5 1/2 years zero club

And my Doctor asked how I was and I said “way better than I had a right to be.”  Welcome to the 5 ½ year zero club.  My blood sample was excellent even though I have been taking testosterone for two years.  I’m not asking questions or doubting the outcome because this is a long way from my surgery in 2008 and I am just going to enjoy this until my next checkup. 

When I left the urologist I headed to the heart hospital and spent time with the family of a close friend of mine having minor surgery that may increase the weakened condition of his heart.  After 4 heart surgeries, hernia surgeries and the like the long road to recovery is better but not bright.  It puts life in prospective when I can say I may have overcome a lousy disease just so I can comfort and support a dear friend that has been told that there may not be anything more current medical science can do.  So friends this is a mixed report this time.  I am fine and enjoying my recent success but am committed in supporting those who have not had a smiling surgeon’s positive report.  This is National Breast Cancer month and I hope we all stop for a minute and offer our support to all our friends fighting cancer no matter what the type.  And give some reassurance to an acquaintance that is suffering from any life threating affliction.  A kind word or action may be something money couldn’t buy for that family.

Age 61 at diagnosis

PSA Jan 2006 2.8, PSA Jan 2007 3.7, PSA Jan 2008 4.4

DRE Normal, Biopsy positive 1 core in 10,

Clinical T2C, Pre surgery Gleason 3+4=7

Bone scan Normal, Cat Scan Normal

da Vinci robotic Surgery April 30, 2008, Fremont Nebraska

Post 66 month PSA-undetectable        

Best wishes and thanks for the positive post,

Tom

Post Edited (Tigerfan53) : 10/20/2013 11:31:38 PM (GMT-6)

The testosterone issue is creating quite a bit of interest both positive and negative.  I am well into my second year using “T” and feel a lot better about it than at first.  My surgeon started checking on the use of “T” about the time everyone started promoting pills and thrills for the general population a couple of years ago.  Its part of every blood test at my urology center now. The old standard said if there was any prostate cancer involved that "T" would activate any cancer cells that may be lying dormant so don’t use it.  That’s still is a common belief.  My question at the time was if patient A’s “T” was low and received “T” to gain benefit, what’s the difference if patient  B already has natural high levels of “T”.  Is the risk the same or is there a more complex answer which I am sure is why so much research is going on at this time.  My surgeon did indicated that a good risk for “T” was someone with a Gleason of 6 or 7 with low PSA and no change in PSA levels for at least three years.  I personally believe that because I am older I was a good guinea pig.  I have been going every 6 months for checkup and had been told I would go to 1 year after three years of zero's.  With "T" I stay at 6 months for the forseable future.

My “T” at the start was below 90 and has risen to 345 with treatment.  I have been given Testim 1% transdermal gel.  The following questions are off my last questionnaire this last checkup that I marked yes.  1. Do you have more energy?  2.  Do you stay awake at work?  3.  Do you have increased sexual activity?  4.  Do you not fall asleep in a chair after a heavy evening meal?  My surgeon has several research papers about prostate cancer so that in itself solidifies my guinea pig status.  One more thing, the benefits from increased “T” is noticeable but not monumental.  Each person will be different and I assume some will not find the golden ring that others have found.  One drawback to using "T" is it can increase the red blood cells to an excessive level.  So far I have not had that problem but we check it every time.  While I was in the office I saw a nice young couple, mid 40’s, waiting to consult my urologist.  They were not smiling and they were not there for flu shots.  My life has been changed by prostate cancer and so has everyone else that studies this site.  I hope that what we have gone through and information shared will help this couple tolerated their challenges easier than what we have had to go through.  Hope this answers some of your questions.