Recently Diagnosed

RonDeF
RonDeF Member Posts: 15
edited September 2015 in Prostate Cancer #1

I was disgnosed with prostate cancer in April with a Gleason score of 7.  I was shocked to find out but determined to take immediate action.  My daughter in a a Pediatric Oncology Nurse at Childrens in Washington DC (graduated from Duke University with honors) and she has been my Guardian Angel from the day I got my results.  My daughter and I met with my Urologist who diagnosed me and my Oncologist to map out a stragedy.  We informed my Urologist that I wanted the Davinci Robotic Surgery so I would have the best chance at removing as much of the cancer from my body as possible,.  After those visits, I had a CT Scan, MRI and Bone Scan to find out what the extent of my cancer.  Unfortunately the news we received was not what we had hoped for.  The cancer had broken out of the prostate capsule and they believed that the cancer may have reached my lympnodes, seminal vesicle and one of the nerve bundles.  At this point my Urologist told me that he no longer wanted me to choose the surgery, he wanted me to get radiation.  After a long meeting at his office with my family, I stood firm and told my Urologist I was steadfast on my treatment approach and he finally agreed to do the surgery with one stipulation.  He wanted me to understand that I will have to get radiation treatments within 4 months of the suregery, this would give me time to heal before radiation treatments.

The day of surgery arrived on June 3rd, I was operated on and the surgery went approximately 3.5 hours longer than my Urologist anticipated.  I lost a significant amount of blood, just shy of getting a a blood transfusion.  He ended up removing the prostate, the seminal vescile, a nerve bundle and 11 pelvic lymphnodes.  After the surgery the doctor met with my family and I with some more unfortunate news, he stated that the post op pathology report came back with a gleason score of 9, not 7 like the pre op pathology and that 1 lymphnode was found to be involved.  He further stated that he was unable to get a clean margin just below the bladder during surgery.  This was devastating for my family and I to hear but I made sure that I could stay strong for my family.  I was put on Lupron on July 3rd and have experienced multiple side effects but have been toughing them out.  The plan is to be on Lupron for 3 years and do follow up visits every 3 months to check on how I am doing.

I have been meeting with my Oncologist on a regular basis and recently went in for his team to do a CT Scan, placed temporary tatoos on me and put a plan together for me to begin a series of radiation therapy treatments.  They will radiate the prostate bed and the surrounding areas where they took the lymphnodes, these treatments (39 total) will most likely begin on Seotember 28th.  I am concerned about the localized metatsasis with having a lymphnode involved but I am hoping that the radiation treatments will take care of killing any remaining cancer cells.

Any feedback on what to expect with my radiation treatments would be appreciated.  Right now I have pretty severe fatigue at night, I find myself going to bed really early evening unless I take a nap after work.  I also am dealing with the chills at work, and the hot flashes at night.  The recovery from my surgery has gone well thanks to having a lot of available sick time form work to recover.   I also have done well with the incontinence, I am at the point of only leaking a drop or two when doing stressful activities.  Right now I am going a few weeks at a time with no leaking.  I anticipate it getting better with both time and exercise. 

Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide me with.

 

Comments

  • hopeful and optimistic
    hopeful and optimistic Member Posts: 2,346 Member
    ron

    Welcome to this board; but sorry that you find yourself posting here.

    Best wishes for success with the radiation treatments that you will receive.

    You may wish to consider having a Medical Oncologist lead you medical team, the best that you can find and afford. These specialists are the best qualified to administer drugs, much more so than the doctors who specialize in other aspects of prostate treatment.

    I wonder what you age is?

    As far as sexual function, did you have problems before, and if not, what therapy are you undergoing for recovery?

    A correlation has been shown between prostate cancer and breast cancer, so it is important for your daughter to get those mamograms, and eat heart healthy; heart healthy is prostate healthy as well as breast cancer healthy, and all the other western diseases such as diabetes.  Even consider a gene test.

    It is also important to share the results of your diagnosis with family members, brothers, sisters, sons, nephews, cousins; these family members are more likely to be diagnisd with disease than the rest of the population. Men should have a benchmark PSA at 35, and starting at 40 PSA, digital rectal exam, etc.  

    Suggest that you attend a local support group for knowledge and emotional support.....there is an organization USToo that lists support groups that they sponsor by area, various sources, and relevent information about prostate cancer at their Hot Sheet.

    http://www.ustoo.org/

     

     

  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,707 Member

    ron

    Welcome to this board; but sorry that you find yourself posting here.

    Best wishes for success with the radiation treatments that you will receive.

    You may wish to consider having a Medical Oncologist lead you medical team, the best that you can find and afford. These specialists are the best qualified to administer drugs, much more so than the doctors who specialize in other aspects of prostate treatment.

    I wonder what you age is?

    As far as sexual function, did you have problems before, and if not, what therapy are you undergoing for recovery?

    A correlation has been shown between prostate cancer and breast cancer, so it is important for your daughter to get those mamograms, and eat heart healthy; heart healthy is prostate healthy as well as breast cancer healthy, and all the other western diseases such as diabetes.  Even consider a gene test.

