Checking in After some Bouncy Years

[pjro]

Hello All,

I'm Mary, and my husband was treated for 3+4 prostate cancer (PSA around 6-8) in 2015 using HDR Brachy at UCLA. He was 58 years old. My husband chose this option because there was some concern that he might have had microscopic extracapsular extension. We would have also chosen SBRT. We are both thrilled with his outcome, but I like to post for others who may be on a similar journey. You can see from the chart that we've had a super bouncy ride. There were definitely times when I was filled with anxiety. But slow and steady seems to be here finally (fingers crossed!). I want to thank Tall_Allen for all of his support and wisdom throughout this process. If anyone ever wants to talk, I'm here! Best wishes to all of you deciding about or undergoing treatment!

Yours, Mary

[Tall_Allen]

Wonderful to see you here, Mary. In fact, another friend of mine is considering HDR brachy, and I will give him a link to your post. Please convey my warm regards to John.

[pjro in reply to Tall_Allen]

I will, Allen! He really is doing great. Again, thank you for everything. I hope you are well. I've been thinking of you with all of the crazy weather going on.

[FMOH_N]

good news, wish you both best of health and happiness

[Hidden]

Looks great. There was no ADT during this, correct?

[pjro in reply to Hidden]

Yes, you're correct. We consulted with a lot of doctors, and none of them recommended ADT. Some of them characterized him as low-risk intermediate, and others on the higher-risk side of intermediate. But with even that, no one thought that ADT was necessary.

[redonthehead]

Thanks for posting the chart! Its gives those of us early in the same journey some needed confidence. I'm 2 years out from SBRT with a PSA of 1.31, up a bit from the 18 month year PSA of 1.26

[pjro in reply to redonthehead]

You are so welcome. I really post these results for the very reason you stated. When my husband was bouncing around for all those months, I really needed to keep focused on the idea that bounces are often indicators of good outcomes. When other folks would post their results, it was really reassuring to see that bounces can be part of the process. Best wishes to you -- it sounds like you're doing great!!

[Cyclingrealtor]

Fabulous! 🙌🏼 🙌🏼

[Mtnhigh]

Thank you so much for posting the graph, Mary. I think about it in relation to my husband and it gives me hope. He finished RT the first of July. Not sure why, but his Uro ordered a PSA one month out...it was 1.66. His RO has ordered one 3 months out...think this is the standard. I know we'll be concerned with each rise of PSA on the roller coaster to nadir and beyond. When we start to agonize over a few bumps I'll remember your graph. This certainly is a late response...I'm definitely the procrastinator.

Deb