In
my (layman's) judgement Xtandi , the primary anti-cancer agent in my
current protocol, has begun to fail. For the past year and a half my PSA
has registered a reassuring <.01. My most recent PSA registered
.03. A biannual appointment with my oncologist provided an opportunity
to get professional feedback on my research effort and focus the
discussion on what to do next. Accordingly in preparation for our
appointment I developed a proposed agenda. The primary response of my
oncologist was as follows: "In my judgement your PSA remains
undetectable. There is no clinical difference between .01 and
.03."
My proposed agenda* with my oncologist's responses (and/or lack thereof) appears below:
I. Clinical Studies
Are there any promising clinical studies we should consider?
NO RESPONSE
NO RESPONSE
II. Erleada
This medication was suggested as a possibility at our last appointment. I have two concerns:
--Is this drug likely to work following the failure of a similar drug like Xtandi
--Its
potential effect on brain function. Roughly two years ago I had a
stroke-like episode while on Trental and Jarrow Torosorb prescribed by
Dr. Myers to relieve a urinary problem. The episode consisted of a late
sudden onset of dizziness preceded by a gentle thump-like strike to the
head. A subsequent brain scan revealed (1) no indication of a stroke and
(2) I no longer have the brain of a 40 year old.
NO RESPONSE
NO RESPONSE
III. Brachytherapy
Note:In my proposed agenda I included a research study by Kollmeier with fairly positive outcome statistics. This report appears in an earlier journal entry consequently I chose not to include it here.
FOR THIS ALTERNATIVE YOU NEED TO CONSULT A RADIOLOGIST
IV. LupronNote:In my proposed agenda I included a research study by Kollmeier with fairly positive outcome statistics. This report appears in an earlier journal entry consequently I chose not to include it here.
FOR THIS ALTERNATIVE YOU NEED TO CONSULT A RADIOLOGIST
Based
on research following my initial diagnosis, I have steadfastly avoided
this option. For brevity's sake let's just say the reported side effects
never appealed to me. In addition my previous physician, Dr. Snuffy
Myers, was no fan of Lupron based on his research-related scientific
background and his personal experience with this drug.
NO RESPONSE
Just prior to my oncologist appointment I received an email from one of my long-time Cyberspace Buddies, a former judge, which reads in part as follows:
Just prior to my oncologist appointment I received an email from one of my long-time Cyberspace Buddies, a former judge, which reads in part as follows:
"My
oldest son has done a significant amount of studying in the science of
herbology. In fact, he has worked for several years at a place called
Mountain Gardens in Western North Carolina. Les is about as level
headed a person as there is on this planet and does not dispense advice
lightly.
A
person Les knows in Tallahassee is suffering from prostate and bone
cancer. The gentleman is in his 70's. His PSA two months ago was in the
300+ range. Les suggested that this gentleman consider taking liquid
doses of Reishi mushroom along with a liquid dose of Turkey Tail
mushroom. After two months, his PSA reading has dropped to 30. He has
told Les that he has renewed vigor and energy. Clearly the mushrooms
are doing something to charge the immune system."In brief, unlike anything I have done in the past, I implemented this homeopathic option six weeks ago. As soon as I can determine the impact of this decision I will provide an update.
Stay tuned.
* Edited to minimize redundancy and exclude one unrelated agenda item.
Update Sept 1,2019
My PSA has remained stable for the past three months. This pleasant surprise may be due to:
1. My oncologist was correct
2. The mushroom extracts are working
3. A combination thereof
The reader's guess is as good as mine. I have a strong suspicion which alternative is most accurate, but why spoil the fun;you be the judge.
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