Thirteen Years

Zen9

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2009

Posts : 316

Posted 5/18/2021 5:07 PM (GMT 0)

I hesitate to post because I don't know many of you any more and because I know most of you are fighting prostate cancer with courage and resilience. But I want to reassure people who are just starting out on this adventure.

I had a radical prostatectomy in 2008 [pre-op PSA 5.8, post-op Gleason 4 + 3]. I learned today the results of my 2021 PSA test - after 13 years, I am still undetectable. I understand that this is common for prostate cancer patients generally, although every case is obviously different.

I have sexual side effects [erectile dysfunction] but am otherwise fine. Divorced and at age 69, who cares about ED?

I am unsure when or if I will get tested again. As I close in on the Biblically prescribed lifespan of "three score and ten" years, my focus of attention turns away from quantity of life and towards quality of life. Accordingly, I do not know if I would accept further treatment were my prostate cancer to return.

And no, the wait for the PSA test results does not get any easier over time!

My best to all,

Zen9

Pratoman

Forum Moderator

Joined : Nov 2012

Posts : 9890

Posted 5/18/2021 6:02 PM (GMT 0)

Zen, great news, and thanks for sharing.
We have seen a lot of posts like this lately from guys who were treated many years ago, dont post much anymore and are sharing good news. I never get tired of reading these reports.

JNF

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2010

Posts : 5986

Posted 5/18/2021 7:10 PM (GMT 0)

Well done Zen. Just remember the new three score and ten is now four score and ten.

Keep up the great results.

Tudpock18

Forum Moderator

Joined : Sep 2008

Posts : 5611

Posted 5/18/2021 7:46 PM (GMT 0)

Zen, that is great news indeed. Glad your treatment was so successful.

Jim

mattam

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2015

Posts : 4323

Posted 5/18/2021 10:35 PM (GMT 0)

Congratulations!

Cyclone-ISU

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2014

Posts : 3388

Posted 5/18/2021 10:50 PM (GMT 0)

With eight years of unpromised SURVIVORSHIP, I continue to row in your wake ...

One rows through stormy seas, and welcomes calm waters ... forward, forward ... always toward new horizons ... once distant, now in view ...

New members here will find HOPE in your story, newfound resiliency in your words ...

Stop by your neighborhood bakery, and pick up your favorite kind of cake ... celebrate the milestone with 13 candles ... all lit and ABLAZE ...

In that illuminating glow from the candlelight, you will feel blessed, indeed ...

Here's to some CELEBRATORY cake .... AND more candles in the future!

Let there be CAKE ! Cause for a celebration!
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Stephen S

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2019

Posts : 693

Posted 5/18/2021 11:05 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Zen9!

Wings of Eagles

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2013

Posts : 1250

Posted 5/19/2021 12:14 AM (GMT 0)

Zen9
Great news, great post. I am also looking forward to three score and ten...then many more years. I am already on "Borrowed Time" according to a nutty Urologist..fired him after my first encounter in 2012.
Wings
PS oooo-hmmmmmmmmm

Steve n Dallas

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2008

Posts : 5399

Posted 5/19/2021 6:56 AM (GMT 0)

I'm right there with ya big guy.... Glad to see you again.

pasayten

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2007

Posts : 539

Posted 5/19/2021 9:41 AM (GMT 0)

Congrats Zen!!! I am at 14 years and although not undetectible, I am holding steady at an acceptable number. Turning 74 this year and expecting more than a few more... smile

pasayten

DYank

Regular Member

Joined : Jul 2013

Posts : 307

Posted 5/19/2021 1:28 PM (GMT 0)

Great news! You have no idea how much encouragement and hope your post gives!

theswan

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2005

Posts : 1709

Posted 5/19/2021 2:29 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you.
Your update and story does give us untreated hope.
Actually started treatment but was sidetracked by urinary retention but will begin anew soon. Have to heal from recent laser surgery the 30th of April.

BTW I'm 68 and ED is not much of a concern. If my wife was still interested then it would be but we are both okay with affection and deeper levels of intimacy.

Glen

logoslidat

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2009

Posts : 7585

Posted 5/19/2021 4:13 PM (GMT 0)

I'm sticking with Methuselah....frack the millennials...

jetguy

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 750

Posted 5/27/2021 12:19 AM (GMT 0)

I am 14 years and 2 months post radiation treatment. I’ll be 77 one week from today. Planning to take my 14 year old guitar playing grandson to Lubbock (Buddy Holly) and Nashville (Gibson and so much more) this summer. He was three and a half months old when I began my treatment. Lucky me.

Pratoman

Forum Moderator

Joined : Nov 2012

Posts : 9890

Posted 5/27/2021 12:22 AM (GMT 0)

nice jetguy, good on ya.

jetguy

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 750

Posted 5/27/2021 12:40 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks Pratoman. It’s been a journey, along with all else that we experience.

Sr Sailor

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2015

Posts : 1483

Posted 5/27/2021 2:43 PM (GMT 0)

logoslidat said...
I'm sticking with Methuselah....frack the millennials...

What happened to him; haven't seen him on the forum ever. Must have some prostate issues by now...

mattam

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2015

Posts : 4323

Posted 5/27/2021 4:50 PM (GMT 0)

Zen,
Congratulations! I hope I can be around long enough to make the same claim some day.

Howard3569

Veteran Member

Joined : Nov 2014

Posts : 630

Posted 5/28/2021 3:51 PM (GMT 0)

Yippee

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