My PSA is 27

I am newly diagnosed prostate cancer with PSA 27 Gleason score 9 and Stage IV. Good thing is it is still localized but very high risk. I have started the hormonal therapy last week but my radiation is scheduled in about 6 months. I am worried if it is too late....

Welcome aboard,glad you found us.

Yes, your stats are pretty serious for sure, but there's lots of reason to be hopeful.

Never give up hope.

Please keep us posted of you journey as you continue.

David in SC

lingling

Be calm, take a deep breath, as Tony said - you can do quite well.

I expect your hormone treatment will be to start with Cassodex and than in a couple of weeks start with Lupron. If not exactly those something within the same famalies.

Hormone Treatment is not all that bad, you will probably experience the three most common side effects. Being hot flashes, night sweats and ED. All three being the result of the reduction of Testosterone.

The nasty little prostate critters feed on Testosterone. Take away their food source and they die off.

A bone and body scan is really a good idea. If you are not scheduled yet - talk with your medical team.

There are all kinds of treatments currently available , new ones just on the cusp of being approved and exciting stuff on the way.

You can beat this crap!

Bud

PS - I'm one of the guys with a starting PSA over 1000. I plan on being around for a long time!

Hi Lingling,

I hope you can post your stats for us to see. At first glance, there appears to be a discrepancy between your stats and your conclusion that your cancer is local. According the the National Cancer Institute, stage IV prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate itself:

National Cancer Institute said...
Stage IV

In stage IV, the PSA can be any level and the Gleason score can range from 2 to 10. Also, cancer:

has spread beyond the seminal vesicles to nearby tissue or organs, such as the rectum, bladder, or pelvic wall; or

may have spread to the seminal vesicles or to nearby tissue or organs, such as the rectum, bladder, or pelvic wall. Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes; or

has spread to distant parts of the body, which may include lymph nodes or bones. Prostate cancer often spreads to the bones.

I hope this was just a typo on your part. Regardless, as others have said, there is still great hope, so don't despair. Read, research and learn all you can.

Best wishes,
Nellie

Lingling,

I echo all of the above. If you could also find a local PCa group before you make any decisions as those guys will be face to face with you and possibly will have insight to their expeirences. Do keep posting here however, these guys have alot to offer as well.

In the end it is you and your Dr's decision.

Good Luck!

BOOGEE

Lingling,
Are you seeing a urologist for your HT or an oncologist? It is highly recommended that you be treated by a medical oncologist specializing in prostate cancer at this stage as he can better monitor your progress and coordinate the types of treatments you may have to undergo.
There is still a lot of hope.

I am new on this site and as yet do not know all the terms used. You say you were G9 but had the cancer spread from the prostate. We are waiting for my husband's whole body scan and CT scan to be performed this week and then we have to see a radiologist oncologist on 28 June. Did you have your surgery first and then radiology. What did you mean by salvage? I am trying to get as much information off this site as possible for my husband, who is unable to speak or use a computer following a massive brain haemorrhage. How do you know if the person doing the radiation is an expert? I have made a note of the machine you mention and I will be checking on that should radiation be the course we have to take. I don't really know the questions to ask when I go on the 28 June! We live in Melbourne. Any help would be much appreciated. Many thanks.