Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

bagimin

(1,453 posts)
Thu Dec 28, 2023, 03:12 PM Dec 2023

Any man out there with 4+4?

I'm 76. I've been told that the cancer is contained by Pet scan. Also I've had first Lupron shot. Barigel rectal shield implanted had MRI and CT scan last week..no results yet. Can't find any studies that indicate that a person my age with 4+4 will increase expectancy post 30 radiation treatments despite what uroligist and both oncoligists seem to think. The bills are coming in and I just wonder if the radiation is worth it.
Thanks for any input.

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Any man out there with 4+4? (Original Post) bagimin Dec 2023 OP
I am not quite sure of the 4+4 designation. TNNurse Dec 2023 #1
4 plus 4 is the gleason score bagimin Dec 2023 #2
The real question is: do you feel like it's worth it? Do not cut your string too short. marble falls Jan 2024 #3

TNNurse

(7,100 posts)
1. I am not quite sure of the 4+4 designation.
Thu Dec 28, 2023, 04:05 PM
Dec 2023

My husband is 73, an aggressive form contained to one side of the prostate. Finished radiation, had the Barigel implant.
Radiation was expensive. The hot flashes, physical weakness, emotional lability and other side effects of the shots have been very stressful for both of us.

I think life expectancy was not as significant a concern as was metastasis especially to bones was motivating for treatment.

bagimin

(1,453 posts)
2. 4 plus 4 is the gleason score
Thu Dec 28, 2023, 05:06 PM
Dec 2023

aggressive, but not the worst. Mind if I ask how expensive radiation is with a good PPO insurance?

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Cancer Support»Any man out there with 4+...