Just been told I have two years to live. Male, age 73, Eligard injections, Abiraterone and Predisnone for four and a half years, some radiotherapy. PSA levels initially 69, brought down to 7 by Abiraterone. Suddenly stopped working. Went on Radium 233 trial. Never again, and it didn't work. Since then, been on Enzalutamide (sourced from India). No side effects except exhaustion. Too early to tell if working. Yesterday, oncologist said I have two years to live. PSA 135. Totally shocked. Anyone had similar experience? Is it worth getting a second opinion? Any suggestions?
Just been told I have two years to li... - Advanced Prostate...
Just been told I have two years to live.
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ChristopherM123
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Do you have metastases?
Yes, bones
yes - bones - shoulder, hips,
Get a second opinion from an Oncologist. I was told that 7 years ago by an Urologist
Get a second opinion. Any doctor who give out a prognosis on life expectancy is a quack. My first doctor told me I had 5 to 10 years, that was 31 years ago.
Stick with the enzalutamide, it works differently than zytiga. Wait a few weeks then get another PSA.
Stay on course!
I never understood why any doctor gives timeline for life. Just treat with best possible therapies. Rest other factors with fate.
Docetaxel? Pluvicto? Provenge?
I was told I had only 5-9 weeks to live and enter inpatient hospice immediately.
That was 57 months ago and I’m still counting ….
No one really knows when any of us will croak or how well we’ll respond to treatments. Don’t listen to that and go live your life to the fullest with your loved ones …while you are wonderfully blessed with this remaining time.
❤️❤️❤️
Beautifully said, Kaliber.
❤️❤️❤️
"It is difficult to make predictions--particularly about the future."
--attributed to Niels Bohr
And often mis attributed to Yogi Berra
Yeah, it sounds like something Yogi would have said. This article indicates it may have been an old Danish proverb; also cites a possible source as being Samuel Goldwyn:
quoteinvestigator.com/2013/...
Quote investigator is great!
Your Doctor must be checking for some indication that he has prostate cancer by sticking his head up his ass.........
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
j-o-h-n Friday 08/25/2023 4:47 PM DST
Golden!!!
Hey J-O-H-N, I don't think you'll ever realize just how much of a blessing your humor is to the rest of us. Your jokes really brighten my morning. Thanks for being you!
Love it.
Doctors, urologists & Oncologists should be held accountable for telling people how long they have to live.
From living a healthy life to be told you have x amount of months to live is one hell of a shock to go through.
And how they tell people. Poor bedside manner has no place in cancer care or anywhere really.
Yup. My Uro gave me the cancer diagnosis over the phone (“They found malignancy.”) Then promptly left for a conference and said we could talk when he gets back in two weeks.
My (former) urologist had his partner's "assistant" give me the news over the phone when she called to immediately schedule biopsies. No one informed me about the MRI results and I had to talk her through how to send me the radiologists report.
the only thing i might add folks is ALMOST everyone asks the doc those questions. AND they want some sort of reply. I fully understand and even relate to the original thoughts but these folks trying to help us are in a tough spot too. Like others have said I guess talk to many folks be positive, fight this prick and live your damn life huh
I was told I had 3 years to live, 20 years ago. Absolutely. get another opinion and oncologist.
What is Dynamo Trial, are you still in it?
Definitely get a second opinion. Your MO is overly sure of himself and maybe a fresh look by a good MO from a top university would be helpful. Good Luck.
You are NOT a statistic my friend. Look for the path forward and follow. My Urologist told me 4 years max. That was 13 years ago.
I agree that there are a number of us here living with with this cancer for many years and that nobody can predict how long any of us has left to live. The official 5 year survival rate is still 30% so there are many men who did only have a few years to live. The best advice is just to live each day the best you can and appreciate every additional one that is given to us.
Are you sure the five year survival rate for prostate cancer is 30%?
The survival rate at diagnosis for those with metastasized prostate cancer beyond pelvic region is about 30% according to the American Cancer Society. For others it’s over 90%.
That is what I thought. Thanks for clarifying.
