Hi Ricardo. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer Gleason 9 (4+5) Grade group 5 in Jan '23. I was 69 at the time with a lot to live for so was as scared as you sound at the time. I have about 10 bone mets to pelvis, both hips, 1 thigh, breast bone and lower vertebra. I was in a great deal of bone pain. I was started on hormone therapy very quickly after diagnosis and within about 2 weeks my PSA was dropping radically, bone pain gone and after just about 3 months it was down from 20 to an undetectable level. The sense of relief was great. I know it's not a cure but I'm over a year on now, with a 3 monthly stomach injection of Prostap and daily Enzalutamide tablets (look them up). My last 4 PSA level tests have remained undetectable so the drugs are working great for me. Some of the side effects are unpleasant and I have quite a list, but they pale into insignificance compared to the alternative. I know there's no cure for this, but modern drugs are amazing and new treatments seem to appear very regularly. I'm sure your medics will design the best pathway for you, but whenever you see one, go armed with ALL the questions you can think of. It's your body and health and you deserve to know exactly what will be done to you and for you. Yes, it's all very scary, but prostate cancer is slow growing and if they find the right treatment for you, you may well do very well for some time, even years (no-one will tell you how long). It's essential that you exercise properly, especially if you're put on hormone therapy, as you won't be producing testosterone and will shed muscle mass quickly, so that's something you definitely need to ask.

What will go on in your mind will dictate a lot of how you feel about the cancer and your treatment. I've found it by far the best to talk to anyone and everyone who will listen. Every time you tell someone new it gets easier. Don't keep it to yourself is what I'd advise. Be open, stay positive, eat properly, kick the alcohol/cigarettes or whatever else you do that you know is bad for you. If you have family and friends around include them in everything you're going through. I'm sure they'll support you.

I was very scared, now I've just accepted things and feel because the drugs are working for now I may get a decent amount of time. I've heard many stories of men lasting years once the treatment begins. Stay as positive as you possibly can and good luck.

First of all I would  like  to thank  you for  your  support  and your story it's definitely  something  I  can  move  forward  with  knowing  I haven't  had  pet scan yet they said  I don't  need bone scan  because  they  think  it  is  only  just  come through  my prostate  but  not 100 percent sure that's  why they want pet scan  I am hoping  it's  contained  then I won't  have  to  go through  some  of  the  treatments you  have  .I think  you  are so brave  and if you can get through  this I know  I can  thank  you  so  much  for  making  me more clearer about  my future  gives  me  so much hope  and I pray  your  strength  continues  into the future  kind  regards  Ricky  

You're very welcome Ricardo. I don't think I'm being brave; I just want to live for my family, with 1 grandchild and another on the way. I can't say more about your case because we're all so different. I've watched lots of YouTube videos, and read many accounts, but not yet come across anyone with exactly the same situation as me, nor exactly the same treatment. I would also say, please be very careful watch you watch or read. There's so much junk out there that you can end up feeling worse. Either don't look at all (but I know everyone does) or be prepared to just jettison everything that sounds weird, alarmist or unscientific. Don't take anything that you haven't cleared with your doctors first incase they counter the effects of the medicine. The world is full of nut cases who will try to tout all their crackpot theories or even try to dissuade you from taking the medical treatment. Don't panic and be sensible.

Best wishes

Hi Didge5, I just wanted to wish you well and echo your thoughts regarding family, and being here for them for as long as possible, I am blessed with 3 children and 7 grandchildren and every day with them is precious, It's nice to hear your HT is working well and i understand the side effects and your right they are a small price to pay for more time with family and far better than the alternative, have been on my journey almost 2 years diagnosed advanced prostate cancer, T4, Gleason 10 with mets in 9 places and lately my PSA has risen at the last 3 tests, though hopefully options are available, take care.

Eddie

Hi Eddie. Well done on your travels through 2 years with this awful disease. You must have had a tough time, from your description above. I really hope the medics get your PSA under control, maybe with a change in regime. Hang in there for your family and yourself and keep your mind in a good place. I always say to friends and family this thing may be eating my body but it's not going to eat my mind. Best wishes.

Hello Didge5, thank you for your supportive words, they are appreciated, Though i don't know how, but i feel ok no idea how, but i'm not complaining, they may change HT though more likely immunotherapy or palliative. Not going anywhere anytime soon though, my family and being with them is my best treatment and with another grandchild due in July Mr C will have to wait. take care my friend.

Eddie