Celebrating a 12 Year Journey......

At age 54 I was diagnosed with high risk prostate cancer; PSA 34, G9 (4+5), Stage T3b N0M0. Cancer was identified outside the capsule based upon CT and MRI scans.
Subsequent IMRT radiation at the university hospital was completed August, 2008 (73 Gy, 41 fractions) followed by 3 years of androgen depravation treatment (Lupron) completed in April, 2011. PSA baseline while on Luprone was 0.2 ng/ml. After Luprone treatment the PSA began rising slowly then began doubling at a rate of ~6-7 months. The university doctors immediately suggested a clinical trial. Not being satisfied with a discussion that didn't include the word 'cure', I immediately sought another doctor.
I was accepted as a patient with Dr. Charles Myers in November, 2012. A Ferroheme and F-18 bone scan indicated the cancer was still localized within the gland. After attempting controlling the disease with various non-toxic medications, another scan (C-11 acetate) and biopsy was performed prior to salvage cryablation being performed by Dr. Silverman (March, 2014). The PSA rose again from a low of 0.5 at a DT of again 6-7 months.
After eight years from the initial IMRT radiation to the prostate, it was decided to again radiate the gland after a discussion Dr. Rossi (Scripps Clinic, San Diego). A 'SpaceOar' was inserted between the prostate gland and the colon followed by eight weeks of proton beam radiation. Prior to radiation treatment, I was again put on hormone treatment (Xtandi, Firmagon).

After completing the proton beam treatment in July 2016, my PSA indicated <0.006 ng/ml and has remained there since.

I spent a lot a time perusing these forums looking for bits and pieces of hope - maybe this one can provide some hope to someone as well.

Great story.... Getting past the ten year mark is so cool...

Doug, thanks for sharing your success story and congratulations on your ZERO. Your story may indeed provide hope and inspiration to others who are diagnosed with advanced PCa.

Jim

This is such a great story. You have been blessed and persistent. You had quality care. Your story tells us go find the best doctors that are out there. I am not sure that I would still be here with my "garden variety case of PC" as I was told by neighborhood urologist. Good guy, not thorough enough though. But by going to world class doctors, leading cancer institution, and lots of prayer- I think am "cured" at twelve years. I have a lot to be thankful for this week for sure. Blessing to all the warriors here who are fighting the battle! As I told my highly respected surgeon at first office visit after surgery when he walked into the exam room:"I know what you are going to tell me, I am going to die". Shocked look on his face as he was about to respond, I interrupted and finished my comment: "You just don"t know when or from what"! He began to laugh and said "yes, I can agree with that for sure". We have been friends since that time. Count everyday as a gift. Try to live life with anticipation and purpose. Celebrate every breath and each heartbeat. Strive to positively impact those around you. Grateful for all the individuals who have posted valuable information and support here at HW. Peace.