    It is also important to share the results of your diagnosis with family members, brothers, sisters, sons, nephews, cousins; these family members are more likely to be diagnisd with disease than the rest of the population. Men should have a benchmark PSA at 35, and starting at 40 PSA, digital rectal exam, etc.  

    Suggest that you attend a local support group for knowledge and emotional support.....there is an organization USToo that lists support groups that they sponsor by area, various sources, and relevent information about prostate cancer at their Hot Sheet.

    http://www.ustoo.org/

     

     

    Quality of living should be considered in all decisions

    Ron,

    You have been your own advocate in your choices of treatment and physical fitness. Nutrition is also important and so it is a change in life style.

    Hopeful touches important issues which you need to care about. I wonder what may have been your PSA before surgery, after surgery and before starting Lupron. Your age and other health issues are also as important in your sequential treatment. I would recommend you get additional testing to serve as base-data in future comparisons along the evaluation of your status and symptoms.

    Fatigue may be a cause of the Lupron. The radiation will also add its side effects that may increase the level of tiredness you are experiencing. Frequent naps are good but you need to care for keeping the muscle mass to continue those exercises that will be affected by your hypogonadism status. You may look for a good diet to provide you energy; however, antioxidants should be avoided during the radiation treatment (RT) period (plus 6-months) to avoid revival of the cancerous cells that were knocked down by the radiation.

    RT is no good in guys with past cases of ulcerative colitis. It will cause proctitis and colitis, and may harden the bladder walls. These risks may be avoided to the maximum with proper examinations before deciding in the isodose planning that seems to be quite wide in your salvage treatment. I wonder if such examinations (such as a colonoscopy and cystoscopy, etc) have been included in your decisions.

    I also had SRT after a failed RP. The procedure was simple and painless. I used to fill the bladder drinking loads of water one hour before each RT section. At the third week I experienced irritation when urinating which was treated with side medications. At the end of the RT and in the four months after that I experienced a case of colitis, painless but with traces of blood in the stool. However I never had uncreative cases before and after the treatment. The colitises were treated with side medications. Fibre diets are generally not recommended but my everyday breakfast was a mixture of bran and muslin with natural yogurt. I trust it to have been helpful in healing the colitis. The stool was at beginning sort of liquefied but latter it become more consistent and harder.

    I am surprised for your choice on a three years Lupron treatment. Typically it is administered during two years consecutively. In any case, Gleason 9 are aggressive forms of cancer that requires stronger “punches”. You need to be certain that PCa is localized and that it has not spread to far places (upper lymphatic system, lungs and liver) via the blood network. I think it proper for you to have better exams using PET scans to rule out any metastases in bone and at the organs. CT and traditional scintigraphy scans may not be sufficient. You can discuss these matters with your doctor or get second opinions from specialists. You may want firstly to investigate on the above googling “PET/CT exams for prostate cancer”.

    Being confident and comfortable with the team of physicians treating us and the choice of the therapy is a step forward for success. Do things timely and coordinately.

    Best wishes and luck in your treatment.

    VGama

  • stoniphi
    stoniphi Member Posts: 54

    Quality of living should be considered in all decisions

    Ron,

    You have been your own advocate in your choices of treatment and physical fitness. Nutrition is also important and so it is a change in life style.

    Hopeful touches important issues which you need to care about. I wonder what may have been your PSA before surgery, after surgery and before starting Lupron. Your age and other health issues are also as important in your sequential treatment. I would recommend you get additional testing to serve as base-data in future comparisons along the evaluation of your status and symptoms.

    Fatigue may be a cause of the Lupron. The radiation will also add its side effects that may increase the level of tiredness you are experiencing. Frequent naps are good but you need to care for keeping the muscle mass to continue those exercises that will be affected by your hypogonadism status. You may look for a good diet to provide you energy; however, antioxidants should be avoided during the radiation treatment (RT) period (plus 6-months) to avoid revival of the cancerous cells that were knocked down by the radiation.

    RT is no good in guys with past cases of ulcerative colitis. It will cause proctitis and colitis, and may harden the bladder walls. These risks may be avoided to the maximum with proper examinations before deciding in the isodose planning that seems to be quite wide in your salvage treatment. I wonder if such examinations (such as a colonoscopy and cystoscopy, etc) have been included in your decisions.

    I also had SRT after a failed RP. The procedure was simple and painless. I used to fill the bladder drinking loads of water one hour before each RT section. At the third week I experienced irritation when urinating which was treated with side medications. At the end of the RT and in the four months after that I experienced a case of colitis, painless but with traces of blood in the stool. However I never had uncreative cases before and after the treatment. The colitises were treated with side medications. Fibre diets are generally not recommended but my everyday breakfast was a mixture of bran and muslin with natural yogurt. I trust it to have been helpful in healing the colitis. The stool was at beginning sort of liquefied but latter it become more consistent and harder.

