Hismones 09/27/25

"Life with Zero Testosterone" is an ongoing saga. The results of this week's bone density scan show Osteopenia, which is low bone density but not yet Osteoporosis. My wife says this may be due as much to age as to medication, but I've asked the oncologist whether I should be taking a bone strengthening supplement such as Fosamax, which some online support group members suggest. I am currently taking a "senior" multivitamin and 600mg of Calcium Citrate twice daily (dose is divided because the body only absorbs a certain amount within a four hour period). Chronic diarrhea is still an issue. I've sent a request to my PCP for recommendations since my oncologist thought this would stop after radiation ended, and I've started a BRAT (bananas-rice-applesauce-toast) diet, more or less, which is suggested by the Orgovyx manufacturer as a low-fiber option to help control the issue, and it is getting better. Unrelated to cancer, I had a carotid ultrasound at a vascular surgeon's office. It indicated mostly normal levels of blockage and no change to current (statin and blood thinner) treatment. The "optional" chest calcium scan at my cardiologist's office suggests borderline levels of arterial plaque but no need for immediate intervention. I have another test there on Monday. I had given up on using an injection for ED due to the significant pain it was causing. In a webinar this week, I learned that one of the three Trimix chemicals is known to cause pain in some people, and unfortunately it is the most effective of the three. I am going to try Bimix, which is a formula that leaves out this chemical but may take more experimentation to be effective. Fatigue is a moving target: I split my daily exercise in half, now about 40 minutes daily, because I was simply getting too tired. The overall experience is better now, but my energy is somewhat unpredictable. Tuesday, I felt like I was pedaling a bike with both tires flat and, at the end of the day, would not have been disappointed to fall asleep and not wake up. Fortunately, I woke up Wednesday to a better day and Friday was even able to do some yard work and help close the pool for winter. The expressions "This too shall pass" and Jesus' promise "I will be with you always" help keep me going. I wrote my oncologist for a potential counseling referral and continue talking with my wife and being active in prostate cancer support groups. I know that this disease is much more manageable than some, but living with zero Testosterone definitely takes its toll.

Hismones 09/03/25 Update

Sorry that the table lost formatting when inserted, but the news is good. Dear Mr. Ekrut, Your PSA and testosterone are undetectable. Great news! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Best, Dr. Hollander Results: Date Result Name Ind Value Ref Range 9/2/2025 9:24 AM PSA Tot <0.01 ng/mL (current PSA: was 6.4 at diagnosis and also <.01 May 22) (0.00 - 4.00) 9/2/2025 9:24 AM Testosterone Total (L) <10 ng/dL (280 - 800) I don't meet with the oncologist until November 11, so may have another test for that follow-up. I have sent to the doctor a question regarding other blood testing and bone density/supplement, since hormone therapy is known to affect all this. Jim