Radiation Plan

We saw the radiology oncologist on Thursday for my dad. All looks good to go ahead with the radiation to the prostate bed. He said they will be using IGRT and IMRT. I’m not exactly sure what that is but have been trying to research. They have to get information from my dads GI specialist as well, to be sure where his Crohn’s disease (which is healed) is located so they do not get radiation close to that to make it flare or damage anything. They are also going to do the hormone shot, Lopron, I think it is. Dr said shouldn’t have any side effects really with radiation and hormone shot may cause him to get up more at night to urinate and stuff. Said shouldn’t be any pain or anything since he’s been clear, undetectable, for 5 years. He did mention that they will have to watch because there is a chance it could be somewhere else in the body and just undetectable on scans. The urologist acted like he was happy it was in the bed tho and at being just .24 for PSA it wasn’t likely to be anywhere else.

My plan was 5 days a week for 5 weeks but I am getting a higher dosage. Tall Allen calls this hypofractionated. I just finished 20 so 5 remaining. No significant SE.

Good luck

Nmkinley sounds like the exact plan for your Dad that I'm on 37 treatments Hope it goes well for him

Larry

nmckinley,

I think your dad will do fine, I had a Lupron shot 10/20/17 and just finished #13 of 38 Salvage RT with a few little side effects like mild cystitis, occasional diarrhea and fatigue.
The lupron is a little strange feeling with hot flashes and brain fog and some tiredness as well,
but it's manageable.
It's not as bad as it seems, we must do what we can...
Best Wishes for your dad.
James

hello....my 6 month Lupron shot lasted for about 18 months with mild se`s.....during the first 12 months ...15-20 extra lbs. which I needed ...was 138....with the Lupron got to 164...felt good to have that weight on.....and now after 18 months since the shot ....am back down to 150....I`m OK with that ......besides the hot flashes,(probably the worst of the se`s), I had very sore nipples up until a couple months ago.....and then the loss of sex drive is very strange too ....but that is getting better ....no fatigue.....good luck.......

Good Christmas morning
It sounds like your Dad is right on target with this plan. I am thirty-two months past salvage radiation. I had 35trips. No lupron . I am 3+4=7 no 8's so Lipton not needed. No side effects. I am doing great <.006 last reading- go for next test Jan 29. Hope all goes well for your Dad. It should.

Hi @Nmckinley,
Just joined this website and saw your post, your Dad and I have very similar situations with the PSA .24 and radiation treatment plan. As your post was 2017, I am curious how your Dad is doing?

Glad to hear he is doing well. I start hormones this Friday.

We go this Friday for the scan. I’m very nervous not knowing what might be found. I’d like to think that with the PSA “only” being .3 that nothing crazy is going on and that we are being proactive and can be ahead of the game! He likely wouldn’t like to do the hormones but I know if it came to that then he would take them. His oncologist said let’s look and if there’s a spot we will take care of it. Fingers crossed and prayers appreciated!

It seems like we are looking at Mets in the ribs. We will find out more tomorrow. I’m a mess. Not sure where we will go from here or what odds are.

You are lucky in a odd way, the holidays are on weekends. Will be interesting to hear how the treatments schedule out as my RO said they don’t like extended absences more than a 3 day weekend. I did 37 treatments and it is plenty long enough, only had Memorial Day off. The tattoos are a forever reminder of how you spent a couple of months of your life.

I appreciate your thoughts on this. I was really shocked to hear this news, and as I mentioned, we will get greater detail tomorrow and I will update this post. Anytime we hear that something else has popped up it’s just terrifying! Dad is 75 and very active so I want him to continue with a great quality of life.

nmckinley, sorry to hear about your dad. I hope tomorrow will have good answers for you. As far as radiation goes, it seems each person has an individual plan. I am getting 28 sessions at 2.5 gy. The patients going in before me and after all have different plans. As far as hormones, I had 2 initial shots in the stomach of Firmagon. I just completed a month on that and was switched yesterday to daily Orgovyx pills for 17 more months. The Firmagon was just some day and night sweats.

Mumbo, well I guess I hit the jackpot as far as holidays go. I had 5 IMRT treatments, Monday thru Friday, off Saturday. Now, Sunday through Wednesday and off (4) days. I hope missing 4 days won’ t be a problem.