SBRT Update, just about 7 years out

Just thought I would stop by with an update. Things on the PCa front have been relatively uneventful lately, although advancing age has added some non-PCa medical concerns (but no need to go into them here).

I was diagnosed at age 68 in July, 2016 with pre-treatment PSA of 5.9, G3+4=7, very low tumor load, very small G4 component. I did my research with the help of many of the "regulars" on this site (and the help of some who no longer post here). I chose to have SBRT at Illinois Cyberknife, by Dr. Arica Hirsch. This after meeting with one surgeon and two other radiation oncologists. As a complicating factor, at time of diagnosis I was suffering from adult-onset hypogonadism, and had been receiving TRT for several years.

Initially, none of the docs wanted to hear anything about continuing my TRT, but having been badly symptomatic for years, I was not ready to let it go -- not even for "a few years." My choice of RO's was helped along by Dr. Hirsch's interest in treating the patient, not just the disease. Through a series of her colleagues, she put me in touch with Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, in Boston. I went to his office for an exam and consultation, and with his written report and his agreement to share my treatment management with my local uro and RO, I was able to undergo treatment while still maintaining my TRT program.

My first few years' PSA readings were generally on the proper trend line, but they took their very sweet old time in declining. It was a very good thing another well-known poster here had counseled me about how to decide if SBRT was right for me, and that his own PSA took over 6 years to reach nadir. (He is the one often referred to as "The Tall One. . . ")

Well, fast-forward to recent events. My PSA started at 5.9, and over the first 6 years, it gradually declined. Finally, at 6 1/2 years, it hit 0.26 (or something around there). Now, at almost 7 years, it hit 0.24 -- a new nadir! My uro and I are both thrilled with this result, and even if it never drops from here, we are pleased with the outcome of my treatment.

This has happened even with my daily application of T-gel, which I have done for over 10 years now. Never altered the dosage or application, before, during and after SBRT treatment.

What can I say? I am truly a happy camper, and I am eternally thankful for the folks on this site who helped me to remain calm, learn about my disease and my options, and to make a treatment choice with which I am still fully satisfied.

Good to hear from you Paxton, and great to hear how well things PCa related have turned out for you

Great report and results. Especially good was the pre-treatment assessments by different specialists that you pursued. Very few men have done so, including some very well respected Forum members.

I was blessed with a urologist that demanded several assessments before he would accept me as a patient. I always recommend multiple assessments for newly diagnosed men. Unfortunately very few actually do this most important work.

Best wishes on resolving the other issues as it looks like the PCa is handled.