Update . . .

[Guest guest]

Hi, I haven't posted in some months, but keep checking in and reading. This list is so important to those of us living with PCa, and many of you, without even knowing it, have helped me through a few rough spots.Diagnosed four years ago in 2007 at age 59, 3+3 T1c, robotic prostatectomy in 2008, organ-contained, margins clear, ultra-sensitive PSAs jumped around post-surgery but stayed under 0.1 then surprised me by spiking to 0.16 in mid-2009. Oct - Dec 2009 had 39 IMRT treatments daily 8am before going on to work, only mild SEs from simultaneous radiation and casodex/lupron. Stayed active, walked, lifted weights, throughout to help with the SEs. Lupron extended 3 months beyond radiation into 2010. PSA after blood draw on Monday this week, nearly 1.5 years post radiation, is undetectable. Pleasing result, but always wary of this disease's potential, like monsters in the Alien films, for jumping back to life just when you think the suspense is finally over and it's safe to exhale. Whatever ultimately happens, the journey has had its silver linings and that's where I plan to keep my focus for the duration, however long that turns out to be -- a greater appreciation for the privilege of living, for creativity and intelligence and thoughtfulness and loved ones, less anxiety over things that in the end don't really matter that much . . ./stephen