New Member of the Brotherhood

I'm sorry to have to welcome you here, but also, as you know from the sources you've been reading, your cancer is still at a stage where it's very treatable (rather than just manageable). So while it's unlucky that you've been diagnosed with cancer, it's lucky that you've been diagnosed *now* instead of a couple of years from now, when the cancer might have spread (and managing it becomes a life-long job, though fortunately, not always a terminal sentence any more).

You're right that there's a tough road ahead, but there can also (surprisingly) be joy. I believe I'm a better person since my diagnosis in 2021, and while I don't love that I have cancer, I don't want to go back to being the person I was then, either. I hope you find the same love and support I have through family, friends, your medical team, and (of course) the great folks here in the forum.

Here's a very long-running thread about joy in the face of cancer. I hope you find it helpful:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-brought-you-joy-today/

@ibfast I think it is wonderful that you have such a great team at Mayo Clinic and that they are also familiar with your background. You certainly are in great hands.

If you decide on Radiation as a treatment, you might want to look at the Mirage randomized trials which compares radiation machines that have built-in MRIs, so you have real-time imaging when you’re treated versus radiation machines that do not have that. The built-in Mri made a significant difference in side effects and toxicity.

@ibfast
You are in excellent hands at Mayo Rochester! I am at Mayo Jacksonville.

Was the Decipher test mentioned to you? If not discuss with your R/O.

Be as optimistic as you can be. I have been on MCC since January 2023. And just in that time have read about new and improved treatments for prostate cancer that were available when I was diagnosed in January 2023.

I am not a medical expert (none of us are). The Decipher test may or may not be applicable to you based on stage and type of cancer you have. But I would ask about it as it defines more precisely the risk of your cancer.

The PSMA is a very good test as shows if cancer has spread and where. It is not perfect but again another test to help providers set up the types of treatmens applicable to your cancer and you specifically.

Those PSA tests that were downplayed years ago are now showing a valuable tool to explore further diagnosis test and catch prostate cancer as early as possible.

Hey @ibfast, you sound very knowledgeable and well versed on your condition - that, to me, is the single most important part of your treatment.
You know you will be in excellent hands, so that worry is off the table. Once you decide on treatment approach (surg/rad) just sit back snd let the experts do what they do. Follow whatever instructions your team gives you to optimize treatment results and mitigate side effects.
You got this, bro, and you will be fine.
Best
Phil

Sounds like you're on a path similar to mine. Biopsy in July found Gleason 4+3, PET scan in August and surgery 5 weeks ago today on 11/11. At surgery they found Gleason to be 9, but they said they got it all. I'm waiting for follow-up testing in February. You're doing all the same things I did that were recommended to me here and elsewhere. Only thing I wish I had done better was more kegel exercises before surgery. The incontinence is definitely that greatest challenge of recovery so far.

Hello!
You will get a lot of great advice here, but you will also notice a lot of diverging opinions. Be your own best advocate! Follow your conscience and know you will beat this.

I had your same pathology and had surgery at Mayo Jacksonville.