I don't understand.

 

It appears that some people on the this site have recurrence even if the cancer was confined to the prostate after surgery.  I guress there is not much comfort even if everything after surgery is clear.  Even low PSA does not seem to mean anything about your current stage of this cancer.  My doctors think that since my PSA is 2.75 there is no way I could have bone mets.  They think there is an 85% chance it is organ confined.  Even if it is I don't think that means anything.  I guess your current condition is something you find out as you go along and develop symtoms.

There is no way of predicting this cancer based on any lab findings.

I am 42 and will have RP next month.  But I don't feel I have any chance in the world of seeing 50 years old based on how this cancer works.  I had a PSA test when I was 38 and my PSA was 2.4.  It has only risen .35 in the last 5 years, but a biopsys found cancer.  Glease 3+3=6 2%-5% involvement in 6 of 50 cores.  Doctor said is seems to be on both sides all around the prostate.  This cannot be good.

Terrified...Does anyone survive this cancer?

Post Edited (ChrisR) : 4/18/2008 6:43:40 AM (GMT-6)

Chris,

If you look at my signature you will see that my dad was diagnosed 13 years ago. He was under watch waiting until his PSA went from 6-10 in six months!  He is now 75 and his PSA is still low. More men survive this cancer than not. It seems that everyone I talk to knows someone who has it, gone through treatment and is doing just fine.  I think you will feel much better after you get your results.  My Uncle's bone scan was fine and he has an aggressive form (that is what we are told).  Try and think positive, although it is difficult at times. It will help in your recovery.  

Myman says it all! 

We are one of those who had surgery in September 2006; pathology was clear in all areas with no further treatment necessary . . .. PSA's since then have consistently been "undetectible" . . . doctor says the longer they continue to be undetectible the less likely it will return . . . .of course there is always the "unknown", but that is everyone's journey . . the unknown.

When Bob's blood conditions (see signature area) were diagnosed, he was told the myelofibrosis could become active and he'd have only 5 years or it could stay the way it was and he could have 30 years, but the "unknown" again . . . .we promptly chose 30 and nothing less and have moved on with life, doing the required tests and meds to ensure this is happening . . so far so good . . .

My point in tellling you all this is that the facts and figures are one thing, and not in our control, but, what we do from there and our attitude are ours to control.

Hang in there Chris . . . . .go forward, and never never think you won't make it to a certain birthday . . . . just have your own agenda!

Good luck and stay with us!

;o) Linda & Bob

Chris,

Hey buddy. You are going to do fine. You found it early, your Gleason is low, and you are young. All of these work in your favor. I am probably one of the worst case profiles here, but I plan on seeing 60 and more. I am three years into this fight. I've taken some hard punches, got knocked down a few times, but I have always beatin' the count and got up. We can give as good as we take. You just have to fight and fight hard. You WILL beat this monster and so will I. It's a team effort here at HealingWell. We are all in each others corner. You have to develop a mind set that will push you through the times to come. "Find a way where there is no way"

Use your faith and the love that surrounds you as your shield to fight off the monster. We are in it together. Stay with us here and ask any questions you need to. Sometimes, as I have done in the past, just let the tears flow and we will be here for you. Tell us how you feel, your fears, your victories, and we will get through it, brother.

Alway here for you. I big WAR EAGLE to ya.

Walt

Hi Chris,

I remember sharing with a friend of mine at work, the uncertainty I was feeling early on (for my husband), when she told me that her dad had had prostate cancer too many years ago (He had recently passed away from something else, and we were discussing this, as well as my husband's then recent diagnosis). However THEN she told me that his RP (her dad's) was 25 years ago (when surgery was rougher of course, but still done effectively for some men); but ALSO that he had had no reoccurance in 25 years! I was amazed (she acknowledged that they had no research to back this up as he was not part of a formal tudy back then - this was just family knowledge and monitoring as many nurses in that family), but it was exactly what I needed to hear - then, and now.

So I hold onto the fact Chris, that someone I know well, had a loved one who survived a lengthy 25 years after Pca treatment - Even though it is anecdotal, I believe her and know her story is accurate.

This story helped us. I hope it gives you the same small reassurance. Throw yourself into beating this if you can - it is worth every minute of it for your family and for you. Above all, never give up. I think it can be cured in some cases with the highly advanced medical skills and knowledge of the 21st century.

Chris thanks so much for sharing your concern, that is what makes this place so special. As terrible as this may look right now I can assure you of this, if you will allow it your life can be opened up in ways you cannot imagine. The things that you once took for granted now all the sudden make a difference. Learn to love the life you have been given, and most of all be the friend to others you want them to be to you. This is not the final chapter in your life, this is only the middle of the book. Your best work is still in front of you, and I truly believe you will have many wonderful years to let your light shine. Please reach out to us anytime you need encouragment or just a shoulder to lean on. The people here at HW really do care.

Chris--Every indication is that your cancer was found early enough to be curable.  There are no 100% certainties with prostate cancer , but the statistical probability is very high that your cancer will not come back once it's gone. It's normal to be anxious about it, though. 

Take care and hang in there...Tim