    I am surprised for your choice on a three years Lupron treatment. Typically it is administered during two years consecutively. In any case, Gleason 9 are aggressive forms of cancer that requires stronger “punches”. You need to be certain that PCa is localized and that it has not spread to far places (upper lymphatic system, lungs and liver) via the blood network. I think it proper for you to have better exams using PET scans to rule out any metastases in bone and at the organs. CT and traditional scintigraphy scans may not be sufficient. You can discuss these matters with your doctor or get second opinions from specialists. You may want firstly to investigate on the above googling “PET/CT exams for prostate cancer”.

    Being confident and comfortable with the team of physicians treating us and the choice of the therapy is a step forward for success. Do things timely and coordinately.

    Best wishes and luck in your treatment.

    VGama

    Pleased to meet you, Ron.

    We share a lot, excepting the G9. When they finished my DaVinci, my Gleason remained at G7, though it was then (4+3) rather than the initial (3+4). While my lymph nodes "had exposure", there was no metastices found.

     

    I got the surgery, the 81 Grey of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy (prostate bed and interior pelvic lymph nodes after 3 months of post - surgery ADT) and 2 & 1/2 years of Androgen Deprivation Therapy with Firmagon, Lupron and Eligard. The last 6 month shot of Eligard I got last Oct has not worn off yet so I will be very close to the 3 year mark. This is the current standard.

     

    They gave me the 3 tattooed dots and the fibreglass lower - body mould. I got to pee before each session so I was comfortable under the Cyberknife.

     

    3 years is the magic number as the average life span of a prostate cancer stem cell is 3 years. The radiation and ADT are supposed to shorten the PCA stem cells life span so that at the end of the 3 years they are all dead.

     

    It will be difficult to separate the various side effects out with this program. Take the daily naps, plan to spend lots of quality time in the toilet and watch out for the emotional "mood swings" as they can be difficult to deal with. It appears that you are on the right track though. Best of luck.

  • RonDeF
    RonDeF Member Posts: 15
    More Information About Me

    Thank you everyone for reaching out to me, I really appreciate it.  I am 52 and live in Northern, Virginia.  My Urologist is Dr. John Klien and he trained at the Cleveland Clinic and has done thousands of DaVince robotic surgeries.  My medical oncologist is Dr. Joseph Lee and the oncologist that will perform my radiation treatments is Dr. Susan Boylan.  These doctors are some of the best in their fields and I am extremely lucky to be treated by them.

    I originally went in to see my Urologist for the first time in September 2014 due to having sexual performance issues with my wife.  I was given a prostate exam and blood tests.  The initial PSA level was not that elavated, it was only 4.1 at that visit.  He geve me Cialis and scheduled a follow up visit for March 2015.  When I went back to see my Urologist in March 2015, I explained that Cialis did not help me at all.  He then performed another prostate exam and told me that the prostate was enlarged, my PSA was also chacked and was 4.1 again.  ZHe then informed me that he would like to perform a prostate biopsy.  The prostate biopsy was scheduled in Arpil 2015 and the side effects of that were not fun, they actually scared me a bit when I started seeing blood in my urine, they said it was normal and would only last a short period.  A few weeks later I saw my Urologist again to get the results of the biopsy, my wife and daughter came with me to hear the results as I had a gut feeling it was not goiong to be good news and needed them there with me for support.  The biopsy showed 8 of 12 tissue samples were positive for prostate cancer, 6 were 4+3 and 2 were 3+3 which was not good but only moderate risk cancer.  We went home and scheduled an appointment with my Medical Onocologist.

    My daughter (Pediatric Oncology Nurse and my Guardian Angel) & I met with Dr. Joseph Lee, he explained the radiation options available to me and provided us with information to read.  After approxiamtely a week of investigating all my options I chose the DaVinci robotic surgery. 

    My PSA level 30 days after surgery and right before being placed on Lupron was .05

    I was also diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (A1c 9.1) in May and have changed my diet to assist with this.  I am currently taking Gyburide 10MG and Metformin 500MG (combo pill).  My A1c was checked 2 weeks ago and it is 5.5, I also dropped 30lbs since May.

     

    I hope this answers the questions you had asked.

     

    I can tell you that this has been the most difficult thing I have ever had to deal with in my life.  My wife and kids cried, I tried to remain strong but during the first night when everyone was sleeping I had a good cry.  I also just lost a close friend and business partner to cancer about 6 weeks ago and it definitely hit me hard.  I have since picked myself up and am fighting and remaining strong.  I have very good doctors and I also have my faith and I pray everyday that I get better.  Since recovering from surgery I have good days and rough days (not bad days), everyday I wake up and spend time with my family is a good day.

     

  • hopeful and optimistic
    hopeful and optimistic Member Posts: 2,346 Member
    RonDeF said:

    More Information About Me

    Thank you everyone for reaching out to me, I really appreciate it.  I am 52 and live in Northern, Virginia.  My Urologist is Dr. John Klien and he trained at the Cleveland Clinic and has done thousands of DaVince robotic surgeries.  My medical oncologist is Dr. Joseph Lee and the oncologist that will perform my radiation treatments is Dr. Susan Boylan.  These doctors are some of the best in their fields and I am extremely lucky to be treated by them.

