GL9, Stage 4 Update

I haven't been here for a while so thought I would post an encouraging note for other high risk brothers. I was diagnosed in November, 2012 with Stage IV, gleason 9. I went straight onto HT and, 6 months after my diagnosis, I self-referred to MDA in Houston. My MO in Houston arranged to have my prostate removed and subsequent RT to the prostate bed. I was taken off all treatment (HT) in February of 2014 or about 3 1/2 years ago. During that time my psa stayed at < .1 for about 2 years. It then increased to .2 for about 8 months. Then, 3 months ago it increased to .4 for 2 months followed, on my latest test, by a small decline to .3. My testosterone has been around 400 for a couple of years.

The HT holiday I am still enjoying has been great. I still have side effects from the HT although the hot flashes have disappeared. My memory has never fully recovered. Overall, though, given my statistics, I am incredibly happy and grateful.

That is a fantastic update! Very encouraging, and supports some of the newer thinking about surgery for even high risk cases like yours.

Here's to ever more low/stable PSA checks!