Hi, Tracy.
Today was my follow-up consult following the end of my radiation treatments March 28 and my blood draw that showed such good results. Now we just watch and wait. This high points of the interview:
- The hot flashes and night sweats could continue for a few weeks or perhaps up to 6 months. (I'm having a hot flash as I write this, and my arms and face have become damp.) The fact that I can arise from a chair easily indicates my strength is returning, but I still have periods of weakness, particularly when I have hot flashes. Since I have no significant other at this time to entice me, I have not taken the measure of the other side effects, although I'm confident that I could interview for a position as towel attendant at a harem shower room and be pretty sure of landing what now would likely turn out to be for me an insufferably boring job.
- The precision radiation has meant that my bowel and bladder have fared well. It's still possible for my urethra to develop scarring, and there are treatments for that, if they should occur.
- My urinary tract infection seems to be gone, yielding improved control. I can taper back on the Flomax.
- The Lupron shots and Bicalutimide pills had both the effect of preventing testosterone from feeding the cancer and also fighting the cancer as well as a type of chemotherapy. They, along with the radiation, have killed the cancer cells. There's the possibility that all cancer cells were eradicated, or that those that weren't don't have an environment that will nourish them, and they will not survive. The prostate's ability to produce PSA and generate seminal fluid is reduced, and a share of the mass is now represented by scar tissue. It's not the same old prostate.
- My PSA will likely rebound slightly. If it gets up to a score of 2, it's something I should pay attention to. That would be 100 times its current level.
- Around Halloween I will have another blood draw to measure my PSA, after which I will consult with my urologist.
- I remain a little lethargic; I take afternoon naps; and I have gained weight. I'm going to do something about that.
Love,
Dad
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