revchuck 

I had my second prostate biopsy a couple of weeks ago. Gleason score of 6 again, but my prostate went from normal to partially hardened in the three years between biopsies, so my urologist told me it was time to do something other than active surveillance. I just had an appointment with a radiological oncologist who referred me for a pelvic MRI to check to see if the cancer had spread to other areas. The MRI is in a week and a half. Assuming that the cancer hasn't spread, he recommended we go with radiation without hormone treatment, since the majority of negative side effects come from the hormone treatment. If we go with radiation, the treatment is five days/week for nine weeks (44 sessions). He told me that most guys don't notice much effect from that treatment other than possible bladder and bowel irritation. Has anyone been this route, and if so, what was the effect on your riding? I'm guessing VO2 max intervals might have to be put on hold, at least temporarily.

Beic

Hi Chuck,

Firstly good luck.

I had 40 or so radioitherapy sessions and it is correct, well it was with me that the hormones give you the side effects.

I had cold sweats? put on weight and had weird dreams when on the hormones.

The radiotherapy made me slightly tired, but I worked through it with no real effect on my work and I did a few strenuous things immediately after completing the treatment.

No effect on riding, long distance walks etc.

I finished my treatment 3 years ago last week and up to now I've not really had any side effects.

I'm still trying to shift the weight though, need to ride more!

If you have any other questions just give me a pm and I'll try and help.

OldTryGuy

Best of luck with your treatment revchuck.

My course of action does not include radiation, but the zero testosterone is most definitely hitting me hard. Night sweats like menopausal women and even during the day. Having a little paunch in the belly even though I'm down to Ironman weight. Got in a Selle SMP TRK yesterday and popped it on my Giant. Went to the group ride today and stayed with them for a bit but gave in to common sense and muscle loss so I had to back off and slowwww down. Managed 50 miles so that is a positive but trying to get ready for a reduced birthday ride 2 weeks from Saturday of 65 miles and 2 for good measure. Wife and I will be camping and I'll probably still have sleeping issues so I plan to get out at 3:00AM with great lights to begin my mileage in the park. Average mph will be a far cry from my normal speed but I'm just hoping to complete it.

The guys were so supportive today it was fantastic. I managed to rejoin them at the end and then headed towards home with an escort from my best budd. He stuck with me to my house to make sure I didn't keel over and believe me I was almost there. I figure I'm going to have to get a bone density scan to keep in touch with the shape of my support structure since I'll be without testosterone for at least a year.

Heart rate was playing games today so that's something else I will have to keep in check.

revchuck 

Thanks for the well wishes, guys! Keeping my fingers crossed, planning on not freaking out until at least I find out what the MRI says.

OldTryGuy

Not being super knowledgeable, but thinking that still having 6 after 3 years means it's not that aggressive, so don't freak out.

revchuck 

I was being a bit facetious. I've read what other guys have gone through and know I'm fortunate to have the low grade version and to have caught it in time.

OldTryGuy

Even with my 10 on right side I wasn't too upset since my doc was so confident. Still have the 6 in left that we will address in December.

Beic

Chuck,

One thing I forgot to mention, as you know you'll be on a starchy white bread etc diet, stick to it.

Also I was given the following tip, try to organise your radiotherapy sessions at the same time every day.

The reason is your body,organs, bowels etc will be in the same state, position,size etc each day. This allows the radiologists to be very accurate with their giant ray gun.

I was fortunate in that our Health Board had recently invested in a state of the art machine.

qcpmsame 

Best wishes, and prayers for your treatments to be successful, Chuck. Take things easy, and follow the doctor's orders. No need in making things more difficult.

Bill

Banded Krait

My best wishes and prayers are going out to all the 50+ members fighting prostate cancer.

I don't know if it has any applicability to those of you who are fighting this disease. I did want to mention the work of Dr. Dean Ornish in this area (see the Web site of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute at Preventive Medicine Research Institute. Ornish has shown in research that was published in peer-reviewed scientific journals that comprehensive diet and lifestyle changes can slow the progression of, and sometimes reverse, early-stage prostate cancer. There is a really good "TED talk" available on YouTube at https://tinyurl.com/prcsfkv in which Ornish talks about his research. The portion of the talk detailing his research on prostate cancer begins at around 12:30 and runs for 3 - 4 minutes.

OldTryGuy

Thanks for the info.

With tons of information out there to review, it truly is mind bending. My PC doctor has worked with a group of men with prostate issues and has passed on lots of information also. Although my diet was never bad, my habits never bad and was very active, it meant very little in my case. I have altered my diet towards a cancer fighting diet but am suffering with the exercising aspect since my body is throwing me curve balls regarding strength, intensity and duration. Doing the best I can is about all I can do.

Hangtownmatt

For those of you out there battling this disease and looking for answers I'd like to suggest subscribing to the following discussion groups:

https://www.inspire.com/groups/us-too-prostate-cancer/
RP Info Page

I also highly recommend seeking out a local support group. In my experience, these man-to-man (wives and significant others are also usually welcome) face-to-face meetings are not whinny cry on your shoulder support groups. These are knowledge transfers and shared real life experiences. These groups are invaluable for getting to the truth. On the Internet people can hide behind their computers and vent, whereas face-to-face, you normally will get the honest to God's truth.

