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1 yr Post Op - G9 Update

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Posted 3/18/2021 10:14 AM (GMT 0)
Well, that put an exclamation point on a year I never expected. From being diagnosed in late Feb due to a mistaken PSA test during my annual physical which led to a biopsy, to the Covid pandemic taking a strong hold in the NY Metro area, to trying to figure out the proper course of treatment and whether I could even get it considering the pandemic........ I had my 4th PSA test since surgery and I'm still undetectable!

I had my prostatectomy in April 2020 at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC, so just under one year. Pre-op I thought I was dealing with a G7 (4+3) per the biopsy report, but the post op pathology would give me yet another surprise...G9 (4+5) with 2 out of 10 lymph nodes testing positive although everything else was negative. Last Spring left me with many thoughts......trying to get my head around prostate cancer at 51 and the lingering effects of the surgery. I don't know if I will ever get used to heading to MSK for my blood draw every 3 mths and the anxiety leading up to the test and then waiting for the results that are posted online to the patient portal about 6 hrs after the blood draw.......just you and the computer when you click to see the results. I feel extremely grateful to my surgeon (Dr Touijer) that my results have been undetectable for the 4 tests that I've had since surgery. I bounced back quickly from surgery with no incontinence but still dealing with ED issues. With pandemic and everyone working from home, I was back to work 2 days after surgery with my catheter attached to my leg....fun stuff.

I only found this site a few months ago. I am encouraged by your stories. I am inspired by your toughness. To know there are people, who are several years further down the road and doing well, provides a comfort and confidence that let's me know one can beat and live with this disease for a long long time and that is the goal.

Keep posting your stories, keep providing your experiences and knowledge it means so much to so many. For those of you who may just have been diagnosed or who have received a difficult biopsy or pathology report, may I give you hope that things can get better.

Post Edited (Dave'68) : 3/18/2021 7:02:28 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/18/2021 10:48 AM (GMT 0)
Dave, tremendous news and great overall results. Thank you for sharing your information and providing a progress report.

For many this disease is not a threat and quickly is forgotten. I have several such friends that fortunate. But for about a third of us it is not just a long haul, but a lifetime haul. Many on this board are in a situation where they can’t turn their back on the disease and never know what lurks behind the next PSA test. For those, like you and I, the real challenge is living a full life with the disease. The people on this forum are wonderful at promoting life. Stick around and you will be a recipient of their wisdom and will contribute by sharing your situation and approach to living.

Best wishes
Posted 3/18/2021 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dave,
As you can see by my signature below, I had a Big Surprise with my Pathology too.
Went into surgery as "PC contained and GL 7(3+4)" came out t3bN1 GL4+3 one positive node.
You are already in better shape than I was, PSA was back at 4 months for me. Had 39 radiation treatments &
18 mo of ADT...I'm undetectable!

And...we all know and understand what you feel "in that moment" you push the bottom to read results of PSA test, I just had it again yesterday.

So a word of encouragement for you...you're doing really well, and you have a ton of options if you ever need them
(hopefully, not)!
You have a lot of brothers (and sisters) here, stay plugged in.
Keep the Faith,
Mike
Posted 3/18/2021 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Dave, thanks for posting your story, and congrats on the 1 year milestone. I had my SRT at MSK and they are a terrific organization. And like everyone, i feel you on the moment we push that button to get results.
May you have many many more years of undetectables.
Posted 3/18/2021 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Pirate74......that's a classic story with the race. Luv it!! Use PCa to your advantage......smile
Posted 3/18/2021 8:47 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, Dave68 --- Micah68 --- and Pirate74 ~~~

Your current posts light the beacon of HOPE --- encouraging, first-hand experiences, reminding new readers and newly diagnosed members that there's new chapters to be written in one's BOOK OF LIFE, after a prostate cancer diagnosis.

I enjoyed reading about your successful treatments, and getting back in the game, once again!

C-Y-C-L-O-N-E 😋 ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 3/19/2021 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Dave’68 - Welcome to the “nothing goes right” club. I just made it to my first 6 month undetectable PSA after two years of the 3 month testing. Felt good and I get another 6 free months of cure.

I decided to go with adjuvant radiation at 5 months with my G9 upgrade and positive margin. I will never know if it was the right decision but the odds favor those who treat early so I went for it.

Great to hear you are doing well. Takes about a year for the mind to settle down after all the PCa excitement and disappointment.
Posted 3/20/2021 11:43 AM (GMT 0)
Good post and good news Dave. Always nice to hear of surgical success stories. I’m sure the G9 was a shocker but hopefully it won’t matter. Good luck on the ED front, with good wife support, you will wok through those issues. Take care. -JR
Posted 4/24/2021 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
I'm poking around the forum today and found this post. Thanks Dave for posting your story. It really helped me.

My biopsy showed 4+3 and a friend recommended I talk to Dr. Touijer at MSK. I know that every patient is different but your story really helped put my mind a little at ease today.

I don't know yet if I will do surgery or radiation. But I hope to talk to the doctor soon!
Posted 4/24/2021 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
GardenWeld is you ever want to talk or exchange emails off line, please let me know. MSK and Dr Touijer could not have been better. Both pre and post care. Dr Touijer had conversations with the MSK Radiologist prior to my decision because he felt strongly about surgery given the biopsy, prostate scan and my age (51). Post surgery pathology I think proved him right. Anyway, he's very experienced surgeon and I put a lot of faith in that.

Reach out if you'd like to talk.

Dave
Posted 4/24/2021 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Dave--
Thanks. I might take you up on that offer in a few days, if you don't mind.

It sounds like Dr. Touijer was excellent and curious about your imaging prior to surgery. That's a great trait for a doctor.

I'm really glad I found the forum. The last few days have been overwhelming and filled with dread. The stories and support people share here really are helping.
Posted 4/28/2021 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
Dave, congrats on your continued good reports! I hope that you have a long string of those in the future. Your story is similar to my husband's. Mildly elevated PSA, biopsy with G7, surgery G9, positive node and margin. Followed with radiation and just finished 24 months of ADT in December. Non-detectable, next test on Friday complete with the anxiety that leads up to each appointment. He is treated at Ohio State University and thankfully, has his PSA result before he leaves his appointment. Praying the non-detectable continues.
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