Five years cancer-free!

[Jeff85705]

Actually this is a bit late. As of February 2022, I am 5 years cancer free after robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy with Gleason 4/3 and stage 2 prostate cancer. My latest PSA showed <0.1 ng/ml., i.e., undetectable. I am so glad I chose to have the prostatectomy and not radiation. I have required no postop adjuvant therapy and had my PSA checked regularly. Now it's once a year. So for all of you out there, there is hope of a cure/long-term remission.

[Tall_Allen]

I am now 12 years post radiation and have no symptoms (no ED, no urinary problems).

[Jeff85705 in reply to Tall_Allen]

You're one of the lucky ones. I chose my method after closely examining both, and concluded prostatectomy was the best choice for me. I have no urinary problems and, not caring about sex, no ED "problems."

[Tall_Allen in reply to Jeff85705]

You're one of the lucky ones. 20% of men who choose RP have lifelong urinary incontinence. Among previously potent men, only 35% of potent men retain potency after nerve sparing RP. For favorable risk PCa, the cure rates are the same.

prostatecancer.news/2020/02...

[Jeff85705 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I am "lucky" because I did unbiased research on the best ways to treat prostate cancer over the long term in my case, and did not decide based on biased or anecdotal observations by people on this site. Clearly you were lucky and did not experience all the side effects possible following radiation. That doesn't mean it is the solution for all. Nobody knows it all, including you. You offer very good advice, but biased in the direction you took successfully--so far. Best of luck going forward.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Jeff85705]

I interviewed 6 specialists, including 3 urosurgeons and did a lot of research, before making my decision. There is tons more data now compared to 12 years ago when I was treated. Because all treatments had an equal chance of curing me, and the cure rates were high, my decision was based on other variables - mostly the side effects of treatment. Unlike your case, retaining potency was of great importance to me, so I ruled out surgery.

I was not and am not biased. Every man has to do what is right for himself. Just like you, I looking for the treatment that best suited my individual needs. Unfortunately, too many patients never get beyond their first urologist. Anxiety from the cancer diagnosis creates that "just cut it out" mentality. They don't look into the several radiation alternatives or active surveillance. Unfortunately, too many urologists don't encourage patients to explore other alternatives, which is why I do.

[NOCanceros in reply to Tall_Allen]

HiAbout nerve sparing RP ,how many dr:s can do it ,i think a few in the world.

[Tall_Allen in reply to NOCanceros]

All urosurgeons do nerve-sparing prostatectomies.

[Hannity in reply to Tall_Allen]

It’s not about if they can do the surgery, most can do it but only a few can do it well. That’s where research needs to take place when it comes to any surgery.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Hannity]

Results improve with experience, that's for sure.

[NOCanceros in reply to Tall_Allen]

HiNot in my city in sweden ,they are butchers.

[Aodh]

Congratulations and best wishes for many more years to come.

Hugh

[allie2020]

Hi Jeff,

Big time congratulations to you for over five years of undetectable PSA's! I'm just a bit over a year behind you, RALP four years ago and all undetectable, as well. I am very thankful. I pray for undetectables for us both for the duration.

[Hannity]

Congratulations, I am coming up on my 1 year post RALP. So far PSA undetectable. Praying it’s cured. No urinary or sexual issues. 50 yrs old. Having a great experienced surgeon is key to positive outcomes in terms of side effects. Salvage Radiation still an option - just hope I never have to do it.

[NOCanceros]

HiI think to check up psa every 6 months and skeleton sceening if you have the opportunity to do it.

[Jeff85705 in reply to NOCanceros]

I believe I will continue getting semi-annual PSAa. Thanks.

[dadzone43]

Hallelujah.

[jdfamily]

Thanks for sharing your success, helps us all

[Tony666]

Great news! I am at 2 years post RALP and still undetectable (Gleason 9 at biopsy). Your post gives me hope that I too can make it to 5 years undetectable. Rock on.

[Teufelshunde]

Never go on "averages". My RP surgeon had over a 90% positive rate on both items. He knew his numbers. And we started on muscle control a month before surgery and continued with PT a month after. 2 weeks to no leaks or anything so pretty happy. 4 years later all those still good. It is a personal decision of future risk if 1st treatment does not work.

[dentaltwin]

Mazel tov, Gustav, uhh Jeff!

[rocket09]

I had the RP as well and 3.5 out ok. I had a huge prostate so it was a better choice in the long run. I do have some incontinence and have to use tri mix for good sex . I am thankful for the good doctors and researchers that have given me these modern miracles! Thank you all as well for the good posts that keep me abreast of new developements.