PSA going down. Would like opinion from TA

[epfj3333]

Protatectomy 2015. Gleason 3+4=7. Also removed seminal vesicle. Lymph nodes clear. 40 radiation treatments to abdominal area. 7 months Lupron. PSA went to undetectable. 2021 PSA had crept up to 7.3. PSMA GA68 scan, Axumin Pet scan all showed nothing except for two, 4mm spots, one on the bottom lobe of each lung. Oncologist said spots were too small to biopsy and too small to zap with radiation. Said they may be nothing but something was raising the PSA. Had Firmagon shots and started Xtandi one month ago. PSA went from 7.3 to 0.4 in three weeks. Doctor said we'd still do the Firmagom shots monthly but to stop the Xtandi. Said we could always go back to it in the future if necessary. I feel good, work out play golf, swim, do yard work and eat a mostly plant based diet, some chicken & fish. Is it possible that the Firmagon shots will keep the cancer from progressing, wherever it is? I wish I could stop thinking about this. Thanks. I value your opinion.

[Tall_Allen]

The Firmagon will work for awhile, until it doesn't. At that point, you may want to add Nubeqa. There are common misconceptions that metastases can all be seen on imaging, or that the ones that can be seen are all there is. Most metastases are below the size limit for imaging (about 5 mm), and they are systemic - in bones, lymph, blood, nerves, and other tissue reservoirs.

[epfj3333 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Is it possible that Firmagon can keep the cancer in check for years? And if not, why not begin Xtandi again? My doctor said this is like a chronic disease, like hypertension. He used Magic Johnson who's been HIV positive since 1992. You take your medication and live a normal life. I just wish I knew what to expect. Thanks.

[Tall_Allen in reply to epfj3333]

Who knows?

[ron_bucher]

You might be interested in looking at my history in my profile. When my PSA became detectable after RP + radiation to the local area, I got it back under control with Taxotere + radiation of lymph nodes outside the local area. I was on Lupron for only 9 months. PSA has been undetectable for 5 years now.

[j-o-h-n]

"I wish I could stop thinking about this. "

Then stop, it will drive you FN crazy!!! We all went through this shit.... and we are still here.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 10/25/2021 11:20 PM DST