It was one year after my RP when I was told I was metastatic…I read everything I could find like a sponge and saw the same numbers. Sunk into a bit of a depression but went on to have a lymphadendectomy then ADT. It’s been close to five years now since my diagnosis and my PC has been undetectable for 30 months. I do my best to not think about mortality or odds. Just got home from three weeks in Scandinavia and I hope to keep traveling and living life to the fullest until I can’t!!
I think we should all stop relying on “official” numbers that are out of date and many times reflective of cases years ago.
What he should have said maybe is: between 2 and 20 years depending on how things go!!! Embrace each day and fight the beast!!
Wow, that is a shock, so sorry. I have a Gleason score of 9 and my PSA has come down from 300 to virtually undetectable in three years on Enzalutamide and Degaralix. I hope the Enzalutamide starts to work for you soon. The SEs can be challenging but I guess you got used to SEs from previous treatment. Fingers crossed for you.
Yes, get a second and third opinion.
absolutely get a second opinion!!! Any doctor who’s trying to predict the end of your life should be dumped immediately in my opinion. You have so many treatment options left and so many are on the horizon! Dump him, pay no mind to that prognosis, and live your best life!
15 years ago the Urologist that performed RALP on me at our report of findings meeting said, 10 years. Still here.
Change your Doc. Unprofessional & insensitive. Please get a 2nd opinion & try to think positively.
when I hear stories like this, my 1st thought is......did you ask, or did he just blurt that out?
Whichever is true, did he indicate any range of survival, or just that one number? If the latter, I'd call that malpractice.
I was told I had 3-5, that was almost 10 years ago. Gods grace and healing hands, really good doctors who specialize in prostate cancer and aggressive treatment are keeping me around. I can’t stress enough the importance of having all three.
Ed
Agree 100%! Keep up the faith and the good fight.
POS QUACK as noted by others above! RUN from this guy and don't look back! Get to a Major Cancer Center and one rated in Excellence, travel if you must, don't skimp!
Nobody knows... And I'm constantly encouraged by those who provide their personal experience contrary to statistical results that doctors love to hold onto. The defeatest attitude by this doctor is not something I would want to be near.
Best Regards
I'll tell you what was told to me by someone on this forum almost 7 years ago when my husband's urologist apologized to him for the horrible news that he had a PSA of almost 1,600 & Gleeson score of 9 & 10 out of 12 cores with Mets. He told me to stay off of Google for prognostication and check my husband over head to toe for an expiration date.
He's still here, fighting & living life!
He now has a PSA of 4.7 after all the SOC treatments failed and 2nd dose of Pluvicto!
Don't believe in palm readers... believe in modern medicine... and have faith.
Good luck!
True Story: 47 years ago, I woke up while a priest was giving me my last rites! I begged God to let me live long enough to see my kids grow up. Um still here, and so are they.
Wow!
God bless 🙏
Christopher, Like others have said, get another doc. NO ONE can make a prediction like that!
Do you have other comorbidities? Heart Disease, Diabetes, compromised kidneys, cirrhosis of the liver? Then the doctor might be correct. To call a doctor a quack without all the medical files is for fools. It’s good to be honest with ourselves and make the most of what we have remaining in this life.
QOL, I’m in that stage. Spending way more time with family and traveling. I’ve had way to many doctors tell me no one survives this life, Live it to the end abundantly.
IMHO don't believe the prognosis literally. Just about everyone on this forum got 3 to 5 years to live at the start. I've made it >3 and there were no detectable tumors a year ago. But that's just me.
Definitely see another doctor and more importantly, make sure the doctor listens, empathizes, and explains everything to your satisfaction. Best wishes.
My God, yes it's totally worth getting a second opinion!
In what context did this guy make this prediction?……” doc..how long do I have”……or unrequested? My own oncologist,when asked how long I might have untreated…says in the vicinity of three years…….we’ve all witnessed people who have eluded these stats….but the stats have to have come from somewhere. Is the answer never to ask? Are we satisfied with a shrug of the shoulders and and an I don’t know? Personally I would like to know the most frequently occurring time to death…..with the understanding that there are many outliers and I could be one.
