Any hopeful stage 4 storries

I was diagnosed after my annual check-up in February, 2025. As I recall, my primary physician said “If you want to have a PSA test, Medicare will cover it, but that’s up to you.” I was 67 years old at the time and, because no medical professional stressed the importance of having an annual PSA, I never had one. Turns out, my PSA was 67 (my age at the time) and my Gleason score was 4 + 5=9 but I was asymptomatic.
PET scan showed metastasis to the lymph nodes and bowel but no bone Mets.
A urology nurse advised my wife to start shopping for funeral homes - she even had a list of ones she recommended - and she said I should apply for a spot in hospice care. I was a little rattled by this, of course.
Up to that point, I had been an athlete and I figured that, if I survive this, my days of competing were over but that would be a small concession if treatment could prolong my life.
I went through some dark times when it took an extraordinary effort to workout but a physician friend assured me that things would get better and I should continue to train even when I didn’t feel like it.
Fifteen months later, while still taking oral anti-androgens and receiving Lupron infusions every three months, I was back on the cycling circuit and doing well so life continues unabated post diagnosis.

The are two 4's: 4A and 4B. A is local spread. B is distant spread. Hugely different statistics.

@madisonman0326 "A urology nurse advised my wife to start shopping for funeral homes - she even had a list of ones she recommended - and she said I should apply for a spot in hospice care."

That is so stupid & irresponsible as to be almost comical. Almost like a car salesman telling you that you needed to replace your otherwise good car because it needed a major repair.

@adoptedtomato Yes. Many of us here (including me) are 4B, and going strong. The stats are outdated.

@northoftheborder Agreed--the statistics are quite outdated. My husband was diagnosed in 2005 and has been stage 4B since at least 2011 and is still with us.

@readandlearn My wife asked me if I remember the nurse’s name so she could report her but I am a county boy who isn’t comfortable making trouble. But, yes, she acted inappropriately.

Just an update:

We saw my husband's Urologist on Weds. He prescribed Casodex and He will have his first Lupron shot on Thursday, August 6th. He is feeling quite down about the possible side effects. But we are glad to be moving forward. The Urologist did not order radiation for the small bone Mets because my husband has no pan from them. Hoping that was the right decision.

Thank you all for your comments. So helpful

I am now 61 and was diognised with T3b Gleason 9 in September 2022. Prostate removed in November 2022. Became stage 4 in August 2023 with metastasis in bones, lymps and lungs. Started chemo + hormone theraphy. Have been on hormon thersphy ever since. Did radiation of one area in left hip after chemo in May 2024. Did sbrt (cyber knife) of 5 leasions in lungs in October 2025. Biggest leasion 25 mm. Started Pluvicto in June 2026 after pet scan showing multiple small leasions in lungs and in lymph nodes in pelvic area. Very few side effects. Regular execises, 3 - 5 times a week, mostly walking. Working 100% and I hope for several good years ahead.