My MSK Precise / SBRT Journey -- Two Years Post Treatment

[Hope4Happiness]

I completed SBRT treatment for Gleason 7 (3+4) PCa at MSKCC in NYC in November 2021. My PSA was 8.7 right before the treatment.

Since that time:

-- My PSA as of December 2023 is 1.5.

-- I've had no real urinary issues since treatment except for some bouts of urgency especially after sitting for a while or after long car rides.

-- I've had no bowel or rectal issues.

-- Sexual function continues to be a bit inconsistent not because of erection problems (I'm still taking Sildenafil but I don't know if that has actually been a help or just a placebo because I've been on it since the treatment) -- It's more a matter of feelings and sensations, as it were. The sensations and triggers have changed a bit during sexual activity -- it takes a bit to get used to. Surprisingly enough, I still have some ejaculation two years after treatment.

If my PSA continues to decline and I remain cancer-free, then I feel the SBRT treatment was the correct choice for my situation because certain aspects have changed, but my quality of life remains excellent and the side effects, so far, have been very manageable.

Side note -- I was treated by Dr. Michael Zelefsky, and I was quite sorry to hear that he left MSKCC. I can't praise him and his staff enough.

[redonthehead]

Thanks for posting this. I am nearly the same as you. SBRT w/o ADT , PSA down to 1.3 at 2 years. Minimal ED, no bowel issues, still have ~25% ejaculate. RT was really easy. Life is good as long as PSA behaves!

While I have read nadirs of 0.5 or lower is best, my RO's PA stated not everyone gets down to 0.5 and plenty of men have much higher nadirs and are doing fine.

[NYC_talker]

Great to hear and wishing you the best. I was a month behind you at MSK, with LDR brachy, and you inspired me to share my own journey too. So, thanks!

[Spyder54]

I completed 5 days of SABR at MSKCC in Jan 2022.

2 mos after you. Dr Sean McBride was my Radiologist. I also had 3 days of SABR to my T5. He said it was necessary to hit both nerve bundles. I was a 4+4=8 plus ATM positive.

I have been <.008 for 1 year now. My PSMA PET shows no Ca in prostate, no bone, no organ, no lung. One retroperitoneal inoperable lymph node had resolved (.not visible). I still do a 4-7-8 breathing into a Meditation asking my mind to heal my body and strengthen the T cells and White blood cells to kill off any foreign cells. I drink Hi Ph water and Hi Ph Wheatgrass coffee every day. Several supplements Pomi T, turmeric curcumin, Nattokinase, Zinc.

I play Pickleball 5-7 days per week, walk the pups. I feel very fortunate. My urinary is best ever. Sleep thru night. You can read my Bio.

I went a year turned down by 7 Surgeons and 3 Radiologists. Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC Took me from Florida. I feel very fortunate. Mike

[WilsonPickett]

you and I were on parallel courses. I have switched over to Dr. McBride, who comes with equal praise.

[j-o-h-n]

Why Doctor Zelefsky Left MSKcc.

I had 39 fries to my prostate bed in March/April 2005 by Dr. Zelefsky and this is why he left MSKcc.

When I first met him I began singing the song from the musical West Side Story and inserting his name "Doctor Zelefksy" for the name "Officer Krupke" in the song (see below). I guess I pissed him off and he never forgave me and left.

youtube.com/watch?v=j7TT4jn...(Not working as expected?)

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 12/05/2023 12:30 PM EST

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

Does anyone know why he left MSK and where he has gone subsequently?

[Greeneyecolor]

Awesome to hear ! Happy for you.

[Cdubu]

I don't know why he left but I was told he went to NYU