Let's Share.. "Prostate Cancer: Lung Metastases"

I wanted to start this thread because of the help a couple of brothers gave me just starting on this new road.
Cyclone-ISU, Todd1963 and Bohemond have been a life saver to me.
1. I DO NOT HAVE LUNG CANCER.
a. I have Prostate Cancer with lung metastases
The NIH says Metastatic prostate cancer to the lungs remains a rare, albeit not unheard of, diagnosis.
You can see by my history below my journey so far.
I am a Vietnam veteran and thanks to agent orange I am here.
So the beginning of March I had a Pet Scan three weeks ago and they found a few nodules on my lungs and one was big enough for a biopsy 12mm by 14mm. Had the biopsy done last the news ... Stage four...the cancer which the doctor said was unusable, but it was from the prostate cancer they said. I next had a bone scan and it came back clean, so the only place for the cancer was in my lungs. I have no systems. The good thing about the VA is that now because of Trump if they don't provide a test or med they will let you get it outside. Like the Genetic testing/counseling I will be getting next week. Also I had the biopsy on the lung at the cancer center here in Charlotte. But the good thing people/friends kept telling me to get a second opinion. Well the VA got the tissue from the biopsy and they are going to test it also for genetic markers and confirm everything.
I got my first shots of Degarelix and zytiga and prednisone. The stinging just lasted overnight and wasn't to bad, but I got these two lumps, soreness and a pinkish/red around both sites... Got scared that something was happening and Bohemond shared with me that most of us have the same results, so I was relieved. I know this is going to be a long journey, but with friend, family and the Lord I know I am well and will get through this.

Oh yes...been 100% since the beginning

Steve0

I to had prostate cancer lung metastases. After a treatment with chemo, it cleared my lungs and it remains that way.
Best of luck to you!

In the interest of documenting my experience, for future readers ...

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013, my PSA was skyrocketing at levels registering over 100 ... and I could see the concern in my doctor's eyes after a biopsy confirmed prostate cancer.

From there, I went through a whirlwind of more diagnostic tests and scans ... head to toe ... up, down, and all around. I was in my 40s, and all the testing seemed endless ... and surreal.

Results showed that in addition to prostate cancer, it had already metastasized and infiltrated both my lungs.

I remember being shown the scans of my lungs ... with suspicious blotches scattered throughout both my lungs on the scan.

My doctor started pointing to areas of concern on the scan ... both my lungs were peppered with troublesome splotches.

I couldn't count all the splotches on the scan ... and what's more, I honestly didn't want to try. In that moment, all I could do was look down at the floor ...

I don't think I said much ... it was very sobering news ... a tough day.

I then went through a lung nodule biopsy --- and spent a couple of days in the hospital recovering.

The biopsy showed that the nodules scattered throughout my lungs were indicative of metastatic prostate cancer.

During those tough days, one phrase my doctor said resonated over and over in my memory.

In that seemingly endless whirlwind of tests, biopsies, and diagnosis ... I heard my doctor say these words:

"I have TREATMENTS in mind for you. We can get you started, right away, on TREATMENTS that can help you!"

TREATMENTS?!! I heard him say that word! TREATMENTS !!!

I honestly felt like one of the fellows who was handed a life vest and offered the last remaining seat in a lifeboat on the tilting wooden decks of the TITANIC!

I think my doctor could sense I needed some encouragement, as I was searching for some signs of HOPE right then ... and I needed some hope, right then and there, believe me.

For anyone facing lung involvement, following their diagnosis of prostate cancer, these words from my doctor have inspired me, ever since diagnosis day.

Here's what he said to me, as my treatments began:

"I know this is a tough day, hearing this diagnosis. But we're going to get you started on TREATMENTS. I know this has been some tough news to hear. This isn't a common manifestation of prostate cancer, that we see here every day, to be honest. But ... I want to tell you something. I HAVE treated one other fellow, whose scans looked just like yours did. You know what? That was TEN YEARS ago now, and that fellow is still in the game."

On that day ... in that moment ... someone handed ME a life vest.

Stay strong, keep rowing that lifeboat, keep looking FORWARD ---

CYCLONE ---- # Iowa State University

To continue my story, once initial treatments began, immediately after diagnosis ...

The first "battle plan" ---- to hopefully stop the metastatic lung nodules from spreading --- was a shot of LUPRON ...

My diagnosis & biopsy and the whirlwind of scans had all happened in rapid succession.

Little by little, I began to learn more about my diagnosis, and then I started to ask more informed & insightful questions when I saw my doctor. It's a steep learning curve, when you are first diagnosed.

I had no idea how a shot could EVER begin to "tackle" lung nodules, at that point.

After that first treatment shot, my doctor wanted to see if there were any hopeful signs, at my very next appointment.

We ran a PSA test within the first month, and my PSA went from over 100 down to single digits! It was incredible news.

I remember my doctor saying, "You seem to be having meaningful progress from your initial treatment."

A little bit of GOOD NEWS can do a LOT for a newly diagnosed fellow. I still remember that day!

I stopped by my favorite Midwestern barbecue restaurant that evening and ordered whatever my heart desired off the menu --- all hickory smoked.

I have been there hundreds of times --- but, I can honestly say, that was the BEST MEAL ever!

Heading home afterwards, I cranked up the car radio and sang every song they played, on my way home.

The shots continued ... my PSA crept down into the decimal range, bit by bit. The LUPRON shots were having an impact.

My DOCTOR even started to SMILE, from time to time ... and trust me when I say, there had not been any smiles to be seen, when he first shared my diagnosis.

Something from this time period, I will never forget ...

The ADT shots, as I learned ... were beginning to deprive certain cancer cells of their fuel - - - in this case, testosterone.

Testosterone, in my case, was acting like kerosene poured on a prairie wildfire.

Here's what I will never forget ... those initial shots, as they were described to me, were literally beginning to "STARVE & STRANGLE" countless numbers of cancer cells.

Now that's an unforgettable description, in my memory --- a treatment that "starves & strangles" cancer cells?!!!

Starving & strangling cancer cells?!! Let's start fighting!

I had finally been handed a "sword and shield" --- in the form of treatments and medications --- and began walking FORWARD --- onto the battlefield.

Stay strong, face forward!
Cyclone - # Iowa State University

I have been on ADT in one form or another for 14 years. The mets in my lungs cleared and as long as the meds keep working they will stay that way. The lungs really are not that hospitable place for PC or so I have been told. I am still chemo naive. Lucky me. Steveo you really are going to do well. My Uro told me that most guys with lung Mets do pretty well. Keep fighting the fight, hold on to your faith, stay positive. Todd

Cyclone-ISU
It was your post that gave me such hope when I got the phone call saying stage 4 lung metastases prostate cancer. I started Degarelix and zytiga/prednisone in May and began to see my PSA go down. Last month with my PSA at 0.01 the doctor said it was time to get a ct scan... I was so nervous waiting for the outcome. We believe in prayer and prayed hard. When I went in for my next shot the doctor said that my nodules were shrinking and no other ones appeared. My PSA is now <0.01 and still on treatments. He talked to me about going on another drug, but was concerned about my heart issues so suggested I stay on this once a month. I am ok with that since the only side effects is one to two hot flashes during the day. This journey has been a lesson in patience and trust. This site is wonderful helping us all along this journey.