Just getting started on the merry-go-round.

[Cramlingtonboy]

Hello to everyone; I'm an otherwise healthy and active 73 year-old. After a PSA score of 12.9 and a positive biopsy, I opted for a non-robotic radical prostatectomy from an expert surgeon. This was in early October 2019.

To quote from the surgical report, "The final pathology from his radical prostatectomy revealed Gleason 8 disease involving 35% of the prostate, extraprostatic extension as well as bilateral seminal vesicle invasion, 0 of 8 lymph nodes involved. Overall, this is a pT3b pN0 prostate cancer resected to negative margins."

3 months after the surgery, my PSA was 0.22 which triggered bone and CAT scans (both negative). This week I'll be having a PSMA as part of a study to find lesions using the finer scan. After that we'll discuss options.

At the moment it's all very theoretical - I have no symptoms and am totally recovered from the RP (other than impotence). Emotionally it's still not real; my wife is far more affected, probably because she successfully battled non-Hodgkins lymphoma and this has brought memories back into focus. Getting pampered is nice although the junk food is severely rationed!

Various medical options have been discussed including radiation and hormone therapy but I guess it all depends on the PSMA results.

On the plus side, yesterday was nice enough for the first tentative bike ride of the year and I'm impressed how comfortable the bike is sans prostate! If only I'd 'listened' earlier.

[Hidden]

Close to your stage, pT3b, unilateral SVI, R0, N(0/20).

The surgeons over here in Europe are less conservative when removing nodes. I had been told so, but comparing our cases, this seems verified. I am fortunate to still have low PSA and planning exactly like you. PSA going up, first PSMA and then decision based on results. Please keep us posted.

[Tall_Allen]

I hope the PSMA scan shows nothing beyond the pelvic lymph nodes. Let us know.

[Hidden]

Merry -go-round is a great name for it . Welcome aboard Sir. Feeling great is tremendous also . No matter what , stay active throughout .. it might not be bad news at all . Wait for the scans . You are listening now ..I didn’t pay attention either

And almost waited too long to go to the dr . I too am now paying attention. I think that you’ll do well and live long. Scott

[tallguy2]

I believe ADT is a must if your post-surgical PSA is detectable (>0.1). Welcome to the club!

Salvage radiation is also likely indicated based upon the post-surgical findings.

[Cramlingtonboy]

Thanks for your kind thoughts everyone; I had the scan today and will post the results as soon as I get them.

[Cramlingtonboy]

My radiation oncologist phoned today with the news that the PSMA scan was clear and recommended that I have another PSA test today and also beginning today take daily Bicalutamide 50g for 4 weeks. After two weeks I will get an injection of Eligard. Salvage radiation will start in June along with another PSA reading.

I'm curious about the hormone treatment and hope I'm one of the lucky few with minimal reaction but that would just be icing on the cake.

[Hidden in reply to Cramlingtonboy]

Wait for the PSA results before starting the HT. It is not unusual for it to back off. If so, you will have to reconsider timing.