Five year anniversary today, Apr 16

Wow. Five years ago today I received The Call, and life changed forever. Some prefer to forget, but I think these milestone life events are important. They affect who we are.

It was a devastating day, followed by a few more. Tests, more tests, not much good news; then radiation, hormone therapy, 3 years worth.

And yet, today I feel great! I just had another follow up PSA, coming in at 0.8. Two years after all the treatments ended my PSA is pretty much varying around 0.7 +/- 0.1 or so, the typical variability of the standard test (according to my med onc). I'd be a little more comfy with a lower value, but that's a decent number. My testosterone is better than baseline! Sure, there are some apparently permanent physical changes, but the side effects are really less then expected.

Many new friendships have developed from this situation, new perspectives on life, greatly deepened faith, a greater appreciation for every single day. There's a newfound joy in reaching out to others just starting on this road. There is joy in helping those lost in the initial vortex to find their feet and begin thinking about solutions rather than the problem.

We never know what the future holds; making the most of every day seems a worthy goal.
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Congratulations!

Here's to many, many more!

Andrew

Seems like it was just yesterday sailing the Gulf of Mexico with you and Connie griping about our hot flashes!!! Time flies. Congrats on continued PSA stability and we will miss you next week. I am sure the weather in Brusly will be better than in Michigan.

Jer, you've certainly had a rough go of it, but congrats are definitely in order for the flattening of your PSA curve. I can't imagine what it must have been like to have started this frustrating journey fifteen years ago. But it now looks like the most anxiety provoking part is over and it should be smooth sailing from now on.

Coincidentally I just has my second PSA draw this afternoon since completing ART, and hoping for another 0.00. Also it's been four years last month since my first failed biopsy. Believe me, I understand what it's like to have persistent prostate problems and no clear answers.

You were wise to have been so persistent through the rough times and hopefully now it is paying off.

5 years since diagnosis, and you are doing well. Congratulations!!

Congratulations! And may your future announcements of continued progress also come in five-year increments (10 yrs, 15 yrs, 20 yrs).

Congratulations on holding steady at a good level. And thank you so much for providing such valuable information to everyone along your journey.

Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts and words. This forum is a very special place, and I count it a privilege to associate with all of you!