Living with Prostate Cancer: Meet others & introduce yourself

Welcome @iretired2014, I moved your post to this intro discussion:
-Living with Prostate Cancer: Meet others & introduce yourself https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-prostate-cancer-meet-others-introduce-yourself/

I did this so you can read some of past posts, meet the gang and easily connect with others. Why don't you tell us a bit about yourself. I'm guessing from your username that you retired in 2014. And recently you received that unwelcome news that you have prostate cancer.

Do you know what stage of prostate cancer you have? What treatment(s) are you considering (loaded question, I know)?

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with advanced metastic prostate cancer. My PSA level had risen from 4.5 to 9 in a 12 month period. After 6 months I finally was referred to a radiation oncologist. After hormone treatment and radiation for 1 year my specialist referred me to a medical oncologist who put me on Zytiga, my PSA levels have risen over the last 3 years from 2.5 to 4 and she now says I should have been receiving Zelodex injections 3 monthly during the last months. I am now 85 so surgery was not possible. Scans indicate tumours in my spine and possibly lymphatic system and 1 lung. I have made all logical life preparations, but wish I had been treated and advised better from day 1, 3 years ago, but hey I am still here. From Brisbane, Australia.

@hobok55, welcome. Not everyone does surgery. Many members here have chosen radiation and hormone treatment as their primary treatment.

You many also be interested in these related discussions:
- Effects of Zoladex https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/effects-of-zoladex/
- Zytiga for Prostate Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/zytiga/
- Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Where do I go from here? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/metastatic-prostate-cancer/

How is your quality of life? Are you still able to do the things you love?

Thank you for your reply. I am afraid I am unable to do much in life now. I was flying paragliders 5 years ago and have always been active, doing a daily walk of at least 40 minutes. I also have type ii diabetes and am getting severe pain at night. Yes I do research my meds and suffer many of the symptoms applicable. I go to gym 2x weekly and enjoy driving and socialising with my friend. I have become bored with TV, and reading, was an avid reader. I still get pleasure from using my PC but cannot do the things I would like due to loss of motivation and muscle strength e.g. I cannot work at a work bench or get up from the ground easily. I don't talk on the phone for more than about 20 minutes.
Much of my problems can be attributed to age, but the idea of impending death does not do great things for morale. Used to inhabit Veterans website, but their problems, mainly being much more than mine just left me down so I opted out. I am very close to my 2 septaguinarian brothers an have an attentive wife, who does not like discussing my condition. I guess that's why I am here. To see how others are going.

Good mornning all. I have been following and using Mayo Connect for the past four years or so since I was originally diagnosed. I have found it to be a valuable tool for my cancer journey. The help I have received from you members and the moderators, especially Colleen,is beyond measure. I am now approaching the end of my journey, perhaps two or three months, and I wanted simply to say thank you for your support and assistance. Good luck with you continuing journey. Hlthe best of everything as you may love forward. Norske46

God Bless You, Thanks for your courage. Inspiring

Thanks so much for your comments and recommendations. Your courage and positive attitude give me hope going forward.

Take care and God bless,

Jim

@norske46, thank you for this message, I’d like to in turn thank you. Not only have your received support and information from Connect, you’ve given it in equal measures. Whenever I tagged you on a discussion where your experience was relevant for another member, you were there in a virtual flash.

Norske, when you say, “approaching the end of my journey, perhaps two or three months” may I be bold to ask for more information. I know you are living with stage 4 prostate cancer. Does this mean that you have entered hospice?

With metastasis to my spine I had my L2 lumbar intensely radiated 2 x 5 minutes to take out 1 x 1 inch cancer then back on Zolodex
Psa was 1.2 now 4 then 6 so looking at Enzulitimide 4 pills a day chemo

Feel great Pray and ask for intercession
More remedies if needed PL 177
https://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2022-10-05-patient-first-in-region-to-receive-new-treatment-for-advanced-prostate-cancer.aspx

Pray and ask for intercession
More remedies if needed PL 177
https://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2022-10-05-patient-first-in-region-to-receive-new-treatment-for-advanced-prostate-cancer.aspx