Good News Following Checkup
I had a 6-monthly check-up last Thursday. To my surprise, I actually saw my oncologist, Dr Barber. I have only seen him at key points early on in the process. After a discussion about my general health, he offered me the opportunity to come off the hormones, assuming that the result of the PSA test done that day showed that the level is stable, around 0.1. I accepted the opportunity gratefully!
I was surprised by this because I have floated the idea that I might come off the hormones several times before when it was clear that my PSA level was dropping rapidly but had never been given any encouragement to think that it was possible. However, it would appear that once three years have passed then stable PSA level means the hormones can be dropped. I have just rung his secretary to check on the situation; my PSA level is still 0.1 and I have the go ahead to discontinue the implants.
I actually have an appointment at my GP's on Thursday for another implant but I will not submit the prescription and go along to tell them the change and to let them know that I need to have the PSA tests ready before my next hospital checkup in four months. The frequency of these checkups has gone back up so that they can keep a closer eye on my PSA level. They expect that i will go up a bit but should stabilise at a level well with the norm for my age. If it continues to go up then I will go back on the hormones.
As the testosterone-suppressant clears my system I expect that my libido will increase, my head hair could decrease but body hair increase (back to shaving every day) and I'm hopeful that I will lose some weight. We (and my wife) wait to see how these things improve.