Firmagon (Degarelix) substitute for Lupron

Medcomglen said:

Latest PSA results
January 10, 2011; 1.3
November 16, 2010; 0.7

Last Firmagon injection,80mg: September 2010

VascodaGama said:

PSA Results
Extraordinary. I like to read reports on low PSAs. And you guys are constant winners.
I wish you continuous low results.

VascodaGama said:

RadHope, Just keep positive about the treatment
Hi RadHope
There are many cases of patients treated with hormone therapy plus radiation, as your case. Surely many did well and many did not do very well, just like many guys that choose other type of therapies. Once hormone therapy is over and you can check your real (not influenced) PSA, then you will know about the full success of the treatment.
There is one site (You Are Not Alone =YANO) where you can see patients with the same status as yours, and where you can read about their stories and outcome. You can even choose patients by their Gleason score + PSA + Age, etc. Just navigate within this site and you will find about guys who had the same status as yours;
http://www.yananow.org/Chart-Gleason.htm

Your neighbor nurse is not being realistic because she does not know. Just keep positive about the treatment and if the results are not as you most wanted, remember that nothing is lost. You just have to handle things as they come along.

Tomorrow it is your “T” day. Good luck.
I will think of you.
VGama

RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

Treatment
Hello All

I had my simulation run in the hospital for radiation treatment. A cast was made using a thin plastic sheet -it is warm & moist fits-- the contour of your upper body from the waist up to your chest. Once hardened it is removed & retains your shape for use throughout treatment, Also had three tattoos (very small) permanently placed on the area to be targeted. THis was all done while lying on a table at a cat scan machine. Pictures/X-rays were taken to work up a plan of attack on the prostrate etc.
I questioned the success rate of this radiation & was told there are numerous success stories. I'm now scheduled to go back next Thursday & have a simulation run then a full schedule of radiation days will be given. A diet guideline was also given. The hospital Cancer Center is warm & the nurses all very compassionate understanding your dilema.
I'm sharing the experience with those contemplating the radiation approach.

Wishing all success in whatever your approach in fighting this disease.
Rad Hopeful

RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

Diet Suggestions Etc.
Hello VGama & all

I was given several books with pages of info of what to take IF you encounter any of the side affects Too long to post here , But I also have a paper giving general guidelines of a diet while undergoing radiation therapy to the pelvis & or rectum(prostrate,bladder,colon & rectum.) On this paper it states under diet> DO NOT take a laxative, Drink plenty of fluids--8 to 10 (8 oz.) glasses of fluids per day--avoiding citrus juices & caffeine, plus You will be placed on a low residue,low fiber diet to follow while undergoing radiation. The book gives lists of foods & liquids if you have diarrhea, foods rich in calories /protein,foods easy on the stomach--The book is titled National Cancer Institute-Radiation Therapy & You.
I hope this helps in some respect. I was told to drink a full 16oz. of water at least 1/2 hour prior to the rad. treatments so the bladder can be moved if necessary---they want me to be the in the same condition when lying on the table. All this helps in guiding the beam when they start & minimize affecting the other organs. I have some reading to do but shared what I know so far. I wore jenes to the hospital but they had me change into a gown & gave a sheet to wrap around myself since the gowns are open in the rear-only undress from the waist down. I was allowed to keep my sneakers on which they strapped in place with velcro while lying on the table-- and my hands were held across the chest. Two nurses made slight position adjustments. The entire process din't take more than 45 min. at most then I was told I could leave & return next Thursday as I indicated earlier for a simulation run.
Rad Hopeful

RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

Radiation Treatment Decision
Hello VGama

I will gladly post the journey I'm venturing into & hope it helps others in making their decisions whatever they may be. Treatment decisions are based on individual circumstances--I can only realay what I'm encountering as I move forward.
The mold of my body had my name written on it & will act like a jig making sure your in the same spot for all treatments. The 3 gold seeds inserted in the prostrate & tiny tattoos are other guides to assure the radiation beam will concentrate on the prostrate & not hit any other organs. I wrote a E-mail off another site to a man that went through the same treatment & he is doing well with a constant PSA check -both he & his urologist are pleased with for over a year now which is encouraging. He kept on working & maintained his stamina although got a little fatigue towards the end. All side affects went away after treatments stopped & he is doing well. I love to hear success stories & wish, hope & pray the best for ALL traveling this journey.

Rad Hopeful

Medcomglen said:

Good to read your Good News!
That's wonderful you responded that fast. You may want to see if you can have a ProstaScint scan too with your other scans. Read my first blogs and you'll see why. In the meantime congrats to your Son, I just finished some great venison from North FLorida. Did you ever make it down to Sanibel? Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday Season.
Glen

califvader said:

questions.
i am close to making a decision on my treatment. i am wondering why you started out on lupron and then decided to change to firmagon. also, what are the differences in side effects you experienced on both. which one do you feel your body handled better? i had a radical in 2003 and my psa has risen over the last 7 years.

califvader said:

my question is directed to
my question is directed to medcomglen.