Thank you very much for your prompt, detailed response.
At the time of my prostate biopsy in November, my PSA was 7.4
The cancer is contained within the prostate - no eveidence of perineural invasion.
I am considered to be in the unfavorable intermediate risk group: Grade 3, Gleason score 7(4+3)
My Pelvic MRI in December confirmed cancer limited to prostate only - no boardering tissues/glands/organs.
In mid-January, my radiation oncologist recommended a six month hormone therapy - bicalutamide and Lupron* injection - along with EBRT(moderate hypofracionation -which is considered by national guidelines to be the current standard of care for many men with localized prostate cancer). *It looks like Orgovyx was approved by the FDA in late 2020 for High Risk prostate cancer patients.
I am currently waiting to hear from Mayo Clinic on a second opinion as to the above proposed treatment plan.
In addition to my new cancer diagnosis, I have been dealing with a type of myelopathy since 2017. The lesion on my spine is of unknown origin and has affected my lower extremities: numbness and tingling from my toes up to my waist. I was a neurology patient at Mayo Clinic in Rochester(I live in Wisconsin) for two years. After dozens of tests and failed medications, I was recommended to the UDP - NIH in Bethesda, MD.
I was accepted last year, but the program has been paused during COVID. I have since been under the supervision of my local nuerologist until I can be seen by NIH. My current diagnosis is neuromyelitis optica (NMO). I am presently receiving two infusions of rituxin every 6 months. No improvement in symptoms to date ( four years ago I was running 4 miles a day. Today I have to use walking sticks to get around, with my mobility and balance continuous issues affecting the overall quality of life).
I also have chronic osteoarthritis in my left knee, compounding my mobility issues. I am a candidate for knee replacement, but only after the NMO is addressed.
I am also the primary care giver for my wife, who is in Year Seven of Alzheimer's disease. This has been absolutely devastating, as we have been married 47 years. I need to be at my best - physically/emotionally - for both of us.
Throw in COVID and we have the perfect storm.