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A Five Year Update

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 8/6/2021 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, and greetings from the south. The far south! (Australia that is). I've been lurking silently on the fringes, reading your updates sporadically during the years since GG's diagnosis, but have not posted for a long time. I had a bit of a meltdown TBH, and just needed to stop thinking about cancer and being reminded of it on a regular basis, as it wasn't good for me - I'm too highly strung! (and suffer from anxiety, which doesn't help). Having said that, we continue to have other reminders of course (the 6-monthly PSA tests etc); which never go away.

Anyway... the good news is that he has made it to 5 years with an undetectable PSA. Not bad for a high risk case (or very high risk if you're applying the European standards). While his 5 year test has risen to 0.01 (from <0.01), I'm hopeful that's just noise. Whatever it is, we'll take it!!

I see there's a urologist in Palm Beach (a Dr. Diego Rubinowicz) who is claiming the covid vax can falsely elevate PSA levels. I found that quite interesting; particularly since GG had his first shot only a few weeks before his test.

Meantime, I just wanted to check in, say hi and wish you all the very best. It is amazing to see so many familiar forum members still actively posting and providing such outstanding support, advice and friendship to each other through these difficult times.

Sending our healingwell wishes from Downunder, Jaybee&GG
Posted 8/6/2021 8:43 AM (GMT 0)
Greetings back! It's good to hear from you, and good to hear that GG is doing well. I do remember you from the earlier days. It certainly looks like his treatment falls in the 'very successful' group. How is he on the side effects front?

It's always good to hear from another success story. The virtual bar is open, and you're buying smile
Posted 8/6/2021 9:49 AM (GMT 0)
Nice to hear from you guys and especially nice to hear of your success! Congrats on 5 years of being a virtual zero.

Jim
Posted 8/6/2021 12:03 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, JAYBEE & GG ~~~

Always glad to hear from you both ---- and I always follow your posts from "The Land Down Under" ...

Your story, following treatments, is a powerful one ---- I give thanks for the treatment success you have experienced, over the course of time.

We have new readers here, checking in often ---- when first diagnosed, they experience a wide variety of emotions, including uncertainty, fear, and anxiety.

It's helpful to read first-hand testimonials like yours. Your mantra reminds newly diagnosed fellows that treatments can be successful, and treatments bring newfound HOPE.

Above all else --- you're both living life to the fullest!

Be sure to check in, now and again! We'll leave the front porch light on ---for your next visit here!

Here's to a great weekend ahead, JAYBEE & GG!

CYCLONE ~~~ # Iowa State University
Posted 8/6/2021 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
JB/GG,
Yep, livin' life in three (or six) month increments. Well, it could be worse. 😉

Good to hear from you!
Posted 8/8/2021 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you gentlemen. You are very kind. And of course your stories (and many, many posts over the years) are all very familiar to me as well. Cyclone-ISU, your grace and generosity towards all comers never ceases to amaze me. You were one of the first to reach out in 2016 when we were so frightened and I (still) can't thank you enough.

Mattam, I totally 'get' the message there! Your signature says it all. Your story, and so many others like it from the 'regulars' here, are part of the reason I decided to stop posting; they are so humbling and place us squarely on the imposter scale in many respects (i.e. complaining or venting when the very high risk cohort continue to face so many challenges just feels self indulgent and a bit tone deaf quite frankly). Yes GG has had side effects. He has always been fully continent since day one, however the wood is all but gone... :-( He is currently however, living a full and happy life. We could ask for nothing more.

May you continue to help all the men who come here needing guidance, support, and just to read of others who are experiencing the same difficulties, treatments and decisions as you all.

As always, I will continue to read your stories quietly from the sidelines and will be cheering you all on virtually. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts. Jaybee
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