Treatment Options

jimekrut

New member: 73, living in Texas, diagnosed Thanksgiving week 2024 after significant PSA increases (2>4, 4>6) in the past two years. Biopsy showed two lesions in the prostate, Gleason 7 (3+4 and 4+3). PET scan followed, revealing three spots in the prostate and activity in right and left iliac lymph nodes. Diagnosis considered N1/M0.

I started Christmas Eve a two-year series of Orgovyx 120mg daily. I had a SpaceOar with Fiducial Markers surgical procedure last week and have a CT simulation this coming week, both in prep for eight weeks of weekday radiation which should take place during February and March.

Can you offer comments after having similar treatment, recommend treatment improvement options, or suggest some good questions for my radiation oncologist or urologist? I have not experienced any physical symptoms other than perhaps increased fatigue from the Orgovyx androgen deprivation therapy.

As a note: I was able to connect with Biologics by McKesson pharmacy to provide 90-day Orgovyx fills, and they were able to connect me with a foundation grant to cover my copay, which would have been $3000 for the course of treatment using my urologist's pharmacy. I'm glad to discuss details.

Thanks much in advance for any insights you're able to share!

Old Salt

What kind of radiation; One kind or a combination?

jimekrut

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720547#Comment_1720547

I don’t know yet but have a CT simulation Tuesday for targeting markers, so should find out.

jimekrut

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720554#Comment_1720554

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720547#Comment_1720547

I start a weekday series of 44 treatments on February 20. I haven't met with the doctor since scheduling, but I understand each treatment will last approximately 45 seconds, targeting prostate and iliac lymph nodes. I'm in my second month of Orgovyx so am hoping the next PSA shows a decrease.

VascodaGama

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/328933/treatment-options

Jime

I wish you the best in your treatment. Along the course you may come to experience sort of diarrhea, bowel movements. You may inquire about the foods you should avoid while on treatment, and in the period after that.

Best

VG

jimekrut

Thanks for the warning! I'm sure I'll be learning lots along the course of treatment and beyond. Thank you for writing. All the best!