Dogdad60 Experience

By Dogdad60

1 min read

Hello, I had RP 5 weeks ago, struggling with leakage, and dealing with the "new" me.

Radiation treatment

Met with a radiation oncologist, and will get PSA test soon. With the size of the nodule, high grade, and margins, my doctors seem to be ready to radiate me. I'm 61, in good shape, and am hoping to have some time to heal. My rectum had a hole stitched, much pain.

Mental health support

I have had depression for many years, and this came on fast when I turned 60. I read that Harvard doc recommends active surveillance for 6 months before rt after RP. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

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Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Dogdad60" user-id="4280260"/>. Completely understand your questions about immediately moving to adjuvant radiation (this is radiation performed right away, even if there is no evidence yet of cancer remaining in the body). Did your doctor get specific with the explanation as to why this is believed to be necessary? I don't know if this is the article from Harvard you are referring to, but I found this from Harvard Health discussing research which found similar outcomes between men who had adjuvant radiation and salvage radiation once cancer had recurred: <a href='https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/most-men-can-hold-off-on-radiation-after-prostate-cancer-surgery-2019120218509' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/most-men-can-hold-off-on-radiation-after-prostate-cancer-surgery-2019120218509</a>. Of course, every case and situation is different. Your doctor should be able to discuss how this does or does not apply to you. Also, know that you are always entitled to a second opinion. Please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
Dan Franke Moderator & Contributor
Hey DadDog60. I know where your head is at. Been traveling this road for a while now. Not sure what rt is? But just want you to know you are not alone-bunch of us to talk with and I know I do care that you do well in your walk. So hang in there, depression is a real concern. Dealt with mine with faith and prayer and just continued to push forward-even when I didn't want to. Took inventory and I had a lot of things where I could still make a difference. Feel free to tap me back if you need an ear to listen. DanFranke,moderator,ProstateCancer.net.
Winter Member
my adventure started in march this year and has been a roller coaster ride. similar to you. I too suffer from depression, not clinical, never diagnosed, but low. this is the tough time. the waiting and it's not knowing enough to get by it, time. at least it was for me. keep working those pelvic muscles every moment you think of it. it will help. you will get control, be patient with yourself. Helps to have a plan. what will they do next sort of thing, and what ifs. My story started in March with a PSA of 4, since then we went from MRI to biopsy to RP in May. pT3bNoMx (3+4) and then we waited. it was the hardest 3 mo. since discovery. and the first PSA ultra sensitive came back undetected. Whew, I thought, so we waited. Nov. my second test was positive. So when I originally discussed my treatment with my doctors we discussed the various options of treatment and out comes. they have a guide by the leading oncologists. have a look for it. in my case I decided to go RP then radiation. the question remained adjutant radiation or salvage, if salvage, when? and this is where its interesting because people are different and everyone will need something different. After a Auxemin PET/CT nothing glowed. Which hopefully means it is still contain in the pelvic area some where. I start SRT next month. in my case it would be prudent to do this now even, when auxemin detected nothing in my scans. Radiation sets you back to the beginning, learning to pee all over again, at least that is what I will be dealing with. not fun but do it once you can do it again, I tell myself. good luck on your journey. hope this lets you know your not alone.
1. SamuelTaylor Community Admin
 Thank you for sharing your experience with us, <inline-mention username="Winter" user-id="4162278"/>. How have you been doing lately? -Samuel, Team Member
Winter Member
Doing well, thank you! Simulated and scheduled to begin January 6. I am lucky in that I have a fantastic support team. Not everyone is as fortunate and I remind myself every day. It's a problem of being a daily visitor to the treatment centers. Faces become familiar. My wife and I by the time I finish my treatment will have spent a year going back and forth. These folks have been our "outside" during the pandemic as well. Very thankful for them and all the help through the process. And it continues. Thanks for checking in!
SamuelTaylor Community Admin
Always here and wishing you the best <inline-mention username="Winter" user-id="4162278"/>. Please let us know how you're doing. It's great that you have a good support team. -Samuel, Team Member