Stay strong fellow warrior and keep faith. I agree with others, an Oncologist cannot possibly estimate such a timeframe accurately. Get a second opinion. Everybody’s cancer is different and there are other new treatments on the horizon! Let God lead the way. He is not through with you yet!
I pried a similar prediction from my MO based on doing nothing going forward. And I had to pry it out of him so I could be sure of my immediate life plans.
But I'm 74 and I've done Casodex, Lupron, Xtandi, Provenge, 4 Docetaxel (chemo) and now Pluvicto.
You seem to have a _long_ way to go. Last year about this time my PSA was around 8.5. 2 weeks ago it was 99.7 and (as my MO stressed) there is no overriding factor that would indicate that I will die of prostate cancer. Probably, yes, especially since Pluvicto doesn't work against non-PSMA expressing tumors.
And remember timelines are for planning against not a paved road to a pine box! Albeit they can be a reminder to buy that box 
Hang in there, you may end up OK and be able to send an email to your former doctor an email in three or five years saying hi!
To all you guys who were given a terminal date and survived it, often well beyond, congratulations. It must be a wonderful feeling. Christopher, the message is clear from these guys: you have other options and there’s a good chance you’ll surpass that prognosis and then some. Good luck !
I've been told I ba e 2 years to live 9 years ago and still here feeling well and kicking. Only the big guy in the sky knows hiw long you have, not the doctors. Keep fighting the beast
My first referral urologist told me to 'get my affairs in order'.That was 15 years ago and my current Duke oncologist told me that I would not die of prostate cancer
To his credit, my MO refused to give me a time line when I asked, saying improved treatments made the 30 % survival in 5 years obsolete. But at the time I thought my odds were much worse than that, since I had a combination of four unfavorable parameters. Now three years later, although I surely have micromets, I have no evidence of disease.
Get to a research hospital in the top 10, health.usnews.com/best-hosp... as fast as you can. There are trials every day for APC I go to Dana Farber I live in Florida and I am doing a trial in Sarasota.
Doctors only know what they know, if they learned it a year ago it is no good. Go where they are teaching it and experimenting every day.
Hubby's GP, a fabulous and experienced doctor, told him only last week that any physician who gives you a specific lifespan is a nitwit, an idiot and a quack. Ignore it, get a second opinion on treatment etc and enjoy life.
I’m only a year in, aggressive stage 4 pc with bone mets. But my oncologist made me understand that calling out timelines (such as 2 years) is pretty reckless. I’m sure you’ve heard what he then told me: every man’s body is different. Things can change on a dime.
Be well, brother.
Get a second opinion. 5 years ago the gave me 6 months. Enjoy life.
If your oncologist can accurately predict the future, could you give me his/her name? I could use some good investment tips! 🦊
I was also given 2 years to live. That was in 2014. For what its worth, I don’t believe that the doctors always really know whats going on in your body. When i was diagnosed i had PSA over 100, and the cancer had metastasized to my hips and ribs, i actually went to see the doctor for hip pain, then they figured out it was PC. I did about 6 months of docetaxel and 4 years of ADT. I also changed my lifestyle, reducing stress, and no alcohol, eggs, or dairy. Lots of fresh vegetables. And took curcumin, vitamin C, grapeseed extract, and chlorella daily. For whatever reason, I am still here and apparently cancer free. Hang there and be positive, do the best you can to look after yourself.
Yes, that was they told me 8 years ago, aggressive tubalar Prostate Cancer, can't blame the specialist, Gleason Score 8, PSA 901. So I can understand that the specialist was quite pessimistic. You are now on such a good protocol. If you can tolerate capsaicin (cayenne pepper) , make it part of your arsenal. After breakfast and supper, drink 3 x 500 mg capsules with a big spoon of tomato paste. Altogether 3000 mg cayenne pepper a day. Plus lycopene, lots of it. It will help pushing the enzalutamide to the winning side.
As for the date on the calendar: cross it out and live a full life.
