6 years since diagnosis and treatment

I realized the other day that I have passed the 6 year milestone since diagnosis, and in February I will be six years since RALP.

I guess what's interesting, more than anything, is that the date of "the phone call" came, and went, without comment. I can still recall the events of the previous few weeks quite clearly, from the annual physical exam and my PCP ordering my annual PSA, up to the call that said, "Your PSA has doubled since a year ago, I think you should go see Dr. N___ (the one urologist in that small town)"

Then, waiting for an appointment there, giving my history to the NP there, her doing a DRE, then scheduling the biopsy. I think it was in that period that I joined this forum. Then came the biopsy on December 1, 2014, and "the call" on December 5.

After that came the CT and bone scans (they revealed what I already knew: bone deterioration-pre-arthritis--in both shoulders and left knee, and a hiatal hernia). Then appointments with Dr. N___, and a referral to the experts at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis.

Ultimately, I chose to go with RALP, which happened on Feb 17, 2015. And the rest, shall we say, has been excellent ever since. My PSA has been undetectable since, and I have no significant issues because of it. I'm as continent as I was pre-surgery, and 2.5 mg of cialis daily takes care of what ED I have.

So, that's my summary. To the rest of you, I'm blessed to have been with you for these 6 years, and I hope I've helped one or two of you find your path.

Djin,

At diagnosis I was G6 with 3 positive cores, I think with 2 positive in the right middle, and one in the right lower, so the 4 quadrants at G7 was significant (to me at least), to suggest I was multifocal, and an upgrade besides. I've always thought that while I was eligible for AS at diagnosis, I likely would not have stayed AS for long--a follow up MRI guided biopsy would have most likely come back as G7.

Thanks Djin for confirming my thinking that I did the right thing at the time. In here, the AS/overtreatment argument (I won't call it a debate, it wasn't) was in full swing. I also can't say enough about the quality of care I got in St. Louis--it goes to show that there are great, and near-great, doctors and facilities that aren't on the coasts.

Congratulations, halbert! May the good results long continue.

Also, thanks again for being here for the rest of us. Your calm, logical approach and warm advice were a welcome oasis for those of us who came after you.

Congrats, halbert! An excellent post, as usual from you.

You can stop "hoping" that you've helped one or two of us find our path. Count me as one.

Btw, I'm a recent Cialis convert. Whoopee!

With a NEW YEAR in sight, it's a perfect time to celebrate the moment, and mark the milestone ...

Six years since diagnosis ... that's over 2,000 new sunrises, Halbert!

Here's to a NEW YEAR ahead, and more milestones to follow.

These rousing song lyrics in your honor, good sir ...

"For He's A Jolly Good Fellow ... Which Nobody Can Deny!"

Best to you, in the NEW YEAR to follow ~~~
C-Y-C-L-O-N-E --- # Iowa State University

A December snowfall last week, so it has looked like "Winter Wonderland" the past few days ...

Just got the news that Iowa State CYCLONES are playing in the FIESTA BOWL, in the New Year.

Here's to more milestones ahead for you, Halbert!

Wishing you a bright NEW YEAR ahead ~~~
C-Y-C-L-O-N-E

Congratulations! It’s always comforting for me to see good-news posts like this one. Like many others here I imagine, hearing about a six-year run like yours provides much-needed hope and inspiration. I’m approaching the two-year mark post-SRT and hope I can follow in your footsteps!

Hal, happy anniversary. May you have many more years of great results!

Jim

Congratulations!
All the best.

Nicely done Hal.

You played the hand that was dealt you very well.

Congratulations.

Congratulations, Hal! It's good to hear from you, and helpful to everyone to hear good news.

I have missed seeing everyone at our GFMPH gatherings, and look forward to the next time we can get together.

Excellent !!! Keep on Keepin on .....your contributions are very important on this forum , thank you ...Peace