With 27+ different treatment options there are lots of decisions to be made. You must research an decide what is best for you. And once that decision has been made you must live with your choice. Do not waste valuable time.

revchuck 

Pelvic MRI yesterday, spoke with the radiation oncologist today. The cancer is entirely contained in the prostate, has NOT spread anywhere else. Radiation treatment starts next Tuesday with the implantation of two inert seeds in my prostate to give the radiation tech something to aim at, then I get fitted to the apparatus for the treatment the following Tuesday, and then start with the radiation therapy itself for 44 sessions spread over nine weeks. NO restrictions on training. Life is good. Going to finish this build, do a recovery week, then start with VO2 max stuff. ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!

Matt - That link you supplied was extremely helpful. I joined, asked questions, and got good answers. Thanks!

Ursa Minor

That Ornish video was great! Thanks so much for the link.

Charlie

Ps Good luck Chuck

OldTryGuy

Fantastic news. Go for the gusto ASAP!!!!

My blood work confirmed 0 testosterone so this experiment in progress continues using diet change and exercise. Got out Saturday for 109 mile biking, yesterday 70 miles and Friday is my 65th so a birthday ride is planned. Anywhere from 65 to 132 miles.

revchuck 

qcpmsame 

Good news, Chuck, as said above. Please take care of yourself, you are in my prayers for strength, and an uneventful recovery following the rad treatments.

Bill

VNA

Wishing everyone fighting prostate cancer the very best outcome.
But don't you have incredible muscle and joint pains from the lack of hormones not to mention moods and tiredness?
I am impressed that you go for such long rides!

OldTryGuy

Like so many others, I've been dealing with pain for so long the new crud amounts to just another pot hole in the road. What ticks me off IS the added weakness, mostly upper body but also legs, that I know I can not make improvements to because of the zero T. My cycling buds are happy with my return to the group but I make sure they know I am a WHEEL SUCKER when the speeds start holding at 24mph+. As far as moods and overall tiredness, SUCKS for sure. Sleeping is really messed up too. In bed or on couch at 2230+/- then awake 2400/0030 every stinking night. Does not fail. Most times I have to take a nice hot shower to ease joints, pain and weird fog I feel and sometimes I have to repeat 1 or 2 more times. Stay awake for an hour or two, ZZZZZ out for an hour then back awake and repeat. Last Saturday I wound up waking up at 23:45, dressed and got out at 0030 for 33 SLOW biking miles, got home-showered-ate then back out for the rest of the 109, then Sunday at 0030 up and out for a 5K walk, another deja vu all over again.

Knowing that ZERO T can mess with emotions/moods is another must accept it and deal with it situation. Sometimes a vocal outburst happens, but it is low keyed and not directed towards any individual. Oh yeah, the HOT FLASHES are interesting.

I consider myself fortunate in that my choice for addressing my cancer is far less invasive than many other methods and this has allowed me to get back on 2 wheels ASAP with my doctors approval.

VNA

OldTryGuy you are an inspiration to all of us--hope you get better quick.

OldTryGuy

Just heard on the news that Fl. Sen. Bill Nelson has been diagnosed with PC.

Thanks VNA, just feel that we should continue on the best we can until we can't.

Got 32.5 miles in yesterday on the eve of my 65th birthday as the last ride of year #64 . Going to have a little breakfast right now at 0416 and head out at 0625 to meet the guys for my 65 mile, at least, birthday ride.

VNA

OldTryGuy: Happy birthday and enjoy your ride.
You must have a military background to use the 24 hour clock and such discipline?

cyber.snow

Had the big prostrate C at 62, almost 8 years ago. Given the state and location of the prostrate, they decided it was best to just remove it. Biggest problem I have had since is finding a bike seat that will allow me to ride for long periods of time without the whole are going numb. I did find the SMT TK seat, though very strange looking, to be the most comfortable bike seat I have ever owned. If you are having trouble with numbness in that area, give one a try. Amazon carries them and their return policy is very liberal. Otherwise, my prayers for your recovery and continued good health go out to you.

OldTryGuy

Thanks. Had a great 67 mile B-day ride. Friend acted like a domestique and did a bunch of pulling for me. So much so, that I had to go around him on the left many times for me to take a pull. Turned out that the last 12 miles of our ride, I was doing much of the pulling for him. Military time is so much more logical in print. Son and DIL both Army W3 but nothing for me.

Friend of mine raved about the Selle SMP TRK Man saddle so I got one and NOPE, didn't work, so he got it. Sticking with my cheapo Nashbar FR1. Was good enough for the 112 mile non stop IMFL ride last year and still feels good after all the recent stuff.

Keep on keeping on, to all.

qcpmsame 

A belated Happy Birthday, OTG, glad that you are getting back out fairly quickly. Take care not to overdo the riding, though. Prayers for a complete and total recovery, and keep up those good paces.

Bill