Get another doctor. Call Stephen Strum if he is still practicing. Sheesh, why do they let quacks like what you are seeing stay in practice?
ChristopherM123
It's thinking like that that kills us
No one can predict your time
Millions of us have been given these sentences
We've got time to love
To do those things that make us happy
Lost a friend last week who dropped dead while jogging
Fit as a fiddle I knew him we trained together
I jnow many who baffled science,oncology and prognosis
We are all gonna die some day
Make each day count
Forgive carry no malice in your he
Right what's wrong
Start with those around you
This journey will give d you purpose
Loads of love and respect Christopher
100% - love your message and people that " give timelines" should be sent to a private island...and that's all I'll say because I am living a life of optimism and positivity.
Fire the doctor who told you that. The new treatments for advanced PC are rapidly occurring. If you have had the Chemo cycle then look for Pluvito which is the latest targeted FDA approved treatment. It could be costly if your insurance doesn’t cover it. I think it is $44k per treatment and there are 6 of them. Only a quarter Million if self insured. If you have not had the Chemo and don’t want to take it it are not indepently wealthy try a Clinical Trial. Pulivicto’s cousin is 177LU-PSMA-I&T or as know in the US Clinical Trial 177LU-PSMA-PNT2002. I just completed my first treatment at Weill Cornel in NYC with Dr Scott Tagawa. He has openings. All costs are covered.
Cheers,
buddy
Get a 2nd opinion and consider Puvicto. What prompted him to say you have 2yrs--no one can be absolutely certain--
Shared Chat•
Default
Metastatic Prostate Cancer Life
August 10, 2023
What is the life expectancy after the metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis?
ChatGPT
I'm not a doctor, but life expectancy after a metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis can vary greatly depending on factors like the patient's overall health, the extent of metastasis, treatment options, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. It's best to discuss this with a medical professional who can provide personalized information based on the specific situation.
What is the median life expectancy after the metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis?
ChatGPT
Median life expectancy after a metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis can vary, but it's often estimated to be around 2 to 3 years. However, it's important to note that individual cases can differ significantly due to various factors, and advancements in medical treatments can influence outcomes. Consulting with a medical professional who has access to the latest information can provide a more accurate assessment for a specific situation.
What is the standard of care treatment with hormone sensitive metastatic prostate cancer?
ChatGPT
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the standard of care treatment for hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer typically involves hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This involves reducing the levels of male hormones (androgens), such as testosterone, which fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.
In addition to ADT, other treatments might be considered, including:
Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy might be added to hormone therapy to improve outcomes.
Targeted Therapies: Drugs like abiraterone and enzalutamide can block the production or action of androgens, helping to slow down cancer growth.
Immunotherapy: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a newer class of drugs that stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy: In cases where the cancer has spread to the bones or other areas, targeted radiation therapy might be used to relieve symptoms and slow down cancer growth.
Clinical Trials: Depending on the specific situation, participation in clinical trials exploring new treatments could be considered.
Please note that treatment guidelines may have evolved since then. It's crucial to consult with a medical oncologist or healthcare professional to get the most up-to-date and tailored information for a specific case.
When is it considered that apalutamide failed?
ChatGPT
The determination of treatment failure with apalutamide or any other medication for prostate cancer would depend on various factors, including the patient's individual response, the progression of the disease, and the goals of the treatment. Typically, treatment failure might be considered if:
Disease Progression: If there is evidence of cancer growth or spread despite being on apalutamide treatment, it might be considered as treatment failure.
Rising PSA Levels: A significant increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels might indicate that the treatment is not effectively controlling the cancer.
Radiographic Progression: Imaging tests such as CT scans or bone scans might show signs of disease progression despite treatment.
Development of Severe Side Effects: If the patient experiences severe side effects that prevent them from continuing the treatment, the treatment might be considered unsuccessful.
Clinical Judgment: The treating oncologist would use their clinical judgment and assess the patient's overall condition to determine if the treatment is still effective or if alternative options need to be considered.
