Posted on 03/03/2023 1:31:34 PM PST by nickcarraway
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer 8½ years ago. Had 8 bone mets. 3-4 years just on Lupron injections every three months. When PSA started to increase, my oncologist and I decided to add Xtandi. Normally, it works for 6-9 months. It’s been working for over four years for me. I’ve responded so well, my oncologist told me about a year ago the my cancer may never progress.
Back to the article. MD Anderson prostate cancer oncologists don’t have a high opinion of Provenge. The pharma company claims it extends life by 4-5 months compared to a control group. There are much better options such as Xofigo when prostate cancer is no longer controlled by ADT.
As for watchful waiting vs. surgery; I’ve met a number of men who did watchful waiting who were later later diagnosed with Stage 4. My advice is that if prostate cancer is contained within the prostate and the patient is not elderly, removal is the better option.
The key factor in avoiding long term urinary control and ED problems is to have a top-notch surgeon do the surgery. I’ve recommended a particular urologist at MD Anderson to 4-5 Freepers. All were very happy with the results. PM me for the name if you want.
Should have gone to MD Anderson.
Well I no longer live in Texas and Nashville is only about a 2 hour drive.I was given all the options, I did not want the radiation therapy.
For my prostate, I had “brachy-surgery” in 2010. Radioactive grains of Iodine are inserted under anesthesia. There’s a “burn” that lasts several weeks, then the radiation becomes depleted. For relief, I sat on frozen water bottles.
The tiny capsules of titanium remain in the prostate for life and can trigger metal-detectors for ten feet around!
My “Cadillac-grade” supplemental insurance didn’t cover it. (No better coverage was available from Blue Cross). ‘Wish I’d known that. I was billed for two years until I found out, and was still liable for the $10,000 cost.
Yeah, I should have mentioned that some prostate cancers are quite aggressive. Here’s to a long life...🍻
I think that was a wise decision.
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