Do I QUALIFY for this group; Alias what constitutes ADVANCED PC?

[compiler]

I was just reading the thread “When Treatment Stops Working” and I was struck by the varied paths taken on this journey. This brings up a thought I've had in the back of my addled brain: Do I even “qualify” for this group? After all, this is for “advanced” cancer. But what is “advanced” cancer? What are these group “qualifications”? I know the REALITY is that this is a public group so allowances are made for most PC folks, with maybe a very gentle suggestion of more “on target for them” groups.

But back to my question at a more personal level: do I qualify? This is a SERIOUS question. I do know that I've gotten honest serious replies the few times I've posted here. In short, however, what constitutes “advanced” cancer? In my situation, I was dx. in 12/2009 with G 4+3. The Cliff's Notes version: failed surgery then failed SRT (IMRT to prostate bed). In my mind that seemed “advanced” to me. In fact, I understood this was incurable and read that my life expectancy was 5-6 years. I considered it a challenge. What followed was years of HT (finally a tx. that at least worked!)and lengthy HT vacations, assorted scans (C11, then GA-68 PSMA, upcoming Pylarify-PSMA) followed by SBRT to the few hot nodes uncovered, followed by much decreased PSAs...then slowly rising PSAs, lather rinse repeat. But in the aforementioned threads, it seems so many have had chemo and Xtandi or Zytiga and all sorts of clinical trials and/or other newer txs (like LU177).

So I repeat: is there a definition of or understanding of what constitutes advanced PC. Do I even qualify to be here?

Mel

[Tall_Allen]

You’ve had metastases, so you are locoregionally advanced.

[compiler in reply to Tall_Allen]

Well, I am LOCO but I'd rather be in ADVANCED physics class.

sigh...

Mel

[MrG68]

If you post something that helps someone on the forum in someway - that qualifies you to be part of it IMO. It would be ridiculous for people not to be able to help others because they are qualified as too healthy!People are 'grouped' as a means to target a certain demographic for information. In this case it's information and advice for the the unlucky population to have advanced stage PCa.

It isn't something you should be thinking about tbh. You've got enough of horrible life choices to make with this disease.

[tango65]

I believe, all metastatic cancers (distant mets) are advanced cancers since it is impossible to cure them.

[GeorgesCalvez]

I started off with a PSA of 130 -140 and a Gleason of 4+3.

After a prostatectomy, radiation and 19 months of Firmagon, I stopped the ADT and my PSA stayed undetectable.

I am now almost five years down the line from diagnosis, with an undetectable PSA, etc.

I would argue that I had a very local and highly advanced prostate cancer that is now in remission.

It may return, the odds are that it will, but the longer it stays away the less likely it is.

I am heading for sixty, so I have to consider that prostate cancer may be in my death plan if I trudge on for a decade or two.

On the other hand, something else may get me; massive heart attack, planet going shit shaped, a seriously big war, etc.

Got to look on the bright side!

[SeosamhM]

My brother, there are no "qualifications"... except perhaps just wanting to be part of a larger community so that you can be informed on the possibilities (good and bad) of this disease that we all share under a rather broad banner.

But if you are worried: "Advanced prostate cancer is cancer that has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body." This means if one damn PCa cell is outside the prostate, it's advanced. You had some "hot nodes," so you have advanced prostate cancer. QED. Your t-shirt and jacket patch are on the way, don't forget to pay your dues on the way out of the meeting!

We cannot be defined by the types of PCa treatment we have had, will have, or are researching as possibilities in our future. If I listed my mCRPCa trials, tribulations, and treatments, they may seem really edgy, but the stories of my brethren who have had to tough out multiple surgeries and weather seemingly unending side effects always leave me humbled.

As with so many other illnesses/infirmities, all of us with PCa walk our own unique path of pain, discomfort, and/or sadness. I'm just glad to know I can call out (write out) any time of day or night, and somebody here is going to respond.