As the subject indicates, I'm halfway through radiation treatments.  22 down 22 to go for a total of 79.2 gys. just to the prostate and surrounding vesicles.  Originally, I thought I was also getting radiation to the surrounding lymph nodes also.  The rad. onc. indicated in my case (gleason 9/10) there is only a 7% chance that the cancer is there and didn't want to subject me to side effects I didn't need. I'm a bit overweight, but have lose 30 lbs since all this started knowing the lupron will most likely put the pounds back on.  That being said I understand there is a greater chance of reocurrences being overweight. She said if I want to treat the pelvic area, now is the time to do it. Does anyone have thoughts in this area, should I now have radiation to the lymph nodes?  I'm a newbe here trying to understand all this in a very short time. thanks.

Post Edited (bertb) : 9/1/2011 9:24:10 PM (GMT-6)

Sorry S.C. thought the staging thing was automatic. I'll try that again. I know I read somewhere that being over weight was a higher rick factor of recurrance. Been reading so much lately on the crap it's confusing me.

Bert, my case is similar to yours and while my treatment followed failed surgery, with G-9, opening up the beam a little should not subject you to any significant increase in side-effects and it might prove worthwhile...You can't go back and do this again, so you might as well do all you can now..

I'm currently on my 10th of 44 treatments. G9 and I'm getting whole pelvic coverage. It is more risky, and I am a bit concerned. I guess I would be more concerned if I didn't do it. My radiation oncologist didn't insist, but strongly advised it, as did other medical oncologists, including Dr. Scholz.

If you decide to go ahead, here's a paper you might want to bring along, or at least read yourself (Dr. Scholz sent me this):

"RTOG GU Radiation Oncology Specialists Reach Consensus on Pelvic Lymph Node Volumes for High-Risk Prostate Cancer", www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2905150/?tool=pubmed

Best wishes,
Nellie

Hi Bert,

I had RT as primary. 45 sessions with first 25 being full pelvic and prostate focal. Last 20 were prostate only. If it is definite that you are organ confined then full pelvic is not necessary. If you had suspicious lymph nodes as I did then err on the safe side and have the full pelvic. As for side effects mine were mild and short lived. Cleared up within days of completing the treatment.

Bert, good luck with the treatment.

Don

 

Gentleman, Thanks so much for your imput on this subject. I printed all of this thread along with the report from Riviere (thanks) and brought it with me to my treatment today. I didn't see her, but she was nice enough to read it and put sticky notes on them and was ready when I got out of treatment. With the information regarding my case, she said if it were a member of her family she would not do any more treatment then what is being given my right now. Regarding be overwieght she said there is nothing proven that it increases the chances of reacurance. But liked the idea that I'm trying to stay ahead of the lurpron. So guys, I guess I'm going to stick to the plan. I'll also be praying every night that she is correct. Thanks so much or all of y'alls imput.
It really means alot to the scared ****less newbe.