At long last, operation “Let’s (Finally) Cure Paul’s Prostate Cancer” is underway.

On Monday, July 16, Paul began Androgen Deprivation Therapy and received his first Lupron injection which will block his production of testosterone. This first shot will last approximately three months, but the doctors are recommending that he stay on the Lupron for at least a year as there is significant medical evidence that the combination of the testosterone blocker with radiation treatment improves long-term outcomes.

We continue to be concerned about all of the possible side effects from the Lupron. But so far, Paul is managing fairly well, although he’s started to feel fatigued. He is continuing to exercise and “eat clean” (most of the time) and I think that is helping him feel more normal. He’s also super busy with his new job which is a welcome distraction.

Next steps are:

• September 18th – appointment to insert markers (to track the position of the prostate during treatment) and a SpaceOAR Hydrogel. SpaceOAR hydrogel is an option for men who undergo radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It acts as a spacer providing space between the rectum and the prostate, making it much less likely that the rectum is exposed to radiation. It is injected into place prior to the start of radiation treatment.
• One week after the markers are inserted, an MRI and CT Scan will be conducted so the radiologist/oncologist can finalize his radiation treatment plan. It takes a couple of weeks for them to analyze the results, so they won’t officially schedule his radiation until this step is completed.
• September 26 – CT Scan and MRI
• TBD October – Radiation begins. We should be underway by mid-October but we can’t get a firm schedule until the steps above are completed.