Recently joined, so want to update all on my progress.
Now 74, retired veterinarian. Diagnosed in in 2008 with biopsy, Gleason 7. Travelled to Orlando to have a Robotic prostatectomy by an expert. SV's also had cancer and specimen showed some Gleason 9. One dirty margin at surgery. PSA undetectable 6 weeks after surgery as it was for 5 years.
PSA became detectable at 5 years when I have 2 months of Firmagon followed by several weeks of prostate bed irradiation after which my PSA was undetectable again for another 4-5 years. Erectile capability became less as time progressed and I had a penile implant placed which functions to this day. Other side effects of radiation are irritation and scarring of my UG tract, and minor fecal incontinence, both of which are hard to deal with.
Late summer 2017 PSA started to rise again and I was referred to Duke, and started Lupron 6 month in 5/18. Axumin scan revealed cancer in 4 abdominal and 1 pelvic lymph nodes. PSA reached around 6-7 before this, but was undetectable after 8 weeks. Testosterone reached castrate level at < 20. Few problems on the ADT except redistribution of fat, and some minor general weakness. I walk daily with weights, do the Y 3 times weekly with stationary bike and weights, and do yoga also 3 times weekly for my very arthritic back.
Just had second Lupron a week or so ago, and they also started me on Prolia for osteoporosis. CT scan showed my swollen nodes have shrunk to normal size! PSA still undetectable, and Testosterone <10. No weight gain.
Very happy with my response so far. Asked my specialist what could be done to delay as much as possible the progress to castrate resistance, and he said the best thing to retard this is to keep the PSA as low as possible.
I am a single handed sailor and usually sail all over Florida and the Bahamas in the winter. Stayed at home this winter to have my scan and to look after my health. Maybe I can get back out on the water next year?
Cheers and good luck to all my prostate brothers!