got my 3-year post treatment PSA and it's .2. up from .1 last time but still within the established range. doctor is happy. wife is happy. and I am happy
. i will test at six-month intervals for one more year and then move to annual PSA testing if my numbers hold.
to recap three years ago I received my last three-month shot of Lupron (I had three) about 1-week after I finished IGRT. before IGRT I had BT -- 40 seeds of cesium. the combination treatment was hard on me but i was at least a 3+4 G7 with 12 of 12 cores positive, one at 70% so we decided to throw everything up front at the prostate, prostate bed and lymph nodes.
i never had one incidence of incontinence though treatment or after. for about 18 months my libido was non-existent because of the Lupron. today i function fine with 7mg of Cialis daily. i have a little more urinary urgency than before but nothing that causes me a problem. last year i had a bout of radiation cystitis that lasted a few months but it has since cleared up i have had no bladder problems for about a year.
mentally and emotionally i feel much better. i didn't even stress about this PSA test much. i am again enjoying my hobbies and travelling. life is good, again. I appreciate all the help and support i have gotten from the HW forum. thank you all .
ed