How Long Since Your Diagnosis?

Very first was in Fall of 2021 but was only very low level cancer, barely even cancer they said after my first biopsy, Gleason scores 3+3 = 6, grade group 1. Stayed stable and was just on observation mode until late 2024 when PSA jumped 30% to 4.6 and MRI showed a PiRad 5. Had a biopsy in late Jan. 2025 and had Gleason score 4+4=8/10, (Grade group 4). Decided on complete removal via DaVinci method by local surgeon and was done May 5th. Got my first post-op PSA results last week < 0.1. Couldn't be more pleased with my results, incontinence is almost nil. I was told he was a very good surgeon and I believe it now. I'm doing and feeling well other than occasional fatigue spells and ED, which the ED isn't a big deal for me, I'm pretty upbeat right now. I'm a retired railroader and right now life is pretty good.

Diagnosed July 27, 2022 at age 60 denovo metastatic stage 4. So, since diagnosis over 3 years. I have radiation and chemo first. I'm on Nubeqa, ADT, and Xgeva. I was a large (muscular) man before my diagnosis. I am not the same man with the same build and the same level of energy. However, I am able to work each and every day and live a somewhat normal life. I get tired and need to take naps after work some days and other days I feel very normal. I just had my ADT and Xgeva shots today. My PSA remains undetectable < 0.1.00.

23 months

Thanks for sharing your very positive "answer" -- quite encouraging, actually,

I have seen & read my MRI report from 7/29, so I know what the radiologist thinks. I "know" I have prostate cancer. I see my urologist in the morning to go over my MRI and I believe I will be told that I have cancer then. I admit to being a bit anxious about the journey forward. I have travel plans to visit NC starting Saturday. I will likely postpone that trip - so there is a change because of my prostate issue.

It’s good that you’ve seen and understand your test/scan results.

Note that except in rare cases, your radiologist/urologist won’t likely tell you that you have prostate cancer based on just an MRI.

An MRI will result in a PIRADS score (of 1 to 5) being assigned to suspicious areas, with the PIRADS scores indicating the “likelihood of clinically significant cancer being present.” It indicates a probability of prostate cancer; it’s not definitive for prostate cancer. Your next step will possibly be a biopsy.

> what are the PIRADS scores in your MRI report?

If all you’ve had is an MRI, you’re still a long way out from even considering treatment. Enjoy your your trip to NC.

I am part of a support group for men with advanced prostate cancer (i.e., stage 4 metastatic). There are men in this group who have been living with this disease for 12 to 15 years now. The man that has been fighting for 15 years changed his ARSI to Nubeqa and has been undetectable for 2 years now. I plan on living with this cancer for 25 years. Maybe there will be a cure along the way.

Actually, I am afraid that what you are saying is so -- that the only thing Dr. Levin is going to suggest this morning is a biopsy, not treatment. I don't want to wait. Report: 1. There is a 0.9 cm T2 hypointense circumscribed focus with mild restricted diffusion in right lateral peripheral zone. It is difficult to discern whether this reflects a PIRADS3 or a focal RADS 4 peripheral zone lesion. 2. No other or additional suspicious prostate lesion appreciated.

Treatment is never done as a result of a PIRADS score alone. A PIRADS score itself is not determinant of prostate cancer, it’s only an estimate (probability) of the risk.

Yes, he is quite likely to suggest a biopsy as the next step - especially for a PIRADS 3, 4, or 5. You can bet on that.

(As for that “0.9 cm T2 hypointense circumscribed focus with mild restricted diffusion in right lateral peripheral zone” — they’ll want to biopsy that suspicious area.)

It’s the numbers that guide next steps: PSA —> PIRADS —> Gleason —> (and perhaps more from there). Without the numbers, they will not move forward,

In the MRI report, were the words extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, or perineural invasion mentioned?

Are you sure you’re not talking about me? After 15 years, I’ve done exactly what you describe, with the same undetectable results.. I’m in a lot of online support groups