Don, I had my Orchie last December and have been <0.01 ever since. I have not been told or come across any data that links low T and heart problems. I haven't experienced any SE's other than the "normal" ones. I also believe that its better for your liver to go the surgery route. As far as the surgery itself, no big deal, a bit sore for a few weeks, not as bad as a hernia repair. If you search Orchiectomty on this site you'll find a thread where I explained the different types of Orchies offered. Best of luck with your decision!

Cheers, Doug

Doug,

Thanks for the reply. I failed to mention that I have mets to my lungs and one lymph node near the lungs. Everything else is clear and nothing in bones. I have seen some articles that indicate low T can be harmful to the heart and I know that lupron causes metabolic syndrome. I have not seen anything that says it will cause vascular deterioration and was just wondering if anyone else had. Just trying to see if there is a connection between the sudden onset of heart issues and the long term HT.

I have looked at several sites showing and explaining the orchiectomy procedure and I agree it does not sound as bad as my hernia repair many years ago.

Looks like your treatment has been a success so far. Hope it continues for you.

Allen,
Thanks to you as well for your reply. I have had an angiogram with the intent to place a stent at the failed graft. However my cardiologist says the graft is vienous and is in such condition that it could not contain a stent without some danger of tearing. Best I can describe it is like a rotten hose that still holds water but for how long. We have discussed another bypass and that can be done but I get the feeling my cardiologist is hesitant because of cancer prognosis. To tell the truth so am I.

I am also thinking that I am tired of getting the shots and should just be done with it once and for all. Last one hurt like the dickens. Never had that happen. I think the nurse hit my sciatic nerve and the pain was all the way down my leg.

Thanks again to both of you for taking the time to reply and for the good information.

Don

Hi Mel,

Thanks for the reply. I have been trying to reach my Cardiologist for a few days but seems she is out of touch until next week. I have not talked to my oncologist yet. I do have access to some of the best minds in research through my trial at NIH and will likely ask them about this on my next visit. I think I get less guarded answers from them since I have signed the trial agreement and they are not providers. You are correct about the Cleveland Clinic cardiac expertise. I spoke to them when I had the open heart surgery. The aftercare was the sticking point as it was an extended period. I did, however, get a very good surgeon who was listed in best doctors in America (Newsweek) and was able to stay at my sister's home for the five week no fly, no drive period.

I thought I would start with the Healingwell contingent as I have found very good information on some fairly obscure questions over the years. I hope that my comments here have been as useful to others as thier's have been to me. Even the lack of comments at times lets me know that I am breaking new ground.

I am so tired of all of this. I can fix the heart but not the cancer. I really do not look forward to concluding my life's journey in the cancer ward. I watched my uncle wither from a jovial, warm and loving person to a semi comatose, pain ridden body. It was as though his spirit had left him but forgot to tell his body to go and be at rest.

Don

Don:

Your last paragraph is a very perceptive one. I think it elucidates what we all fear (in the front or the back of our minds). Scary stuff.

Tony -- question. You mention the orchtectomy. But, wouldn't one get the same SE as with Lupron, but permanently so? I thought the SE were the result of the low T, not the drug itself.

Mel

Tony,

Thanks for the input. Both your comment to me and Mel are on track with my thinking regarding the orchiectomy. My ex wife is an RN and she had a friend who was an oncology nurse that she asked advice from on my behalf when I was first diagnosed. No hesitation.... with my numbers she said do the orchiectomy and forget the HT. Side effects would be practicaly the same best analogy would be a post menopausal woman. I just could not bare to part with the boys especially since there was a minor chance of a cure. Likely should have done this when I started the second round of HT. Live and learn.

I have met one or two others who had the procedure and each one said hands down they would do it again and neither have ever taken Lupron or any other agonist. Both are in the trial with me and having good results.

Mel,
Yes, I may have overposted on that but it was bubbling up. Did not mean to be so glum.

Don

Serious Business Here

Unlike some of my other current posts on HW, I read this topic and am reminded at how blessed everyone is by the cumulative knowledge that is available here. You men help saves lives! You also help those who may be going down a much scarier journey. I thank you for what you have done for me. I will live much longer and enjoy my grandsons because of you and others that are here. I had CABG in 1992 so this topic got my attention for sure.