On August 28, Dora wrote:

The difference in labs might explain the difference in results.
Especially if the labs employ different measurement techniques/lab
regimens. It is very important to maintain consistency in lab methods.

The rise in PSA result may or may not be significant. Because a
different lab was used, there is no way to be certain. Moreover, one lab
result is not very meaningful. It is results over time that can prove
useful. As 'tis said, one robin does not make a spring.

So far as side effects (SEs) are concerned, that, too, is uncertain
because each of us is different. For instance, I was on Casodex early on
to prevent PSA flare when Zoladex was started. I noted no SEs at all,
but that is meaningless so far as Henry is concerned. BTW, Henry might
very well have been prescribed Casodex when starting Lupron for the same
reason. He should have been.

Casodex (bicalutimide) is an anti-androgen, which is to say that its
action is different from Lupron. It blocks T that is produced by the
adrenal cortexes from attaching to cell receptors in the prostate.

The rxlist section is at http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/bicalutamide.htm

The possible SEs are noted at
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/bicalutamide_ad.htm

Good luck.

BTW, is the doctor a urologist or a cancer specialist, an oncologist?

Regards,

Steve J

Dora,

I monitor this group and rarely respond as the other gurus cover the
subjects quite well. In your case I have to respond......

I echo what Steve J has said - using different Labs DOES have an
impact on the results.  For reasons I won't go into I had two PSA
tests done on the same day analysed at different Labs - no medical
intervention between tests (e.g. DRE etc.). One result was 74 and the
other 70 (> 5% variance).  I took this up with the medicos and they
told me that this was quite possible/likely.

Also, it's the trend of PSA over time that matters most not any
occassional "blip". I have been monitoring mine using MS Excel and the
graph over the last two years makes for interesting reading !

SEs?  I have been on Zoladex for two years and only moans are hot-
flushes and tiredness.  I had no SEs from RT and I am getting away
lightly on current Chemo regime as thinning hair is the only impact.

Hope that helps

Bernie

PS
Steve, isn't the bird a swallow not a robin?  - Sorry to be
pedantic :-)

I'm sorry to hear this, Dora.  But, Casodex should put it in its tracks for
awhile.

I had to add Casodex in 2006.  My PSA has been undetectable ever since.

It also caused me to immediately gain 15 pounds and it seemed there was
nothing I could do to stop it.  However, a year later, I've lost 22 pounds
without trying all that hard.  I would say that I have a little more fatigue
in my legs, but I'm still walking 3-5 miles a day, 3-5 times a week.  More
importantly, though not as important for Henry, I am still working full time
in a fairly active job.

With his Gleason, how long Casodex will work is up-in-the air, but I think
he'll be okay for a time.  Just make sure he stays active.