New to prostate cancer diagnosed 2017

[Zytigadude]

Hello, my name is Shawn. I first went in on my 50th birthday, in 2016, to get my first PSA test, the test result was a 4.6. Seeing that my father has prostate cancer they ordered another test which increased to 5.4. A biopsy was ordered and performed in 6/2017. The results of the biopsy was a Gleason 7 (3+4). After long consideration, we determined to do the radical protatectomy for the longest life expectancy, performed 10/2017. Fortunately we did the removal as the pathology of the tumor came back as Gleason 9(4+5) with positive margins. My bone scan came back negative for any mets. I started Lupron injections 2/2018 with Zytiga 1000mg + prednisone and will do this for 2 years. I will do 40 doses of radiation beginning 4/2018. I am hoping for the best as it appears that with Zytiga it increases my cancer free survival. We will see exactly where this journey ends.

[gusgold]

wow..Gl 7 (3+4) upgraded to a GL 9 (4+5)...it used to be most GL 9's were fatal but with the new treatments you should have years...unless Vladimir Putin gets mad and makes good on his threat to destroy the world.

youtube.com/watch?v=4R7pZOA...(Not working as expected?)

[Hidden in reply to gusgold]

That’s cheerful.! A free democratic society with fare elections. Thanks vlad!

[j-o-h-n in reply to Hidden]

No Problem, Just duck and cover under your desk.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 03/20/2018 1:37 PM EDT

[BigRich in reply to j-o-h-n]

LOL!! That is what I did. As a kid I said." Sure, it will protect you from flying glass, but if the blast doesn't get you. then the radiation will get you. I told my buddies, this is BS."

Rich

[Zytigadude in reply to gusgold]

Thank you gusgold. I am trying to live everyday with a positive attitude. The recovery from my RP was excellent. Being on Lupron definitely has its challenges with the hot flashes and non-existent libido. I tell my girlfriend that we are going through menopause together..

[Hidden in reply to Zytigadude]

That the spirit! Wife and I are in mena at the same time.. Ain’t it grand? There will be plenty of crying, if you haven’t had that yet.. I cry when I see thr brutality of the nightly news. A good thing to skip. So finding humor and making light of this life we lead is a great coping mechanism.. keep laughing or keep cryin . Enuff misery in life. What’s the funniest letter in the alphabet? ...P....... keep truckin baby, this is just the beginning . Throw of anger , that my advice... Take it easy..

[Hidden]

Good luck, hope you end up seeing the end of this madness.

[Zytigadude in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Bill! Cheers!

[JamesAtlanta]

Welcome to our group. You have found a supportive site full of great information and insight.

Please keep us posted on your progress. And best of luck on your journey! We alll wish you tremendous success!

James

[Zytigadude in reply to JamesAtlanta]

Thank you James!

[Tjc1]

Hittin Hard Hitting It Right! Looks like to me!

[Zytigadude in reply to Tjc1]

I hope so, I am trusting my doctors to give me the greatest chance for survival.

[Hidden in reply to Zytigadude]

You’re doing the right thing..

[bitittle]

Sorry to see you join this group but James is right this is a great group of guys with lots of info! I am a G9 diagnosed at age 49 and now at year 4 with an undetectable PSA. See my profile for more history. You have many years ahead of you, stay positive, don’t look back and live every day like its your first!

[Hidden in reply to bitittle]

Very good advice thanks.. keep riding the wave.. peace..

[Zytigadude in reply to bitittle]

Thankks bitittle, I am looking forward to many more years being on this earth!

[Grumpyswife]

We were given some advice when my husband was preparing for his EBRT. Probably one of the best radiation oncologists for brachytherapy suggested a brachytherapy boost after the 36 or so treatments. We did not take his advice to hit it hard and, of course, my husband’s PSA continued to rise after radiation. Eventually he got brachytherapy but it was too late and didn’t work.

We regret not taking his advice.

[Hidden in reply to Grumpyswife]

That’s terrible!

[Zytigadude in reply to Grumpyswife]

So sad to hear mjbach. Prayers for you and the family.

[Grumpyswife in reply to Zytigadude]

Just telling so that other might learn from our mistakes. Hubby is still going strong at 74.

[Beth_Lott in reply to Grumpyswife]

My Dad had radical prostatectomy when he was 53, his PSA at diagnoses was 9. Radiation a couple years later when the psa started to rise again. Sadly, he passed away from prostate cancer in 2013 at 72, almost 73, but he lived many productive years.

[paulofaus]

Hi Zytiga Dude, I was 49 at diagnosis, with extensive bone mets. Part of me thinks I should have had my prostate removed soon after diagnosis, but 3 out of 4 urologists advised against it. I think you have a bright future, you're doing everything right.

[Zytigadude in reply to paulofaus]

Thanks paulofaus! I felt the RP was going to give me the greatest chance of survival being only 51. Fortunately it was considering the results of the pathology. I am still considered has being a high risk cancer patient, but I am thankful for every day I continue to wake up!

[Hidden]

Welcome Zytigadude! Although you can change that name in two years. Maybe it will be ”all clear Dude” ...Your plan is good... keep sane and happy and exersize even when you don’t feel like it.. although it sucks at 52, I was 53, our early age does give some strength to get us better thru treatments.. it’s an early wake upcall for us ... and an opportunity to understand the brevity of life and not waste it. Good luck on this voyage.....

[Zytigadude in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Lulu700 for the uplifting words of encouragement!

[vandy69]

Good Tuesday Morning Zytigadude,

I have been in this battle for almost 6 years (please see bio for complete treatment history).

Advice I can give is find the best Medical Oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer, as the treatment options are varied and constantly changing. Quality of care matters with aggressive cancer.

Best wishes. Never Give In.

Mark, Atlanta

[Zytigadude in reply to vandy69]

Thanks Vandy! Keep fighting the fight!

[tcp5071967]

Hey Shawn - best of luck in your fight. I am in a similar boat. I'm in my second week of radiation and so far no issues. I'm also on Lupron but no chemo.

[Zytigadude in reply to tcp5071967]

Thanks tcp, we got this!

[jimreilly]

Best of luck, Shawn. Like everyone says, you've got years, and by then....who knows what will be available?

[Zytigadude in reply to jimreilly]

Thanks jim, future is so bright I have to wear shades!!

[j-o-h-n]

To Zytigadude:

Greetings!!! Dude you've got a good tude. Lots of good info here.

So "you tell my girlfriend that we are going through menopause together?" well make sure you tell her to save her old bras.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 03/20/2018 1:34 PM EDT

[Zytigadude in reply to j-o-h-n]

LOL right!! Everyday I wake up is considered a fantastic day. Many good years to go in my mind!

[Litlerny]

Welcome to the club, Shawn. Sorry you had to join us, but glad you are here. It sounds like you are getting excellent medical care, and are off to a good start on your treatment plan. You should have a good long life ahead of you. I like your positive attitude. It is an important aspect of your overall well-being. Like you, I am thankful for every day. They are all gifts. Have a good one!

Mark

[Zytigadude in reply to Litlerny]

Thank you Mark, I appreciate you taking the time to write me a note of encouragement. I will whip the cancers butt!!

[Mollygrace666]

good luck to you man