On October 11, Ross wrote, in pertinent part:

The basic question to be answered is: Is Ross on ADT or not?

One of the possible SEs of ADT is hot flashes. But if Ross is not on ADT, I
suggest that his inquiry would best be answered by his medic.

If Ross is experiencing hot flashes from ADT, the issue is treatable via

Megestrol acetate (Megace)
Paxil (an anti-depressant)
Effexor (another anti-depressant)
Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone, a female hormone), a tx for
endometriosis or, in high doses, a long-term female contraceptive.

The anti-hot flash properties of these medications are SEs. Use for control
of hot flashes is "off-label" and not covered by Medicare or, AIUI, other
insurance.

FWIW, I chose "Depo Sub-Q Provera" which is the endometriosis tx. One 104
mg injection into each thigh two months ago has provided me with 100%
relief. How long it will last before it must be redone is anyone's guess.
Cost was just over $200 for the pre-loaded syringes + about $25 to have
them injected at my medic's office after I bought them from a pharmacy per
his rx. IMO, well worth it.

Bit of fun at the medic's office as the medic and his nursing staff agreed
that I will no longer be able to ovulate :-)

Regards,

Steve J

PS: The reason that I did not have this done via my med onc is that she
(through her PA) wanted me to take a medication that contains belladonna
and a narcotic, and is only about 50% effective. I refused because I knew
my situation. One mo' time, kids: Study, Learn, Take Charge! You just might
avoid severe problems, even save your life. I know; I've done it.

Sounds hormonal.  But, since you do not mention a regimin of androgen
deprivation therapy (ADT), I'm guessing that it is unrelated.

Just for the guest book....  You had RP and undetectable PSAs ever since?

"Ross" asked

I began having hot FLASHES (distinct, brief, widely separated incidences) a
couple of years ago, before I even knew I had PC. One cause of those is the
very rare carcinoid syndrome, which sometimes results when the liver is
damaged by a rare carcinoid tumor in the intestines.

Why consider such a rare problem? Because it's far more life-threatening
than PC, detection is fairly straightforward, I had it, and even though I
had it cut out it's STILL more life-threatening than my PC.

I haven't heard of a carcinoid tumor or syndrome producing a CHRONIC hot
sensation, but it's conceivable, I suppose. I'm sure there are several more
likely causes, from a thyroid problem to a malfunctioning thermostat in your
home. (Is your wife clever enough to alter your thermostat internally to
read falsely, as I did in Basic Training when we were required to keep our
rooms at a sweltering 80 degrees?)

I.P.