    I originally went in to see my Urologist for the first time in September 2014 due to having sexual performance issues with my wife.  I was given a prostate exam and blood tests.  The initial PSA level was not that elavated, it was only 4.1 at that visit.  He geve me Cialis and scheduled a follow up visit for March 2015.  When I went back to see my Urologist in March 2015, I explained that Cialis did not help me at all.  He then performed another prostate exam and told me that the prostate was enlarged, my PSA was also chacked and was 4.1 again.  ZHe then informed me that he would like to perform a prostate biopsy.  The prostate biopsy was scheduled in Arpil 2015 and the side effects of that were not fun, they actually scared me a bit when I started seeing blood in my urine, they said it was normal and would only last a short period.  A few weeks later I saw my Urologist again to get the results of the biopsy, my wife and daughter came with me to hear the results as I had a gut feeling it was not goiong to be good news and needed them there with me for support.  The biopsy showed 8 of 12 tissue samples were positive for prostate cancer, 6 were 4+3 and 2 were 3+3 which was not good but only moderate risk cancer.  We went home and scheduled an appointment with my Medical Onocologist.

    My daughter (Pediatric Oncology Nurse and my Guardian Angel) & I met with Dr. Joseph Lee, he explained the radiation options available to me and provided us with information to read.  After approxiamtely a week of investigating all my options I chose the DaVinci robotic surgery. 

    My PSA level 30 days after surgery and right before being placed on Lupron was .05

    I was also diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (A1c 9.1) in May and have changed my diet to assist with this.  I am currently taking Gyburide 10MG and Metformin 500MG (combo pill).  My A1c was checked 2 weeks ago and it is 5.5, I also dropped 30lbs since May.

     

    I hope this answers the questions you had asked.

     

    I can tell you that this has been the most difficult thing I have ever had to deal with in my life.  My wife and kids cried, I tried to remain strong but during the first night when everyone was sleeping I had a good cry.  I also just lost a close friend and business partner to cancer about 6 weeks ago and it definitely hit me hard.  I have since picked myself up and am fighting and remaining strong.  I have very good doctors and I also have my faith and I pray everyday that I get better.  Since recovering from surgery I have good days and rough days (not bad days), everyday I wake up and spend time with my family is a good day.

     

    Erectile dysfunction, possible treatment

    Ron,

    There are various things that can be done.

    First pills, injection to the penis, pumps, and various prostetic devices in the penis.

     

    Now you had a ED problem before surgery, and saw a doctor who as I understand prescribed cialis. Was the script for daily intake or at will?

    There was a study that was done that showed daily use of cialis 10mg helped with this, probably bringing  blood to the penis.

    ttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.20360.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false

     

    Keywords:

    • Male Primary Care Perspective in Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction;

    • Male Oral Vasoactive Agents;

    • Male Diabetes Mellitus and Sexual Dysfunction

    ABSTRACT

    Objective.  To assess and compare the efficacy of on-demand tadalafil and daily tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

    Materials and Methods.  A total of 145 men with a mean age of 57.3 years (range 19–82 years) and mild to severe erectile dysfunction of various etiologies were randomized to receive on-demand tadalafil (20 mg) or daily tadalafil (10 mg) taken without food or alcohol restrictions in a trial lasting 26 weeks. The three primary outcome measures were changes from baseline in the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the proportion of “yes” responses to questions 2 and 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP). Additional efficacy instruments included a Global Assessment Question administered at completion of the study.

    Results.  Compared with baseline, on-demand and daily tadalafil enhanced all efficacy outcomes. Patients receiving on-demand tadalafil (20 mg) and daily tadalafil (10 mg) experienced a significant mean improvement of 8.3 and 11.9, respectively, in the erectile function domain of the IIEF from baseline (P < 0.001). The mean change from baseline was significantly higher for daily dosed tadalafil than for on-demand tadalafil (P < 0.05). Sexual intercourse was successfully completed (SEP3) in 69% and 84% of patients taking on-demand tadalafil and daily tadalafil, respectively, compared with 30% at baseline (P < 0.001). Successful completion of sexual intercourse was statistically higher for daily tadalafil than for on-demand tadalafil (P < 0.05). Treatment with on-demand tadalafil or daily tadalafil was well tolerated, and headaches, facial flushing, and dyspepsia were the most frequently observed adverse events.

    Conclusion.  Tadalafil was effective and well tolerated in this patient population. Treatment with daily tadalafil was associated with a significantly higher IIEF erectile function domain score and completion of successful intercourse compared with on-demand tadalafil.

     

    ....................

    As you know surgery and other treatments are a shock to penis area, so blood needs to be brought to the area, via manipulation and a pump, otherwise atrophy sets in.

    .....................................

     

    Not saying that this challenge can be solved, but I recommend that you see a specialist in ED, sooner than later.

