Expectations

[Eadgbe]

I have undergone 45 radiation treatments and am on my last month of Eligard. PSA is undetectable and my T is barely existent. No mets detected on prior pet scans. My Urologist and Oncologist are giving me congrats. I understand this is probably a temporary remission (g 4+3 - stage 2/3) but I wonder what to expect and look for in the near future? I don't see the Drs. for 4 months.

Will my PSA automatically rise when the Eligard wears off?

If and/or when it does, does that indicate a recurrence of the cancer somewhere? And if so, does that mean immediate ADT, a radiation refresher or a new work-up with pet/ct scans, etc.?

[GP24]

I would wait and see. When the PSA value rises above 2.0 ng/ml you could consider starting with Eligard combined with Xtandi. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/371...

[Tall_Allen]

Is there any reason to suspect you will not be cured?

[Eadgbe in reply to Tall_Allen]

I have no reason either way. What does a cure look like?

[Tall_Allen in reply to Eadgbe]

Me! No evidence of disease long term. 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival for intermediate risk PCa is 85%.

[Eadgbe in reply to Tall_Allen]

That's a helpful definition. Thanks.

[Mike1971 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Tall_Allen, as many others have said, your great knowledge and willingness to share and help others is nothing short of fantastic. Reading this makes me very happy. Well done!

[quietcorner in reply to Tall_Allen]

You may want to add genomic test results into the mix. I believe high risk is lower than the 85%, somewhere in mid 70s. Still a good number, the odds are on your side.

For the OP, my partner, 66, had 32 treatments for the same G7 4/3 as you, same ADT time. After 3 months the T had bounced back to normal, PSA in the 1 range.

[Mgtd]

Very similar treatment but just about 9 months ahead of you. Slightly older I will be 79 next month.

Only difference is I had 25 treatments of radiation and had my pelvic area done just in case there was microscopic cells there. No spread in diagnosis. Six months of ADT - 2 months prior and 4 post radiation.

PSA was 0 until test last week then it was .04. No big deal. Remember I still have a prostate so I can expect a rise in PSA after stopping ADT.

My testosterone was back in the low normal range after stopping ADT for 2 months. I actually could feel it coming back.

My suggestion exercise and just go with the flow. No sense worrying about things that may never happen. Enjoy your life. Live in the present.

Hope that answers your questions of what to expect.