Prostate catch up

The prostate, however, has not been playing ball. My trip to Lisbon did not bear fruit and with a PSA having risen to 178 and needing firefighting a strategic - and hopefully short-term - course of hormone therapy was started four weeks ago with Casodex and then a Zoladex one month implant. This should get the numbers down to a manageable level and give breathing space while various new alternative treatments come into play. In the meantime a CT and then a bone scan have given a closer look at what is really happening inside.

I’ve just seen the oncologist and she reported that the PSA had ‘plateaued’ in the short time since re-commencing the hormone therapy. Also that the CT scan had indicated  several sclerotic areas in both iliac wings and probably two lumbar vertebrae suggestive of bony metastases.

The bone scan has been reviewed and it was concluded that there is a very small tumour in the lower spine and small metastases in the iliac wings - too small for hot spot radiotherapy ‘zapping.’ A course of bisphosphonates taken intravenously was proposed to strengthen the bone and I am researching this to decide shortly whether to take this route. A Strontium mineral supplement is also being considered as an alternative.

Physically, I have been suffering back pain on and off since January, when a long established wedge fracture was revealed by x-ray. Since this pain is NOT in the areas of suspicion indicated by the scans, it does seem that it is emanating from this fracture and associated spinal ‘wear and tear’ and I have been swallowing analgesics to cope with it.

The doctor at the local pain clinic suggested giving acupuncture a try and taking the painkillers as a suppository and/or a transdermal patch to lessen the risk of gastric damage from prolonged pill taking.

I have my first appointment with the acupuncturist this afternoon.

To finish, I must thank Yes to Life, Cancer Options and the Really Healthy Co for the invaluable help and support that I have received through this period of difficult decision making.

tags: kalymnos  greek island  prostate cancer  psa  radiation therapy  strontium  acupuncture  council tax