     

    There are doctors that specialize in ED. The one geographically closest to you that I know about is dr. Mulhall at Memorial Sloan Kettering. He is one of the best, if not the best.  He also wrote a book that is worth reading.

    https://www.mskcc.org/blog/urologist-john-mulhall-explains-strategies-addressing-sexual-health-concerns-men

  • RonDeF
    RonDeF Member Posts: 15

    Erectile dysfunction, possible treatment

    Ron,

    There are various things that can be done.

    First pills, injection to the penis, pumps, and various prostetic devices in the penis.

     

    Now you had a ED problem before surgery, and saw a doctor who as I understand prescribed cialis. Was the script for daily intake or at will?

    There was a study that was done that showed daily use of cialis 10mg helped with this, probably bringing  blood to the penis.

    ttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.20360.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false

     

    Keywords:

    • Male Primary Care Perspective in Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction;

    • Male Oral Vasoactive Agents;

    • Male Diabetes Mellitus and Sexual Dysfunction

    ABSTRACT

    Objective.  To assess and compare the efficacy of on-demand tadalafil and daily tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

    Materials and Methods.  A total of 145 men with a mean age of 57.3 years (range 19–82 years) and mild to severe erectile dysfunction of various etiologies were randomized to receive on-demand tadalafil (20 mg) or daily tadalafil (10 mg) taken without food or alcohol restrictions in a trial lasting 26 weeks. The three primary outcome measures were changes from baseline in the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the proportion of “yes” responses to questions 2 and 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP). Additional efficacy instruments included a Global Assessment Question administered at completion of the study.

    Results.  Compared with baseline, on-demand and daily tadalafil enhanced all efficacy outcomes. Patients receiving on-demand tadalafil (20 mg) and daily tadalafil (10 mg) experienced a significant mean improvement of 8.3 and 11.9, respectively, in the erectile function domain of the IIEF from baseline (P < 0.001). The mean change from baseline was significantly higher for daily dosed tadalafil than for on-demand tadalafil (P < 0.05). Sexual intercourse was successfully completed (SEP3) in 69% and 84% of patients taking on-demand tadalafil and daily tadalafil, respectively, compared with 30% at baseline (P < 0.001). Successful completion of sexual intercourse was statistically higher for daily tadalafil than for on-demand tadalafil (P < 0.05). Treatment with on-demand tadalafil or daily tadalafil was well tolerated, and headaches, facial flushing, and dyspepsia were the most frequently observed adverse events.

    Conclusion.  Tadalafil was effective and well tolerated in this patient population. Treatment with daily tadalafil was associated with a significantly higher IIEF erectile function domain score and completion of successful intercourse compared with on-demand tadalafil.

     

    ....................

    As you know surgery and other treatments are a shock to penis area, so blood needs to be brought to the area, via manipulation and a pump, otherwise atrophy sets in.

    .....................................

     

    Not saying that this challenge can be solved, but I recommend that you see a specialist in ED, sooner than later.

     

    There are doctors that specialize in ED. The one geographically closest to you that I know about is dr. Mulhall at Memorial Sloan Kettering. He is one of the best, if not the best.  He also wrote a book that is worth reading.

    https://www.mskcc.org/blog/urologist-john-mulhall-explains-strategies-addressing-sexual-health-concerns-men

    Erectile Dysfunction

    It was the at will, not the daily, the cost is too high for the daily dose because my insurance considers it a recreational drug, not a necessity and therefore does not cover Cialis.  Getting an erection now will be even more of a problem since one of my nerve budles was taken out due to being engulfed in cancer.  Shots are not an option as I hate needles.

  • hopeful and optimistic
    hopeful and optimistic Member Posts: 2,346 Member
    RonDeF said:

    Erectile Dysfunction

    It was the at will, not the daily, the cost is too high for the daily dose because my insurance considers it a recreational drug, not a necessity and therefore does not cover Cialis.  Getting an erection now will be even more of a problem since one of my nerve budles was taken out due to being engulfed in cancer.  Shots are not an option as I hate needles.

    The needle width for this is very small...just a pin prick (pardon the pun).

     

    It can be worthwhile  investigating ED with a specialist....who knows is competent......there are a lot of tools available.

    ..................

    cost of drugs

     

    http://csn.cancer.org/node/237590

     

    My insurance covers my meds; however, I've been told that "All Day Chemist" is a good source of Indian meds. They do handle Levitra (vardenafil)at about a buck a pill:

    https://www.alldaychemist.com/460__Vardenafil-

    I've been told that it is best to use a one-use credit card. The kind you can buy at the drug store. It is my understanding that you do not need a perscription. Guys who I have talked to are very satisfied with their product

    ……………………………………….

    Hello, it is totally legal to obtain drugs from Canada or overseas if you are using a company that requires a RX….Federal legislation was past a long time ago legalizing it. I use the company listed below for generic Cialis. The site was recommended by my doctor.

    I see that they sell 90 20mg generic Levitra for $134.99 + reasonable shipping (you can buy less)…

    Best to you on your journey…

    http://www.progressiverx.com/store

    …………………………………………..

    The cost of my daily 5mg cialis prescription keeps going up. It currently costs me $128/mo. Looks like I can get 6.4 months' worth for $144 or only $22.50/mo.

