Update after stage 4 post

I posted here a little over a month ago about the news after my PSMA scan. It didn't look good. My doctor in Austin gave me the "stats" of 2 years if I continue as is, 3-4 if do blah, blah, 4-5 if I treat it aggressively. I had so many wonderful replies of encouragement and hope. You guys were amazing.

Well, you were right. I got my doctor from MD Anderson involved and they are working together. My doctor in Austin used to work under him at MD Anderson. Long story short, I started Lupron and within a month my PSA was down from almost 6 to 1.48. I started Zytiga today and I'm having very few side effects. My doctor from MDA thought that the chemo wasn't really needed at this point. I was getting myself ready for that so that was good news. He also believes that in 3-6 months I'll be in remission and if we do another PSMA, the spots won't be there. So, my steps are lighter these days. I know all we do for the most part is buy time. I feel like I bought more time and am elated by it. Thank all of you for your encouragement!

Sparky, that is great news and I hope that remission comes sooner than later. Also, thanks for the tip on the fans to help with the hot flashes. You certainly have had the experience to help fellow newbies like myself. A little off topic, but yesterday was prime day and I bought a larger fan for the bedroom and a portable one as you suggested for everyday use. Thanks again and my best wishes, as some would say, for you to have many more trips around the sun.
Jack

Sparky, that's great news and I hope you continue to do well.

Jim

Sparky9,
Your journey sounds a wee bit like mine. My initial diagnosis was from a Urologists' and he said pretty much the same 3-5 years, and there was nothing much that could be done for me. That was crap! That's why I went straight to a Cancer Center with Oncologists. You are at one of the best in M.D Anderson. Zytiga has worked for me tremendously, since August 014,more so than for most. This November, I will be on a 8 year stretch of undetectables, in Remission I like to say, even if the Docs don't use that word.
Keep the faith battle brother. You have many, many years yet to go!!
Wins aka Dan in So Cal
P.S. What's the story on your forum "handle" , Sparky9?

This update instills a lot of hope, Sparky9!

It underscores something that's important to remember ~ there's weapons, both old and new, in the treatment arsenal ~ and treatments can bring newfound hope!

Thanks for keeping that beacon of hope LIT, Sparky9!

With my best ~
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University