It's important to have open communication with the treating medical team to monitor treatment effectiveness and discuss any concerns or changes in the patient's condition. Every patient's situation is unique, so the decision to continue or modify treatment depends on individual factors.
What is considered as a treatment failure with apalutamide according to the PBS?
ChatGPT
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I don't have specific information about the criteria for treatment failure with apalutamide according to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. PBS listings and criteria can change over time, and it's possible that there have been updates since then.
For accurate and up-to-date information on the criteria for treatment failure with apalutamide according to the PBS, I recommend checking the official PBS website or consulting with a healthcare professional in Australia who has access to the latest guidelines and information. They would be able to provide you with the most current details relevant to your situation.
ChatGPT can make up stuff and is smooth talking like a politician. I just included this to see what it say after one oncologist said to me that he can't see why I would not be alive in 10 years. I am already 5 years after my polimetastatic PC diagnosis.
In 2016 I had psa 10000 multiple metastases. Put on Zoladex and Casodex and told with a bit of luck I would see 2020. Tried Enzalutamide but it went through blood brain barrier. Been on Zytiga for 5 years. I just love each day I have and feel sure I have at least 2-3 more years. 83 now.
get a new MO and stay positive. Your MO has no idea when you’re gonna croak. There are many more treatments available.
Stay strong
I understand that it can be scary to hear you have an expiry date but remember that oncologists are humans and they are flawed too. I too was told I had about two years left. That was nearly four years ago and I am still alive and kicking. Don't give in to despair.
Get 2nd opinion . My MO has orders not to tell me sh*t like that. We've all been sick with the flu and you feel it coming on. I feel when the time comes my body will tell me I'll know I've seen to many go and they all pretty much knew it was coming on. So I'll continue to fight this beast but i refuse to let it control my life. When i wake in the morning i thank The Good Lord for another day even with all the pain that goes with it. Been doing ABT prednisone and 3mnth Lupron shot for almost 2yrs now. PSA went fron 350 to .04 within the first 2months and stayed since. Came into it with mets on hip spine and ribs as long as it stayaway from my organs. Im 69 and feel something else will get me. So i live my life as full speed ahead. Play my guitar every day and i believe we all should (not play my guitar...lol.. but just keep on trucking. So best of luck and find a new doc i fired my radiologist because of her attitude so if i need treatments again I'll get a new one. Enjoy life now you'll know the body has had enough don't need a quak telling you. Sorry about how long this is...✌🙏
Is this person "God?" that is telling you about some perceived timeline?
One of the reasons my father LOVED Dr. Geo Espinosa was that he said "shame on any medical professional that gives a person a timeline. There are medical interventions every day, every body, and mind is different no matter what any medical test tells you, and there are miracles EVERY DAY that we witness. So, there are only two ways to know "how much time we have." One is if you are the person "pulling the plug" and two if you are the almighty creator".
I urge you to follow and if possible set up a telemedical call with Dr. Geo > drgeo.com/
Tell him Dawn Sylvester sent you.
Secondly, BELIEVE that you have a lot of time on this earth and focus on what positive things you can do next.
Third, educate yourself, and get more opinions.
Personally, I would never walk into that door of the physician that only gives news that no-one can possibly know.
I will pray for the decades you have left.
with love
Dawn
No oncologist that's normal would ever say that. I'm in the same boat and I know I have many years to go. I WILL NEVER listen to someone who tells me I have 2 years to live. That's BS. Get a 2nd opinion.
I started this journey back in 2008. Gleason 9 - PSA undetectable after treatment. The head of a prestigious prostate cancer center told me I would have 3 - 5 years to live after it comes back. Came back in 2011. I just started treatment at the end of August 2023 when my PSA passed 10. Started Orgovyx and soon to add darolutamide. I made many life and financial decisions based on that doctors fear mongering. Eat healthy, exercise and keep a good attitude. Nobody really knows when their time is up.
I never asked any doctor how long I had. I’ve had Pca since 2000 and when I first went to see a urologist a few years ago I told him I was immortal till God wanted me and when He does now doctor on the planet could add a single day to my life. God Bless.
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