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Choice to not treat after recurrence.

I'm curious as to whether anyone has decided to not treat after recurrence. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2021. 6.39 PSA, 4+3 with a Gleason of 7 Group 3. Had robotic surgery March 22. Nov 22 PSA <0.02. Stayed same until May 24 jumped to 0.07. Then 0.1 Sept 24. Had NM PET CT Scan with tracer. Results stated 'no abnormal uptake' from neck to knees. Team suggested radiation 38 treatments along with ADT "Lupron". I decided that I didn't want the side effects I researched and opted out of the treatment. They agreed to keep the active surveillance. Since then, every three months I do PSA test. It's climbed slowly, but, steadily up to currently 0.18. Every 3 months they want to again do the EBRT and ADT. Currently, I am perfectly fine with my health as far as urinary, and bowel etc. My ED I've adjusted to as it's just there for life. My dilemma is... do I risk my current "health situation" and roll the dice with the side effects to come?, or do nothing and just let life and the cancer take it's course? In my life's experience, as well as reading community questions/responses, when Radiation, Chemo, ADT, etc. is started, it just continues for years until ultimately, there's nothing more to do and you prepare for the end. Has anybody chosen the no more treatment route and what were the consequences? Just wondering if it's a slow progression, or rapid decline? ( I guess no one knows right). But, I've only seen folks who keep treatments going and those who've had bad experiences and results to deal with as well.

  1. Hi . I can't personally speak on this issue and each person has to decide what is the right path for them, but I do want to note that plenty of people are treated for recurrence and go into remission. Here are a couple of articles from Dennis discussing his treatment for a recurrence: https://prostatecancer.net/living/biochemical-recurrence and https://prostatecancer.net/living/knowledge-recurrence. A big indicator of the extent of treatment necessary is the whether the cancer is still contained to the prostate be or where it is located. Your doctor should be able to give you further information on that. Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts and experiences. Best, Richard (Team Member)

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