironically he has the same urologist I currently have.
    Just passing along info I obtained giving insight into other problems people are facing.
    Bless everyone


    Rad Hopeful

    Update
    Today is Feb 15,2011 & I had my 13th treatment this morning.
    Update >For those following my treatments> No serious side affects other than urgency to urinate.

    Bless everyone

    Rad Hopeful
  • Kongo
    Kongo Member Posts: 1,166 Member

    Update
    Today is Feb 15,2011 & I had my 13th treatment this morning.
    Update >For those following my treatments> No serious side affects other than urgency to urinate.

    Bless everyone

    Rad Hopeful

    :)
    Keep those good reports coming! You might give Advil a try for the urgency. I suspect it's caused by the inflammation around the urethra from the radiation. The Advil can reduce the inflammation and mitigate the symptoms in mild cases. It worked for me the short time I had the same symptoms.
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member
    Kongo said:

    :)
    Keep those good reports coming! You might give Advil a try for the urgency. I suspect it's caused by the inflammation around the urethra from the radiation. The Advil can reduce the inflammation and mitigate the symptoms in mild cases. It worked for me the short time I had the same symptoms.

    The Primer is a good book to read
    RadHope
    I am glad to know that all is going as you expected.
    A good book to help you in understanding many facts about the prostate cancer is The Primer. You can buy used copies on Amazon online. The latest edition is very informative and descriptive on radiation and hormonal side effects.

    Hope you get a copy.
    Regards
    VGama
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218

    The Primer is a good book to read
    RadHope
    I am glad to know that all is going as you expected.
    A good book to help you in understanding many facts about the prostate cancer is The Primer. You can buy used copies on Amazon online. The latest edition is very informative and descriptive on radiation and hormonal side effects.

    Hope you get a copy.
    Regards
    VGama

    Thanks for advice
    Hello Kongo & VGama

    Thank both of you for the advice & replies, I appreciate it.
    Sorry if I don't respond in a timely manner, My father in law passed (heart issues) & things are very hectic. He was a good man & will be missed very much. It's always difficult when you lose a family member.

    I had my 16th radiation treatment this morning & so far all is "OK".
    The hospital informed me they aren't going to draw blood until next Tuesday, thus I have to wait & see where the CBC & Psa are until then.

    Rad Hopeful
  • barbercheech
    barbercheech Member Posts: 2
    FreddyJoe said:

    Radiation Treatment
    I had a similar treatment well over a year ago. I had the body cast made, the markers inserted and the tattoo dots, and drank a lot of water before the treatment. The object of the water was to keep the bladder full. The machine would move the table slightly if the bladder or bowel was filling and moved the prostate markers. My radiation was non eventfull to me. I left work a little early to get the treatment and kept a fishing rod in the car and fished several times after the treatment before I went home.
    The hormone therapy after that for over a year has had more side effects than the radiation. My last couple of PSA test were zero. I am glad I did not let them talk me into
    surgery.

    radiation treatment
    Glad to hear that. i had the same type of radiation treatment.i had 44 treatments plus lupron shots and 2 years later PSA Is Still .005. Reading These Posts Make me Realize how many Guys Are Going Through This With A Lot of Hope And good Results
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218

    Thanks for advice
    Hello Kongo & VGama

    Thank both of you for the advice & replies, I appreciate it.
    Sorry if I don't respond in a timely manner, My father in law passed (heart issues) & things are very hectic. He was a good man & will be missed very much. It's always difficult when you lose a family member.

    I had my 16th radiation treatment this morning & so far all is "OK".
    The hospital informed me they aren't going to draw blood until next Tuesday, thus I have to wait & see where the CBC & Psa are until then.

    Rad Hopeful

    February 2011---Update
    Fo those following my radiation venture> received my blood test results this morning February 25,2011.

    I will show the statistics below & request replies regarding said readings
    Is the percentage drop from the drug or is the radiation doing its job?

    January 12th,2011 > Had three gold markers placed in prostrate
    January 28th 2011> Had First Radiation Treatment Today Feb 25th was my 21st wide beam rad treatment--4 more wide beam than I will receive 19 cone shaped beams on the prostrate only.

    Original PSA was 53.99
    After Firmagon shot--December PSA reading was 17.87
    January reading was > 4.18
    February reading now> 2.64
    As you can see there is a gradual decline (percentage works out to 66% Drop (53.99 to 17)--(76% Drop 17 to 4.18) & now (36% Drop 4.18 to 2.64 ng/ml)
    I'm somewhat HAPPY that the PSA is going down but was hoping for more. Am I being realistic in my wishes?
    I have my next hormone shot on Monday Feb.28,2011.

