I'm new and very scared - UPDATE {10/2021 pg 4}

SIX YEARS Post-Diagnosis..... update 10/24/2019

And I am still going strong!

PSA is still <0.1 (coming up on 5 years undetectable), all scans are clear, no signs of new bone mets or LN progression - God is so good!

Still on Zytiga/Prednisone daily, Lupron 6-month dose and still taking X-geva.

I get bloodwork every 3 months, scans every 6 months now.

Side-effects are the same, still same activity-levels. Run regularly, but I do bruise easily. If I happen to miss a prednisone dose, I will feel it in being more easily tired/drained.

I joined two genetic studies, where they took blood and analyzed my genes for any known cancer-causing gene variants. Out of almost 80 known genes tested, I had no known cancer-causing gene variants.which is a good sign for my son.

Another study took my genetic information and is now looking at pharmacogenetics, where they study gene associations with certain drug actions (not all drugs act the same in all patients, partly due to genetics). It's more focused on pure research.

And so I'm still here and still feeling so very blessed! My son is sophomore at University (Elec. Engineering) and my wife and I renewed our marriage vows this year, after 22 years!

Keep on keeping on!

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Thanks jcjames for updating the post. Six years undetectable is a benchmark a lot of us aspire to reach to. Here's to praying for many more undetectable's for you.

Thanks for spreading hope and festive cheer with your post. Its diwali, a major festival in India which is festival of lights celebrating victory of good over evil. Happy Diwali

Great news!

givemesomesunshine said...
Thanks jcjames for updating the post. Six years undetectable is a benchmark a lot of us aspire to reach to. Here's to praying for many more undetectable's for you.

Thanks for spreading hope and festive cheer with your post. Its diwali, a major festival in India which is festival of lights celebrating victory of good over evil. Happy Diwali

Thank you!

That sounds like a wonderful festival - Happy Diwali to you as well!

Big Tasty said...
That is excellent news, jcjames. When i read your original post, im like wow, then saw the date, and came to the last page and it put such a smile on my face. Once again congrats, and thank you for the update.

Thank you!

Yes, there is much to be thankful for! I appreciate your thoughts.

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That is a terrific update. I am a third of the way through year 14. Keep on keepin on.

Michael_T said...
Fantastic! And so nice of you to give an update. Keep making us proud.

You bet! Thank you for the encouragement!

Todd1963 said...
That is a terrific update. I am a third of the way through year 14. Keep on keepin on.

Awesome! We all could use some inspiration like that!

Patrick M said...
I've been on this board for 6 years or so and didn't notice the first post date from your original. When I read it I was thinking OMG, this guy is in a tough spot. I can relate to the fear and thoughts you had. Seeing the updates has put a smile on my face. Congrats and hope to see a lot more positive updates

Enjoy life

Pat

Thank you, I appreciate it - Enjoy life is RIGHT!

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SEVEN YEARS Post-Diagnosis..... update 10/30/2020

And here we are riding out this insane year.... and still no progression!

PSA is still <0.1 (coming up on 6 years undetectable), all scans are clear, no signs of new bone mets or LN progression - God has been so good!

Still on Zytiga/Prednisone daily, Lupron 6-month dose and still taking X-geva.

I switched to 7.5mg Predinsone daily because I was getting too many bruises all the time, but my energy is still... "meh".

I get bloodwork every 3 months, scans every 6 months.

Somewhere early January I started losing weight, lost about 10-12lbs (~168 to ~155lbs) but my weight and appetite have been stable now since late spring.

My father passed away last month, at 90. It was a very very hard year on him, his dementia advanced quickly, his vision went to nearly blind and he had in-home care for most of the year. But he's in a much better place now, and with my mom.

But I'm still here and still feeling so very blessed! My son is now a junior at University and my wife is still my angel of my life!

Keep on keeping on!

jcjames,
You are on an amazing journey of success. I am so glad to hear of your inspiring update. Looking through your DX and history of treatment, I see so many similarities with mine. Yours was a harsher DX than mine, but Zytiga has kept us both undetectable for 5 years 9 months for you, and 6 years for me. Keep the Faith brother, you are a very strong warrior!
My e-mail is in my profile, I would love to keep in contact with you personally!
Wings aka Dan in So Cal

Awesome news! Us baby Zytiga guys (2 years 11 months for me) love hearing these stories. You and Wings are 2 of my role models.

James,
Thanks for the update. Time flies. Good luck ahead!

mattam said...
James,
Thanks for the update. Time flies. Good luck ahead!

Thank you Mattam!

Yes indeed, and good luck to you as well!

Cyclone-ISU said...

Hello, JCJAMES ~~~

Your story is powerful ----a testimonial to the power of perseverance, optimism, hope, and TRUE GRIT!

I am thankful for your treatment success, along the way. I can sense your feeling of gratitude in your update ---- and you continue to live your BEST LIFE, each and every day.

I just ordered my 65th monthly bottle of ZYTIGA (and now the generic version, in recent times) ---- and now I have the empty bottles lined up on a shelf. Seeing those little bottles all lined up fills me with gratitude.

I am a school teacher --- and ZYTIGA has now carried me through five school years.

This past spring, the senior class ordered a cap and gown for me, as a surprise, and honored me at their graduation ceremony ---- I had taught them years before when they were in elementary school, so being part of their graduation was a meaningful milestone for me, beyond words.

I am now setting my SIGHTS on celebrating my eighth New Year's Day and holiday season since being diagnosed.

So thankful to read your update, JCJAMES! Thanks for lighting that beacon of HOPE and inspiring others, along the way!

Here's to new horizons and milestones ahead!
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Wow that is great to hear! What a great set of students you impacted and they returned the favor in kind!

Stay positive and look for good all around, congrats on staying in the fight!