Pap’s latest PSA has risen from 20 to 25. We learned this today when we went to see Dr. Theresa Dubernet. The doctor said that Pap’s PSA has risen but not by much, not like it’s doubled. I stared at her for a few seconds before saying “but it has been rising, though”. She agreed with that statement. She said we had two options:

1) Do nothing and just follow up in 8 weeks

2) Take new medication and follow up in 8 weeks

I asked Pap if he wanted to try new medication, he seemed open. I asked Dr. Dubernet how exactly does this medication work. She said it was to block adrenal gland. I don’t understand, of course, what that actually meant.

We went to the pharmacy to get the medication. It was two pills: one is Ketoconazole, the other one is Hydrocortisone. The Ketoconazole is normally given to treat fungal infections. When the pharmacist told me this, I got very confused. Pap has prostate cancer, not fungal infection! She was confused too. She went back and looked for a book. The book explained this medication could be given to treat prostate cancer because it lowered the testetorone. [In retrospect, I vaguely remember Pap's testetorone is not like skyroketing high, so I am not sure if this will work].

The second pill is Hydrocortisone. This one lowers immune system. It is to let the Ketoconazole work better.

I am not sure how these two will affect Pap’s sensitive system. We will have to see.

Pap is due to see Dr. Dubernet again in 8 weeks, with another PSA test.