Update on My Prostate Cancer Journey at Year Two Post-Treatment

[SierraSix]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to share an update on my journey two years post-treatment for high-risk prostate cancer. Here’s where I’m at now:

Current Status

• Diagnosis: Initially diagnosed in October 2022 with high-risk prostate cancer (Gleason Score 4+5=9, PSA 6.7). A PSMA PET scan showed no nodal or distant metastasis.

• Treatment: Completed SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) in December 2022, followed by 18 months of androgen deprivation therapy (Lupron). My last Lupron shot was in January 2024.

Two-Year MRI Report

• Recent MRI (December 2024) shows no suspicious findings for intermediate or high-grade neoplasia.

• The report confirms no evidence of local recurrence and no nodal involvement. Post-radiation changes were visible, but all findings were consistent with prior treatment.

Timeline of PSA and Testosterone

Here’s how my PSA and testosterone levels have tracked over the past two years:

PSA Levels

• October 2022 (pre-treatment): 6.7 ng/mL first Lupron shot Oct 2022, last on Jan 2024

• Post-treatment trend:

• March 2024: <0.01 ng/mL

• May 2024: <0.01 ng/mL

• September 2024: 0.02 ng/mL

• December 2024: 0.05 ng/mL

Testosterone Levels

• October 2022 (pre-treatment): 424 ng/dL

• During ADT: Consistently suppressed (<20 ng/dL)

• Post-ADT recovery:

• March 2024: 18 ng/dL

• May 2024: 8 ng/dL

• September 2024: 151 ng/dL

• December 2024: 290 ng/dL

Reflections and Next Steps

• I’m feeling good overall. The PSA rise to 0.05 is still very low and within expected ranges post-SBRT.

• My testosterone recovery has been steady, which has brought back energy and some weight gain, though sleep has been a bit disrupted (likely due to hormonal adjustments).

I’ll continue regular monitoring of PSA and testosterone and remain hopeful as I move forward.

I wanted to share this update to encourage anyone going through similar challenges. The journey isn’t always easy, but consistent exercise and studying Stoic philosophy has helped me tremendously!

Best,

Mark

[Tall_Allen]

I just read the letters of Seneca - great stuff!

[SierraSix in reply to Tall_Allen]

The Practicing Stoic by Farnsworth have given me guidance and sanity through this whole ordeal.

[MarkS]

That's great. I'm a year or so behind you - T2c/T3a, G9 (4+5), IMRT to prostate + bed + nodes, ADT hopefully finishing in the late summer '25, PSA currently <0.006. I'll follow your progress with great interest!

Did you exercise much in your period on ADT? Did you get muscle ache? If so, has that settled down?

Cheers, Mark

[SierraSix in reply to MarkS]

yes, I exercised consistently during the ADT period. Most important! I lifted weights 3x per week and did cardio conditioning (running, bike riding). I tried to get an hour of some type of exercise a day and I walked, walked, walked. It was the only way I could feel good during this period. the key for me is to break the resistance and get off the couch. Once I got going I felt great!

P.S. I did not experience muscle aches other than normal training. I did take it a bit more easy and cautious.

[MarkS in reply to SierraSix]

Thanks, I go to exercise classes 5-6 times a week. They consist of aerobics plus weights, pilates and kettlebells. I get aching in my quads and knees but that may be because I'm overdoing it a bit. I also walk every day with the dog, often over rough country. I don't want to lessen that as my weight is pretty constant and I've retained my muscle mass. I'm hoping that when I come off the ADT the discomfort will lessen, though I can't complain too much as I haven't had any hot flushes yet and no depression.

[National4894]

AMEN Mark!! Lets keep going!!!