Recurrence just over 2 years

It seems that Ted has somewhat similar stats to me, aside from that he had positive margins and I was "negative". That did not avoid a recurrence, though. I also had the less-sensitive PSA readings for the first couple of years - I wish I had had the finer resolution sooner, it might have helped earlier determine my recurrence. But I am not sure it would have made a difference.

On the subject of lymph node examination - my surgeon was involved in research attempting to determine if there is a "sentinel" lymph node, and the conclusion was that if PCa has spread to the lymph nodes, there is not a logical first node that it will invade. So when they take lymph nodes, they can only typically conclude the presence of PCa, not the absence, in the lymph nodes.

Regarding doubling time - I don't think there has been sufficient accuracy in the measurements to conclude much. And when adding hormone therapy into the mix, you really can't surmise much until much later.

I agree with your doc that the radiation therapy is somewhat of a crap shoot. It helped reduce my PSA but did not solve my recurrence, but in my case it is possible that PCa might have already left the prostate bed. Typically, radiation is the best chance at a cure after recurrence, so that is why I chose it and agree with his plan to get it. HT during RT may further help.

Regarding side effects, I can only comment on the RT, since I have not yet had HT. My only symptom was fatigue, which started about 2-3 weeks in and lasted until 2-3 weeks after finished.

I wish you and Ted well. Aside from a decent chance for a cure, I would encourage you that he will very likely be around for a very long time even if the RT eventually fails.
You have my thoughts and prayers for a cure!
Best, Jeff

Like Ted I opted for the IGRT based on a rise in post-RP PSA. My post surgery PSA never reached 0 with the ultra-sensitive test but had risen to 0.12 at its highest reading. The latest research said that chances of cure are increased the sooner beginning IGRT so I plowed ahead. I did no ADT prior to surgery but I understand that the trend now is to combine ADT with lower dose IGRT. I campaigned for the lowest dose IGRT of 64.8 Gy with my oncologist to minimize symptoms or tissue damage. Some patients are treated with up to 80Gy. The therapy had some minor side affects namely of which feeling a little charged up for an hour afterwards nut nothing unmanageable. Lack of T can cause the depression and moping around. My T was not tested either prior to my surgery nor in post treatment followup until 3 years post surgery.

Everyone focuses on PSA and its change over time as an indicator of what the next course of treatment should be. PSA bounces around. In my non-medical opinion Ted's history makes IGRT a logical choice and regarding the percentage of 50% or 1 in 2, not every candidate has the same history. We all like to know our odds but it is simply not that simple. Besides the possibility of a shorter life span, the biggest enemy that we as prostate cancer patients and their families face is often PSA anxiety, depression, low T and the host of side effects that low testosterone causes.

I lost my father to prostate cancer at age 83 last year. He was diagnosed with stage 4 PCa at age 72 and with ADT and infusion treatments lived well beyond what the odds were. We talked about PCa alot and he spent a large portion of his last years with PSA anxiety and depression as a result of low T. My current case is somewhat uncertain. Physicians and clinicians can make good guesses about outcomes but in the end, only time will tell. I am a donor to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and their recent newsletter is very encouraging about new treatments on the horizon for not only PCa but all cancers. We are fortunate to live in this current age and we all need to have hope.

I watched a high school basketball playoff game last night and it was apparent that of seemingly 2 evenly matched teams one became the victor after establishing the psychological advantage over the other. Afterwards I watched Pastor Bobby Schuller's Hour of Power last night and April Osteen Simons was a guest. She was promoting her new book, What My Mother Taught Me, and talked about her mother Dodie's attitude when diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Dodie never blinked but kept on believing and praying and miraculously was cured.

Besides the physical side affects of symptoms of cancer and treatments, there is also an important spiritual side of our lives that we overlook. I encourage you and Ted to hope, love and pray and enjoy life. Don't let PCa rob you of enjoying this wonderful gift of life that we have been given. That is what I am going to spend this day doing.

Post Edited (Rust) : 3/9/2017 5:51:05 AM (GMT-7)

Dear Tedsgirl,

So very sorry that your husband is having to face this beast again! He's fortunate to have you by his side.

October 1, 2012, I was diagnosis with Advance Prostate Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) high volume, very VERY aggressive metastatic (in my bones), Stage 4! My PSA was 130 and Gleason score 9. Numerous skull lesion most prominently on my right occipital lobe (skull); cervical spine particularly and thoracic spine, multiple ribs; fourth vertebral and my T12 vertebral was eaten up with cancer and I had to have 10 rounds of radiation and surgery (11-6-2012) to rebuild my T12 vertebral. My urologist told me that I had four to five years at best! 10-1-12, I started hormone therapy: I started Bicalutamide (Casodex) 50 mg daily and on 10-3-12, had my first monthly injection of Firmagon and Xgeva. Per my urologist, the first line of defense on hormone therapy would only last 6-18 months before having to go to something stronger! MY WIFE, FAMILY AND I, WERE DEVASTATED to say the least!!

Having several bulged disc, my pain doctor has found the right combination of medicine to allow the pain in my lower back, right hip/butt to be manageable!

During my journey with PCa, I've put my faith in God, a positive attitude, my doctors and medicine.

I'll keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers!

Dave, in Bartlett, TN

Graytech,
Thank you so much for your information and helpful suggestions! It is a great idea to have the "go" bag available just in case. So comforting to have any embarrassment as covered as possible. We all want to maintain as much dignity as possible.

I laughed out loud about "Never trust a fart" ha ha thanks!

InTheshop - agree - thank you. He has so much going on and it is hard to know How to help. I just try to be there for him the best I can. I can't imagine what I would be feeling in a similar situation.
I will keep an eye on it.

Grandpaof4,
I am sorry you have had to endure so much pain and worry. I can on,y imagine the stress on your family. It is wonderful you maintain a positive attitude. That is your gift to yourself. I wish you all the best in your treatment going forward and thank you for your positive thoughts.