What lies ahead?

Very good news following my visit with my RO last week. PSA dropped significantly once again, this time to 1.3 ng/ml. Testosterone also remains at a normal level (503 ng/dL) for a man my age.

           History:         Start of CyberKnife treatment -  (9/9/14) 7.5 ng/ml

                                                  1 month follow-up   (10/22)  3.7 ng/ml

                                                  3 month  follow-up  (12/17)  1.3 ng/ml  

I know I've got a long way to go and there may be some "bumps" ahead, but needless to say I am thrilled at these early results. Next appointment in March.

Best wishes everyone -

CC

Had my six month follow-up post CK with my Dr. on 3/18, and while I don't have the testosterone result yet, the most important number is the psa. It went down again, so let's pour the wine!

History:             

Start Of CyberKnife Treatment (9/19/2014) 7.5 ng/ml

1 month follow-up (10/22/2014) 3.7 ng/ml

3 month follow-up (12/17/2014) 1.3 ng/ml    

6 month follow-up (3/18/2015) 1.1 ng/ml

Warmest regards! - CC

VascodaGama said:

Successes

I wonder about the other fronts. The PSA is consistent and targets the ultimate success; CURE.
What about symptoms, apparent side effects or matter of the sex department? Do they make part of this success?

Let us know more details.

Congratulations

VG

That's a great question VG!!

At six months post CK, and after the tough time dealing with the shingles during my treatment, I am happy to report all is good. Mostly.

When I began my treatments and up to Nov 30, I was on two Flomax (tamsulosin hcl 0.4mg) per day. For the next 30 days, I reduced to one per day. On Jan 1, I went off it completely.

I tell you all that to say my experience was:

Urinary issues (difficulty peeing, discomfort, etc) were greater during and immediately after the treatments, and have lessened as time has gone on. Peeing has returned to normal as I remember it.

Sexual issues related to the Flomax use were "unpleasant", due to retrograde ejaculation. I described that in an earlier comment in this thread. Ejaculating was also difficult at times - but hard to know if that was a result of the treatment or of my own overthinking it - i.e. would I **** or will it hurt or what if I can't? The sensation of cumming then was noticeably different, and it was painful at times. Never had much of a problem getting an erection either, but maintaining it didn't always happen. Over time, sexual function has improved, and I'd say to about where it used to be.

The one area that has not returned to normal yet is my bowel movements. Prior, I was a regular morning guy, once per day with a normal stool. Since my treatments ended, I usually go in the morning, but there are times that I have 2 or 3 bm's a day. And when it comes -get out of my way! A few times a almost didn't make it to the john. Also, instead of the normal stool I used to have now they are much softer/loose. Dr says that is a result of the treatment and dietary fiber, and may improve with more time.  

(wasn't that fun to read fella's?)

I'm very pleased with my results so far, and accordingly, I'm thrilled with the decision I made to do CyberKnife. I understand that there are no guarantees - and the future is full of uncertainty, but I am living my life anticipating that I will evade the bandit from here until my last breath.

Peace,

CC

Met with my RO Wednesday for my nine month check, and it's all good news. When he said "I'm not worried about you at all", I pointed to my head to which he replied he can't help me with that, we all had a good chuckle .

He told me things seem to be progressing normally, and needless to say I'm very happy with the results. Lingering side effects with urination and bowel stuff, but nothing that is a huge problem for me. Sexually - no problems.

History:             

Start Of CyberKnife Treatment (9/19/2014) psa 7.5 ng/ml

1 month - (10/22/2014) psa 3.7 ng/ml, testosterone 471 ng/dL

3 month - (12/17/2014) psa 1.3 ng/ml, t 503 ng/dL

6 month - (3/18/2015) psa 1.1 ng/ml, t 380 ng/dL

9 month - (6/24/2015) psa 0.5 ng/ml, t 469 ng/dL

Will check back in September, until then, I raise my glass in celebration my friends!

Greetings fellow forum mates! I've not been good about staying active here for a few months now, so I have some catching up to do.

For the most part, things have been okay. As I've described here in various posts, or on the Cyberknife thread (http://csn.cancer.org/node/292915), I have experienced some difficulties, mostly related with urination since completing my treatment. I'm on Flomax, back and forth a couple times between one and two per day (Dr's advice) as my symptoms change. Mostly, I continue to have the most difficulty urinating at night. I try to watch my liquid intake, but as I've told my Dr., not much seems to make a difference. Peeing once or twice per night, but it's the flow - or lack of it - that is most troubling. No issues during the day. Anyone have any thoughts?

Stools remain soft, and urgency can be a problem from time to time, but so far no accidents!

Sexual function has also been a bit inconsistant. But hey, I'm not 23 so I'm working to accept changing dynamics related to age and radiation treatment.

Number recap goes like this:

Start Of CyberKnife Treatment (9/19/2014) psa 7.5 ng/ml

1 month - (10/22/2014) psa 3.7 ng/ml, testosterone 471 ng/dL

3 month - (12/17/2014) psa 1.3 ng/ml, t 503 ng/dL

6 month - (3/18/2015) psa 1.1 ng/ml, t 380 ng/dL

9 month - (6/24/2015) psa 0.5 ng/ml, t 469 ng/dL

12 month - (9/24/2015) psa 0.4 ng/ml (.421 ultra sensitive), testosterone 449 ng/dL

And the really GOOD news is, in spite of my urinary/bowel/sexual inconsistencies, my most recent numbers are:

18 month - (3-18-2016) psa 0.1 ng/ml (.139 ultra sensitive), testosterone 264 ng/dL

In all, I'm feeling really good for a slightly overweight, out of shape soon to be 64 year old. I'm happy with my decision to do the Cyberknife treatments in spite of the related (to my experience) side effects. My results so far are all I need to have as confirmation that the treatments were successful. My next appointment is in September, and I'll do my best to provide an update.

All my best to everyone - CC