SBRT - 6 Year Update

Hi, everyone! I just thought I would stop by with an update, in case anyone is on the fence about SBRT versus other treatments. I just came back from my 6-year (plus a few months) review with my urologist. My RO released me from her care after my last update, so the uro and I are now in charge.

As my signature shows, over the first 5+ years from SBRT treatment, my PSA went from 5.69 pre-treatment, down to 0.47 at previous test. Well, given the 6 more months, it has continued to drop. PSA is now 0.26 -- a new nadir for me!

For those of you who followed my treatment journey, also remember that I am still using TRT. (As I have been, before, during and after treatment.) My T level at the most recent test is also in a happy place, at 566. Better living through chemistry, I guess. The single tube of gel daily continues to do its job, and it doesn't seem to unfavorably impact my PSA trend.

I can't say my journey has been all fun and cotton candy, though. In the past year, my BPH has been making itself known more than in the past. I went from one potty-break nightly, to 2 or 3, and on bad days, even 5 or 6. This is along with some discomfort on urination and referred pain at the tip of my penis. I am now starting Rapaflo, 8 mg. daily to see if it affords some relief. I really don't want to be planning more procedures right now. (Especially since I've been dealing with some back issues, etc.)

Over-all, I am well pleased with how things are going. Even with a relatively low-risk pathology (3+4=7, very low % involvement), this disease is still risky if you ignore it. The most difficult parts of my journey were deciding what treatment to have, who would deliver it, and when to do it. Once I had a plan, my stress level dropped and I just went with the plan. I am forever thankful to all the folks here who advised me and held my shaking hand through the rougher parts of all this.

Post Toasties Unite!

Great outcome, Paxton!

Good news on the lowered nadir level!

Isn't it great when it lowers, even more?

Starting out a diagnosis with a PSA over 100, I did not think it was possible for it to tumble down into decimal levels ~ but with treatment, and the wisdom of my doctors, it tumbled down into decimals.

Congratulations on your good news!
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Again, thank you all for the well wishes!

Terry -- I haven't brought up the subject of treatment for BPH other than meds as yet. We have been watching that one for over 20 years, and just now I am trying out the meds.

So far, I am 3 days into Rapaflo. I started taking it at night, but now think I need to switch to mornings. The Rapaflo plugs up my sinuses so badly that I awoke at 0230 this morning, and thought I was going to suffocate. It took me a few seconds to realize that I could breathe, but only through my mouth. My nose was completely blocked. Scared the stuffing out of this cardiac patient. . . I know what it means when you can't get a breath, and I don't want to have that to deal with.

I too have been on TRT before during and after.
Because I cannot find a urologist to prescribe I've had to withhold my Ca diagnosis and go to a clinic.
Recently my urologist said that we can discuss going back to TRT at my two years since SBRT date. He knows I've never stopped but will not prescribe until then.
I'd much rather self inject but have to wait.
Quality of life is very important to me

Glen