Rickyfish56 "Introduction"

[rickyfish56]

Reviewed my "Bio" and it said I needed to "introduce" myself? Mostly just read postings and try to gather information.

But, here is my " introduction", family history of Prostate cancer, Dad diagnosed at 59, removed prostate old fashion slice and dice, never regained any sexual function, but alive today at 88.

Grandpa had it, diagnosed in his 70's, implanted radioactive seeds, good until 90, came back.

He started to fight it with chemo, was on his own in Reno, got tired/malnourished, said that's it, wanted to "Go home", went to hospice, who can blame him, family concurred.

Uncle, who didn't like going to Dr., ignored symptoms, until they couldn't be ignored, 74. To late, metastasized to bones, good humor to the end, but not a good way to go.

Then me, told my Dr. about family history. Kept up on PSA tests thru middle of my 50's, then AMA said, to many false positives, don't test as often, to Americas Dr's.

Idiots!Hello, family history?

But my complacent General MD said, gotta follow the experts advice! Wrong!

So, we did catch rising PSA, at 62, but much later than it would of been caught if common sense would of continued with annual blood tests ( partly my fault, should of insisted?)

RP robotic surgery in 2008,

Oops, got most of it, but just a little bit out of the Prostate, not clear margins. Gleason score 9, dam!

Oh, let's just wait and watch. (Really, OK, your the experts?)

3 years non detectable, skipped test because of COVID. Thought I was "cured" ,Oops!

4 years out (2022), knock knock, PSA rose to .14, then .17.

Did PSMA scan, nothing showing.

Hit it with Lupron, and 36 sessions IMRT radiation treatment. 6 months total Lupron, 2022.

Overnight went off all sugar/processed foods, can't hurt, plant based with fish. Had been "sugar" junkie!Pop, sweets, but always skinny, they called me the "hummingbird" at work!

1 year anniversary after radiation, 6 months out from Lupron.

PSA in Sept. 2023 was Undetectable.

I run 4.5 miles three times a week, casual 2x week weight lifting, trying to get more intense. 12 Grandkids, 1 more on the way, kinda busy, LOL!

Feel great, no known side affects, so far.

Now, just a waiting game, next appointment for 1 year Radiation follow up with Dr. Hung, OSHU Master Radiologist in Jan.

Oregon Health Science (OSHU) has been great!

God bless all you warriors, you have helped me so much on this journey!

[Tall_Allen]

I love stories with happy endings!

[rickyfish56 in reply to Tall_Allen]

And you are an important part of many of our Journeys, Thank you for all you do! Have a Merry Christmas, and much Happiness in the New Year!

[Mike1971]

Hi rickyfish,

Very uplifting read - thank you!

[rickyfish56 in reply to Mike1971]

Thank you.

[tayninhtom]

love your style and sense of humor thru this journey of ours. Thanks & merry Christmas to you and the grandkids.

[rickyfish56 in reply to tayninhtom]

Thank you, God Bless.

[MateoBeach]

Dr. Hung is excellent. You may be in the clear, but keep monitoring, no guarantees. May want to check your germline genetics for BRCA mutations (easy oral swab) given the family history.

[rickyfish56 in reply to MateoBeach]

Mateobeach: Thanks for the input on "germline" genetics testing. They did do some "genetic" testing at OSHU, said they found none. Iam like, what, 3 out of my 4 male relatives on my Dad's side had this, and you didn't find any genetic links?

Hard to understand. But not sure if the testing was " Germ Line", so will ask at my next Onocologist appointment.

Thanks so much, sorry for the late reply, just now saw the replies to my posting.

[SallyJones]

So very happy for your success! Lupron has definitely helped with my husband's stage 3b prostate cancer. Had to deal with hot flashes but worth it for the latest PSA at .014 from originally upon diagnosis, PSA of 10, Feb. 2022. Prayers are with you for good health and always stay on top of those PSA scores, no matter what!

[rickyfish56 in reply to SallyJones]

Thank you

[j-o-h-n]

Greetings fishyrick,

Just have to ask this,........... are there any competitive stares when you standing nude in front of Dr. Hung?

Have a wonderful Christmas......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 12/22/2023 7:17 PM EST

[rickyfish56 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Not that I noticed, LOL. Love your humor John!

[j-o-h-n in reply to rickyfish56]

Thank you, and a Happy New Year to you and yours...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 04/05/2024 1:08 PM DST

[Jewelrylady]

thank you for sharing. This morning the “what if’s” were getting the best of me (even though everything is stable), and after reading your post decided to add “what if he lives to 88 or 90”. Feels so much better😊

[rickyfish56 in reply to Jewelrylady]

Thinking of you and praying for long, happy life, in spite of this terrible disease!