    Only problem is that they only sell 10mg tabs, so I have to cut each tab in 1/2 but it's worth the hassle to save over $600 for 6 month supply.

    Looks like I'll be placing an order soon. Thanks

    ……………………………………………………………………..

    American consumers and should be able to guide the patient in how to select an approved pharmacy.

    It is indeed a violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act to provide or receive controlled drugs without a valid prescription.

    FDA guidelines for buying drugs online can be found here: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/BuyingMedicinesOvertheInternet/ucm202675.htm

    I would be particularly wary of an online pharmacy where you had to use a special credit card to avoid having your account hacked or stolen. Why would you buy drugs from someone if you couldn't trust that your financial transaction was secure. It's a lot easier to have a secure financial system that a quality drug program

    ………………………………………………………………………………..

    BD: You ever have any credit card or other problems using ProgressiveRX?

    Never have had an issue in the last 8+ years using these folks and I have used the same (and oldest) credit card I have....Remember that these are generic but I have been given about 100 brand name 5 mg Cialis from my Urologist and there is no difference except these are round and easy to split and cost me about .75 cents per 5mg does compared to $20+ per dose of the “brand name”.... oh, they are mailed from India but your order is handled by a Canadian company…

    In my experience (which is over 8 years) they have been available and prompt in returning emails and talking to you… It typically takes 2-3 weeks to receive (yes they go through customs) ….Let me know if you have any other concerns...All the best

    ………………………………………………………………………………..http://csn.cancer.org/node/237590

     

    My insurance covers my meds; however, I've been told that "All Day Chemist" is a good source of Indian meds. They do handle Levitra (vardenafil)at about a buck a pill:

    https://www.alldaychemist.com/460__Vardenafil-

    I've been told that it is best to use a one-use credit card. The kind you can buy at the drug store. It is my understanding that you do not need a perscription. Guys who I have talked to are very satisfied with their product

    ……………………………………….

    Hello, it is totally legal to obtain drugs from Canada or overseas if you are using a company that requires a RX….Federal legislation was past a long time ago legalizing it. I use the company listed below for generic Cialis. The site was recommended by my doctor.

    I see that they sell 90 20mg generic Levitra for $134.99 + reasonable shipping (you can buy less)…

    Best to you on your journey…

    http://www.progressiverx.com/store

    …………………………………………..

    The cost of my daily 5mg cialis prescription keeps going up. It currently costs me $128/mo. Looks like I can get 6.4 months' worth for $144 or only $22.50/mo.

    Only problem is that they only sell 10mg tabs, so I have to cut each tab in 1/2 but it's worth the hassle to save over $600 for 6 month supply.

    Looks like I'll be placing an order soon. Thanks

    ……………………………………………………………………..

    American consumers and should be able to guide the patient in how to select an approved pharmacy.

    It is indeed a violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act to provide or receive controlled drugs without a valid prescription.

    FDA guidelines for buying drugs online can be found here: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/BuyingMedicinesOvertheInternet/ucm202675.htm

    I would be particularly wary of an online pharmacy where you had to use a special credit card to avoid having your account hacked or stolen. Why would you buy drugs from someone if you couldn't trust that your financial transaction was secure. It's a lot easier to have a secure financial system that a quality drug program

    ………………………………………………………………………………..

    BD: You ever have any credit card or other problems using ProgressiveRX?

    Never have had an issue in the last 8+ years using these folks and I have used the same (and oldest) credit card I have....Remember that these are generic but I have been given about 100 brand name 5 mg Cialis from my Urologist and there is no difference except these are round and easy to split and cost me about .75 cents per 5mg does compared to $20+ per dose of the “brand name”.... oh, they are mailed from India but your order is handled by a Canadian company…

    In my experience (which is over 8 years) they have been available and prompt in returning emails and talking to you… It typically takes 2-3 weeks to receive (yes they go through customs) ….Let me know if you have any other concerns...All the best

    ………………………………………………………………………………..http://csn.cancer.org/node/237590

     

    My insurance covers my meds; however, I've been told that "All Day Chemist" is a good source of Indian meds. They do handle Levitra (vardenafil)at about a buck a pill:

    https://www.alldaychemist.com/460__Vardenafil-

    I've been told that it is best to use a one-use credit card. The kind you can buy at the drug store. It is my understanding that you do not need a perscription. Guys who I have talked to are very satisfied with their product

    ……………………………………….

    Hello, it is totally legal to obtain drugs from Canada or overseas if you are using a company that requires a RX….Federal legislation was past a long time ago legalizing it. I use the company listed below for generic Cialis. The site was recommended by my doctor.

    I see that they sell 90 20mg generic Levitra for $134.99 + reasonable shipping (you can buy less)…

    Best to you on your journey…

    http://www.progressiverx.com/store

    …………………………………………..

    The cost of my daily 5mg cialis prescription keeps going up. It currently costs me $128/mo. Looks like I can get 6.4 months' worth for $144 or only $22.50/mo.

    Only problem is that they only sell 10mg tabs, so I have to cut each tab in 1/2 but it's worth the hassle to save over $600 for 6 month supply.

