This newsletter is for the express purpose of entertaining and educating of my immediate male relatives and friends. The information provided is believed to be accurate but it is always wise to check with your own doctor(s).

Well, it has taken longer that we thought it would to get the new IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Treatment) equipment and software installed and tested.

At our PC Group meeting in March, we saw some test film from the IMRT equipment. It was truly amazing. They had created a picture (like an X-ray negative) that looked like a photo of Einstein to demonstrate the ability of the equipment to vary the intensity and position of the radiation. Good stuff, but they were not quite ready for prime time.

Good question. Time is growing short. Andy and I go in July. The radiation takes 8 weeks. If I don't start radiation till April 1 that leaves just 6 weeks to recover from any side effects and ramp up final training.

At the same March PC Group meeting, Dr. Patrick Feehan also presented data from a study he did several years ago at another cancer center. It was clear from just looking at the data (which means the statistical correlation would be very strong if one did the math) that men who were treated with Lupron prior to radiation did better in the longer term than those that were not treated or not treated as long.

So I checked the idea of waiting to have radiation till August (after I get back from the Tour de France) with Dr. Brad Tambler, who was at the meeting. He said he thought it would be fine.

I further checked with Dr. Neal Glover, the radiation oncologist I have been working with at CHOMP and Dr. Tony Shaheen, my urologist. All agreed that it would not be a problem so long as my PSA remains low. In fact, by waiting I can insure that there will be no side effect problems while in France and the set up process for the radiation will be more routine by August.

Wait till August for IMRT radiation.

As you know I was using a Progesterone cream last Fall and when I had my PSA checked in November it appeared to be depressing the PSA (thus slowing the activity of the cancer).

Dr. Neal Glover felt I should have more protection and urged that I start Lupron shots - this is called "Hormone Blockade." In November I got my first Lupron shot. I have had a shot monthly since then. On April 8 I got a 4 month shot. This shot should last till I start radiation.

I have occasional "hot flashes" and as a result take a lot of kidding from my spouse. Being relatively heat tolerant the flashes have not been a problem. Some have remarked that my face is less wrinkled, but that is pretty subjective

The graph below depicts my PSA history. As you can see my PSA started up some time between 1997 and 1998. By August 2001 it reached 5.7.

My PSA dropped to under 4 after I had used the Progesterone cream for a couple of months. After I went on Lupron my PSA went to 0.65. I will be tested again before I go to France.

All mended! After lots of PT I have most of my wrist flexibility back, although I still am doing strength and flexibility exercises. The hip is working great ­ my one year check up was A OK and I am riding almost daily.

You bet! In fact I was asked to be the Web Master for the Group. So between this newsletter and the Group website you can track my prostate cancer activities. And, if you are in town on a first Wednesday, plan on going to the Group meeting ­ they are full of information and you can meet some great people!

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