Any man out there with 4+4?

[bagimin]

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.

[TNNurse]

1. I am not quite sure of the 4+4 designation.

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]

2. 4 plus 4 is the gleason score

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

[marble falls]

3. The real question is: do you feel like it's worth it? Do not cut your string too short.

[bagimin]

4. I'm through radiation now

and 9 months of Lupron...and then when I'm going in for fourth Lupron the Dr. cancels at the last minute due to insurance denial. 5 weeks go by of talking to 4 different docs more denials of service...feeling that my PSA is probably spiking, still in need of 9 more months of Lupron. Finally insurance approved Firmagon....I hope this crap works.