    Looks like I'll be placing an order soon. Thanks

    ……………………………………………………………………..

    American consumers and should be able to guide the patient in how to select an approved pharmacy.

    It is indeed a violation of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act to provide or receive controlled drugs without a valid prescription.

    FDA guidelines for buying drugs online can be found here: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/BuyingMedicinesOvertheInternet/ucm202675.htm

    I would be particularly wary of an online pharmacy where you had to use a special credit card to avoid having your account hacked or stolen. Why would you buy drugs from someone if you couldn't trust that your financial transaction was secure. It's a lot easier to have a secure financial system that a quality drug program

    ………………………………………………………………………………..

    BD: You ever have any credit card or other problems using ProgressiveRX?

    Never have had an issue in the last 8+ years using these folks and I have used the same (and oldest) credit card I have....Remember that these are generic but I have been given about 100 brand name 5 mg Cialis from my Urologist and there is no difference except these are round and easy to split and cost me about .75 cents per 5mg does compared to $20+ per dose of the “brand name”.... oh, they are mailed from India but your order is handled by a Canadian company…

    In my experience (which is over 8 years) they have been available and prompt in returning emails and talking to you… It typically takes 2-3 weeks to receive (yes they go through customs) ….Let me know if you have any other concerns...All the best

    ………………………………………………………………………………..



    From Doctor that walks in the Park

     

    Source for drugs: CANAMERICA DRUGS or CANaDIAN MEDICINES

     

    Need to ask for a Brand Name, not generic(since European)   


    Can use credit card...........find out telephone number, and c

  • Swingshiftworker
    Swingshiftworker Member Posts: 1,017 Member
    RonDeF said:

    Erectile Dysfunction

    It was the at will, not the daily, the cost is too high for the daily dose because my insurance considers it a recreational drug, not a necessity and therefore does not cover Cialis.  Getting an erection now will be even more of a problem since one of my nerve budles was taken out due to being engulfed in cancer.  Shots are not an option as I hate needles.

    Daily Dose Cialis

    I have been using daily dose Cialis for many years; more for prevention than necessity. 

    The cost of the drug in the US is definitely too expensive (around $120/mo for just 30 pills or $360 for 90, if I recall) but I have been buying it from ProgressiveRX in India at a very reasonble price -- about $60 (shipping included) for a 3 month (90 pill) supply, which is just 1/6th the cost here.  Check them out!

  • RonDeF
    RonDeF Member Posts: 15
    Radiation Treatments Begin

    I received the call from my Medical Oncologist's office late yesterday afternoon, they are just about done preparing the radiation plan.  My treatments will begin one day next week and I will have a total of 39 treatments to radiate the prostate bed and the pelvic lymphnode area.  I have mixed emotions about this right now, first I am going to be glad to get these treatments completed however I am concerned about the fatigue I will face as the Lupron is already doing a pretty good job of causing fatigue.  Begiining next week should allow me to complete my treatments a couple of days before Thanksgiving.  This will be good because my wife and I are planning on heading up north to Massachusetts to spend the holiday weekend with family.  I am hoping that theeffects of 39 radiation treatment will not stop me from making the 1,300 mile round trip drive.

  • stoniphi
    stoniphi Member Posts: 54
    RonDeF said:

    Radiation Treatments Begin

    I received the call from my Medical Oncologist's office late yesterday afternoon, they are just about done preparing the radiation plan.  My treatments will begin one day next week and I will have a total of 39 treatments to radiate the prostate bed and the pelvic lymphnode area.  I have mixed emotions about this right now, first I am going to be glad to get these treatments completed however I am concerned about the fatigue I will face as the Lupron is already doing a pretty good job of causing fatigue.  Begiining next week should allow me to complete my treatments a couple of days before Thanksgiving.  This will be good because my wife and I are planning on heading up north to Massachusetts to spend the holiday weekend with family.  I am hoping that theeffects of 39 radiation treatment will not stop me from making the 1,300 mile round trip drive.

    My doc gave me a script....

    ...for Cialis daily so as to keep my nitrous oxide blood levels high. This is to enable the nerves and blood vessels in the surgical area to recover as best they can. Walgreens wanted $250 for 30 pills so I went to Canada Drugs.com. Now I get my script through them from England for about $120 a month for 30 pills. I currently have no interest in sex or ability to get an erection. I expect things to change when the chemo wears off sometime later this year. I use a penis pump daily to keep the erectile bodies flexible and capable. If you do not do this they will scar up inside and quit working completely. Somehing else to think about.

     

    The fatigue will be a part of your life for a while, you will just need to work around it. Like I said above, I take a 1 hour nap every afternoon. I also spend approximately 1/2 hour a day with the pump. I puchased a male bed urinal from Amazon for $10 to take camping. It can also  be used in a car.

     

    Yes, the fatigue is bothersome as are the other side effects. I would much rather be around to complain about them than to die a slow miserable death from metatastic prostate cancer, however.

  • RonDeF
    RonDeF Member Posts: 15
    stoniphi said:

    My doc gave me a script....

