One Year After Diagnosis

[805guy]

Hi all,

Was diagnosed in June 2023 with prostate cancer grade 3, gleason 4+3=7, pirads 5, (T2bn0m0) confined to right mid and right apex . No indication of metastasis in both MRI and Pet Scan. Completed IMRT (37 fractions, 70-78gy, with SIB boost to 85-90gy targeting prostate, seminal vesicles and low pelvic lymph nodes Flame protocol). Very few side effects other than strong urgency to relieve bladder but has since diminished. Not much of a sex drive at the moment, but occasionally will arouse myself and masturbate to test the plumbing. I take daily Cialis and can still get an erection and have an orgasm, sometimes very intense ones, but will always have dry ejaculations :(. I started on Orgovyx three weeks prior to beginning radiation. Just received my latest PSA which is <.04 (!). PSA was 19.76 at diagnosis. So pleased with this. I have been prescribed Orgovyx ADT for another three months. After nine months of taking, I am beginning to feel the strain in my legs when ascending stairs and I feel fairly unmotivated to exercise. No heart problems but I have gained about 10 pounds, have elevated liver enzymes, elevated blood sugar and slightly lower hemoglobin level. These are the apparent side effects as described by the manufacturer of Orgovyx, so no surprise there. For now, I am listening to my body and resting when I need to but overall, I feel about 90%.

This has been an interesting journey to date, and I realize I am by no means "out of the woods," but I just wanted to share with you all who have been recently diagnosed that there really is hope in getting the upper hand on this dreadful diagnosis. I'm so thankful this was detected in the routine course of my annual physical. PCP says if this had gone on another year or two without diagnosis, I would be in a VERY different situation. My best advice is to read, read, read everything you possibly can about your diagnosis and by all means get a second and perhaps a third opinion. There are many great articles and studies (thank you TallAllen!) and books available. I am very pleased that I did. I am looking forward to regaining my T after completing ADT, getting back into good physical shape and hopefully resuming the life I once had. Hang in there guys!

[SadandScared]

Hey 805guy. Glad to read that you are headed in a positive direction. I have been taking CIALIS daily since beginning my Cyberknife treatment and luckily everything is working fine. Unfortunately, my erections are not strong enough to penetrate but I am happy my little friend is rising to the occasion. My orgasms have changed in both consistency and the amount but hey, it’s par for the course. We are all in this together! Stay positive!

[805guy in reply to SadandScared]

Thanks! I should have clarified that my erections aren't has strong for penetration at this point and hope it is temporary, maybe not. I bought an automatic penis pump to hopefully strengthen erections once ADT is over. Were you prescribed ADT?

[SadandScared in reply to 805guy]

I was not prescribed ADT. I should have said that my erections are stronger some days more than others. I try not to let it make me crazy, at this point, it is what it is.

[805guy]

Right, I am just happy to be alive and hopefully on the right path of recovery.