YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Julian Spain and Vicki live in Okinawa, Japan. He was 57 when he was diagnosed on May 31, 2006. His PSA was 70 ng/ml, his Gleason Grade 10 and he was staged T3. His initial choice of treatment was Androgen Deprivation Therapy (Hormonal Treatment). Here is his story:

The cancer has moved into my hip. Inoperable...I'm panicked. Started Casodex 2 days ago...will have the Lupron injection on Thursday.

Can anyone provide direction and support. What type of diet or exercise program should I start to reduce or diminish the effects of the hormone therapy

Respectfully

J. Spain

 

UPDATED

January 2007

 

Thanks to all that have written and provided support and advice.

After my initial diagnosis at Lester Military Hospital in Okinawa, Japan, I went for a second and third opinion in North Carolina.

The Carolina Cancer Center of Charlotte, NC and Duke Urologists of Raleigh agreed that my Gleason was 4+4 not 10 and that the PCa was T4 not T3. My oncologist started me on one week of Casodex to reduce the testosterone flare that I would get with my Lupron shot. On July 6th I got my first Lupron shot and have been receiving them every three months. I also received a Zometa IV (biphosphate) every month for six months to aid in repairing the mets in my pelvis.

After a week the pain in my pelvis had stopped and my PSA had dropped from a high of 70 ng/ml to 19 ng/ml. I returned to Okinawa in August where I continued my Lupron & Zometa. After six months my PSA has fallen to <0.05 ng/ml and is holding as of this writing. The hot flashes still come every 30 minutes but I'm taking Effexor (antidepressant) which as diminished their intensity and stopped the emotional roller-coaster caused by having no measurable testosterone.

Beginning Jan. 07 I will begin having the Lupron shots and Zometa IV every three months. The Zometa will delay the onset of osteoporosis.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers.

 

UPDATED

May 2008

 

Thanks again to all for the notes and well wishes.

After 18 months on Lupron & Zometa my PSA went from undetectable to 0.045. Still very low but we're waiting to see if it stays before trying an "off-period" or if it is rising we will add Casodex.

Julian A. Spain.

 

UPDATED

July 2008

 

3 years from diagnosis and all seems to be going well. PSA went from <0.05 to 0.45 in Feb'08, 0.04 in Apr'08 and is still <0.01 as of July. Oncologist is pleased but he is not on Lupron. ;-)

Happy and healthy as can be expected we are traveling in Ireland and Spain.

Life is good.

 

UPDATED

October 2009

 

 

After 3 years using Lupron and Zometa I began an "off" period after my March 09 injection. At my last testosterone test (Oct. 09) I was still castrate with a PSA still below <0.05.

 

UPDATED

February 2011

 

 

After three years on Lupron, I've had a year and a half off but I have remained at castrate level for testosterone. PSA <0.05 and my oncologist doesn't want to see me until it reaches 10!

I'm very fortunate and continue to be active in spite of the changes caused by being castrate. Cardio complications required surgery in 2009 so be aware of the effects of low or no testosterone to your cardiovascular system.

Fight the good fight, Live a full life.

Julian's e-mail address is: jspain@sunny-net.ne.jp