    I will keep posting as progress is made & I venture into the next phase of my radiation treatments. (Thank God --so far no serious side affects)
    Looking forward to individual analysis of results from my many friends posting on this site
    Bless everyone
    Rad Hopeful
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member

    February 2011---Update
    Fo those following my radiation venture> received my blood test results this morning February 25,2011.

    I will show the statistics below & request replies regarding said readings
    Is the percentage drop from the drug or is the radiation doing its job?

    January 12th,2011 > Had three gold markers placed in prostrate
    January 28th 2011> Had First Radiation Treatment Today Feb 25th was my 21st wide beam rad treatment--4 more wide beam than I will receive 19 cone shaped beams on the prostrate only.

    Original PSA was 53.99
    After Firmagon shot--December PSA reading was 17.87
    January reading was > 4.18
    February reading now> 2.64
    As you can see there is a gradual decline (percentage works out to 66% Drop (53.99 to 17)--(76% Drop 17 to 4.18) & now (36% Drop 4.18 to 2.64 ng/ml)
    I'm somewhat HAPPY that the PSA is going down but was hoping for more. Am I being realistic in my wishes?
    I have my next hormone shot on Monday Feb.28,2011.

    I will keep posting as progress is made & I venture into the next phase of my radiation treatments. (Thank God --so far no serious side affects)
    Looking forward to individual analysis of results from my many friends posting on this site
    Bless everyone
    Rad Hopeful

    Your treatment is advancing very well
    RadHope

    I think your treatment is advancing very well in regards to side effects and “attack” on the cancer. The decrease of the PSA is reflected in the fewer number of prostatic cells “alive” in your body. Firmagon has proved to be effective in two points; (1) lowering the testosterone as consequences in the drop of PSA (53.99 to 4.18), before RT (killing some cancer on the process); (2) continuing its job in the killing which can be the reason for still a lower PSA since the start of radiation. RT has not yet “attacked” the bulk of the cancer at the prostate. You can expect a bigger drop once the cone-shaped beams start.

    I do not know your scheduled dosage, but in this wide beam at 180 centigrey per section it will be accomplished (25 x 180 cGy) 45Gy, with additional 19 x 200 cGy ? = 38Gy for probably a total of 83Gy.
    I would like to suggest you of taking a Testosterone test with your PSA next time. It will help you understand the effects of the Firmagon. Could you also post other lipids levels tested during radiation?

    Hope for a continuous successful treatment.
    VGama
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218

    Your treatment is advancing very well
    RadHope

    I think your treatment is advancing very well in regards to side effects and “attack” on the cancer. The decrease of the PSA is reflected in the fewer number of prostatic cells “alive” in your body. Firmagon has proved to be effective in two points; (1) lowering the testosterone as consequences in the drop of PSA (53.99 to 4.18), before RT (killing some cancer on the process); (2) continuing its job in the killing which can be the reason for still a lower PSA since the start of radiation. RT has not yet “attacked” the bulk of the cancer at the prostate. You can expect a bigger drop once the cone-shaped beams start.

    I do not know your scheduled dosage, but in this wide beam at 180 centigrey per section it will be accomplished (25 x 180 cGy) 45Gy, with additional 19 x 200 cGy ? = 38Gy for probably a total of 83Gy.
    I would like to suggest you of taking a Testosterone test with your PSA next time. It will help you understand the effects of the Firmagon. Could you also post other lipids levels tested during radiation?

    Hope for a continuous successful treatment.
    VGama

    VGama
    Thanks for he reply, I knew I could count on someone answering my question.

    Here are some of the results of My CBC(Complete Blood Count)
    WBC>5.79 Thousand/ul
    RBC>4.16Million/ul
    Hemoglobin>13.0 g/dl
    Hemocrit>37.9%
    Platelet count>262Thousand/ul
    Lymphocytes>33%

    HOW DO THESE READINGS LOOK---- after 21 treatments?
    There are a few others I don't know what they meam but all are within the normal range
    I'm keeping a watch on the white & red blood counts as they appear to be on the lower end of the reference range but still within acceptance.
    Hope this helps with your request/analysis
    Look forward to obtaining successful treatment once concentrated radiation on the prostrate starts
    Bless you & all posting on this site.
    Rad Hopeful