    ...for Cialis daily so as to keep my nitrous oxide blood levels high. This is to enable the nerves and blood vessels in the surgical area to recover as best they can. Walgreens wanted $250 for 30 pills so I went to Canada Drugs.com. Now I get my script through them from England for about $120 a month for 30 pills. I currently have no interest in sex or ability to get an erection. I expect things to change when the chemo wears off sometime later this year. I use a penis pump daily to keep the erectile bodies flexible and capable. If you do not do this they will scar up inside and quit working completely. Somehing else to think about.

     

    The fatigue will be a part of your life for a while, you will just need to work around it. Like I said above, I take a 1 hour nap every afternoon. I also spend approximately 1/2 hour a day with the pump. I puchased a male bed urinal from Amazon for $10 to take camping. It can also  be used in a car.

     

    Yes, the fatigue is bothersome as are the other side effects. I would much rather be around to complain about them than to die a slow miserable death from metatastic prostate cancer, however.

    Cialis

    My Urologist actually informed me that I may no longer be able to get erections using drugs because one of the two nerver bundles was taken during surgery.  He discussed other options with me and discussed giving myself the shots as my best option.   I am not really too concerned about erections right now, I meet with him again today for a follow up prior to starting my radiation treatments next week. 

    My main concern right now is to return to normal activities.  I actually work full time for the local school department in IT and I run a 100% volunteer military nonprofit foundation that provides recreational therapy to our wounded & combat veterans.  Being able to continue running the non profit foundation is a lot more important to me than erections at this point in my life.  We have helped out over 1,000 veterans in the last 5 years, many of whom refused to go out in public due to their disabilities/injuries, now they are leading normal lives again. 

  • stoniphi
    stoniphi Member Posts: 54
    RonDeF said:

    Cialis

    My Urologist actually informed me that I may no longer be able to get erections using drugs because one of the two nerver bundles was taken during surgery.  He discussed other options with me and discussed giving myself the shots as my best option.   I am not really too concerned about erections right now, I meet with him again today for a follow up prior to starting my radiation treatments next week. 

    My main concern right now is to return to normal activities.  I actually work full time for the local school department in IT and I run a 100% volunteer military nonprofit foundation that provides recreational therapy to our wounded & combat veterans.  Being able to continue running the non profit foundation is a lot more important to me than erections at this point in my life.  We have helped out over 1,000 veterans in the last 5 years, many of whom refused to go out in public due to their disabilities/injuries, now they are leading normal lives again. 

    You should be good to go....

    brother Ron. I am 64 years old, hold an advanced black belt in Taekwondo and run 7 miles a day 7 days a week. I work full time and carry my fair share of our household tasks as well. If your will power and determination are robust, you will be just fine carrying your load. You will just feel tired a lot.

    My daily Cialis script is to help me heal. I do not get erections without the pump and have no interest in sex at all right now.

     

    I also lost one of my nerve bundles during surgery, but will keep up all of my therapies regardless. When I have more than my usual 2.5 ng/dL testosterone I will see what I can do or not do sexually. A good read is"Saving Your Sex Life" by Mulhall. I got a copy from Amazon.

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,819 Member
    RonDeF said:

    Cialis

    My Urologist actually informed me that I may no longer be able to get erections using drugs because one of the two nerver bundles was taken during surgery.  He discussed other options with me and discussed giving myself the shots as my best option.   I am not really too concerned about erections right now, I meet with him again today for a follow up prior to starting my radiation treatments next week. 

    My main concern right now is to return to normal activities.  I actually work full time for the local school department in IT and I run a 100% volunteer military nonprofit foundation that provides recreational therapy to our wounded & combat veterans.  Being able to continue running the non profit foundation is a lot more important to me than erections at this point in my life.  We have helped out over 1,000 veterans in the last 5 years, many of whom refused to go out in public due to their disabilities/injuries, now they are leading normal lives again. 

    My read of it

    Ron,

    I'm sorry like all of the guys here that you have this tough fight on your hands. I also had DaVinci this year, in January, but my disease was by all tests results apparantly contained in the gland, and my gleason before and after surgery was a 6.

    Even without second-line therapies, sexual function is slow to return; a year or more following most surgical removals.  Some guys report being "back to normal" in a month, but such cases are radically outside the statistical avarages (my surgeon has done over 900 DaVinci's, and seen thousands of ED patients, and told me to expect to wait 1 to 1.5 years for some sort of spontaneous erections).   I can get an erection relatively fast with the injections ("Trimix"), and I would rate the sex as "fair," or perhaps a C-plus at best.  This is with also taking a daily Cialis, which as best I can tell does nothing.

    Regardless, the heavy radiation you are scheduled for will further impact your sexual return, so you might as well pretty much forget about getting over ED in the short-term, in my respectuful opinion.  I think you have a more serious fight on your hands until the results of the radiation and your nadir numbers come back, which may take many months to confirm. Just my two-cents worth.

    Bless your work with the vets.  I was a sub sailor for many years, but like most sub sailors, never injured in any way.

    max