Thanks for sharing, Koku,

While it is certainly nothing to be ignored, Prostate cancer victims are having longer and longer survival times from the date of first diagnosis.

Do not delay if you suspect something. Ignoring it will not make it go away. A PSA blood test can and should be done on a regular basis, at least once a year.

Dont' think about it, Just do it! Someone who loves you may be glad that you did...

A-1

docs (imported) wrote: Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:56 pm I have had prostate cancer and am totally impotent.

DocS,

You had radioactive implants and they left you impotent? I thought they didn't cause impotence. I hear that the Proton or Neutron beam at Loma Linda University almost never results in impotence because there is no radioactivity that ever touches the nerves (the particles release their energy within .2mm of the target point so they can spare all the nerves after they computer map your prostate).

Man, that is sad that the quality of the orgasm is degraded. But I guess 'dead would be sadder'. I wonder if there would be a way to prechage the bulbous urethra and get a little more oomph out of your gasm?

Thanks for the insight,

DocT

No two radiation and or surgical experiences are quite the same. I was well on the way to impotence prior to radiation treatment. The year previously I had gotten a penile implant. That solves any penetration problems. Orgasm feelings are exactly the same only it is dry. You are right---a trade off.

Wayne (imported) wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2005 2:21 pm After 5 years of searching, I have found a urologist willing to talk with me about castration. She is willing to remove my testicles and scrotum if I wish, as a pre-emptive strike against possible recurrence of prostate cancer. Now that I know I can have them removed - I am giving it very serious consideration about whether or not to go ahead with it. Like others here, I think I would enjoy the look and feel of no balls or scrotum.

WayneHow were you able to find a urologist who was willing to perform elective castration and scrotum removal? Also, how difficult was it to convince her to do it?

Hi All.

In June '06. I had a TURP. and was told that PC was found. I am on a "wait and see" program at the moment. My PSA was 0-04. The urologist said that due to my age, 78 , that I would probably die of something else. But they would monitor my progress. I have to have a PSA at the end of this month,and if it is slow growing,and with luck,I should be good for about ten years. I have had a bi/orch to reduce testosterone output. I choose a bi/orch instead of drugs as I take 6 tablets a day for a heart condition,and think that that is quite enough drugs, also, erections are way down on my list of requirments A big advantage is that all the expence. drugs, operations etc., is covered by the NHS. When you reach 65, all drugs are free. Operations are free for all. This is paid for during your working years,via national insurance. So,whenyou retire,and you income drops.It takes a great worry off your mind. It has it faults,but finding the money isn't one of them. It is very comforting to read about others in the same boat, and help and advise each other. Iwill let you know how I get on at the end of the month. and any changes or treatments. I'll keep you posted.

Jack

Jack,

You sound like you are in good shape psychologically after all the procedures, that is a winning sign. Without testosterone, you should keep an eye on your strength, stamina, energy, and recovery. If any one of these starts to wane there are options. For your heart's sake, you may want to do a little research. Muscle is maintained by testosterone (women have it too). At a certain age (after 75) people start losing muscle mass even with normal testosterone levels (cardiac muscle gets thinner too). But, of course, you can't have testosterone. Certain amino acids called 'essential amino acids' which include the 'branched-chain amino acids' have been shown in several studies to reduce age-related muscle loss. This may also help heart muscle. Creatine has been shown to improve the strength of muscle and the health of cardiac muscle. There is some hard evidence that growth hormone actually lowers psa (contrary to what doctors assumed) and it really helps strength and energy. There are nor-testosterones (such as nandrolone decanoate) that also lower psa (meaning they don't stimulate the cancer cells). They work opposite from testosterone except that they improve strength, stamina, muscle, energy and recovery. Your current doctor will probably know nothing about the current state of knowledge on any of this. If you were interested in learning more you can google terms like 'nandrolone decanoate psa' or 'growth hormone igfbp-3 psa'. You can buy the aminos and the creatine in health food stores or on the internet, but for the other stuff you would need to find a preventive medical clinic. They must test your psa monthy to make sure it is not increasing - in one survey of 800 patients, psa went down in about 80% of patients, but you have to check.

If you have any questions you can send me a personal message,

DocT

madscientist1 (imported) wrote: Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:01 pm I don't understand why doctors are so leery about reccomending castration for curing prostate cancer. Assuming that sex is for reproduction, once the prostate is removed there is no semen to carry the sperm. Therefore, it would make more sence to both cure prostate cancer & prevent testicular cancer with castration.

From what I read, castration only slows down prostate cancer, and only for a short time. While the original cancer "feeds" heavily off of the hormones produced by the testicles, with the loss of those hormones, the remaining cancer quickly evolves into another form of cancer which doesn't need the hormones at all. Matter of fact, the new cancer (which doesn't need the hormones) is actually more aggressive, and more likely to spread. Not a good or desired result.

So, beyond the fantasies about castration for a reason, prostate cancer is not one of the "real" ones.