From Phase I to Phase 4
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January of 2020. Unfortunately, my Gleason score was a 9 (indicates an aggressive cancer). I opted for radiation, lupron, and radiation seed implants, rather than surgery. The good news is the only side effects I had from all of this was weight gain (25 pounds) and partial ED.
This kept my cancer in check for about five years, until a PSMA Pet scan in June of 2025 showed that the cancer had come out of remission and spread to my lungs. This is unusual, as it usually spreads to your lymph nodes or bones, but it's not unheard of. The bad new is that the lungs are a bad place for it to spread.
So, in Sept of 2025 I had lung surgery to remove 10 cancerous nodules and they had to remove 20% of my left lung to do so. As you can imagine, that was a fun time surgery!
I then started a combination of Lupron injections (again), Prednisone, and Abiraterone (which is relatively new and involves taking 4 250 mg tablets daily). It's a very powerful drug and is given in the hopes of being able to put off chemotherapy for a couple of years.
I recovered from the lung surgery with no problems (I'm 77 but have worked out a lot for many years and am in pretty good shape). So far, virtually no symptoms from any of the drugs.
Just had my first chest CAT scan, which will be the indicator of whether or not the Abiraterone is keeping the cancer in check. If it hasn't, I'm not sure yet what the next steps will be, but Pluvicto has been mentioned several times by my doctors.
Throughout all of this, I've actually felt pretty good. I've continued to work out hard and. I don't look sick and don't feel sick, but I know this will eventually change as the cancer progresses. I'm hoping that's still a few years away.
I hope the rest of you are doing well and I sincerely hope you can avoid going stage 4.
Hello tommcb99
Glad that you're coping positively with all this and hope it will continue for years.
First, sorry for my English, I'm a Spanish wife to a 77 year guy who's gone through RP for 7 3+4 Gleason 9 years ago. Had a recurrence, treated with IMRT and 2 year Lupron that apparently was working pretty well for 3 years or so, but now, PSA has risen gradually up to 0.26. I've been reading about new drugs as Abiraterone, that you're having. Since my husband is 77, is in Pradaxa blood thinner for occasional auricular fibrilations I'm wondering if he would be elegible for that drug, as I'm afraid he will be put on treatment again. Meeting with the OR soon and in panic.
I'd appreciate some thought, from your experience.
Best,
LolaHi
. It is great that your husband has your support and that you are advocating on his behalf. Has anyone mentioned your husband getting a PSMA PET scan? I ask because it is considered the gold standard in locating recurrent prostate cancer (see: https://prostatecancer.net/clinical/psma-imaging-scan). In addition to the excellent information from concerning Abiraterone, you may recall that he mentioned Pluvicto above. I want to note that Pluvicto can be used in conjunction with the PSMA PET to target the cancer specifically (see: https://prostatecancer.net/clinical/fda-approval-psma-imaging). I can't say which of these could be best for your husband or if the doctor may have some additional ideas, but want to present options for the discussion. Please feel free to keep us posted on how things are going and to ask additional questions. Best, Richard (Team Member)
I'm not a doctor, so I can't comment on whether or not your husband would be eligible for taking Abiraterone. His doctor would have to advise you on this. I do know that it is now the recommended approach, along with Prednisone and Lupron, for treating men our age once the cancer has spread, as a way to perhaps be able to postpone full blown injection chemotherapy, so it would be good to check with the doctor.
Hi
. Hope the appointment today goes well. It is great that you will both be there to ask questions and listen to answers and options. It is also great that you don't have to wait and can get some guidance now. Again, please feel free to follow up after - plenty of men here have been there. Best, Richard (Team Member) Hi Lola, as I said, I'm not a doctor, but from what I've read, and what my doctor has told me, once the cancer has spread Lupron alone is not enough. The standard of care once it spreads is the combination of Aberaterone, Prednisone, and Lupron. But for some patients I know they add the chemotherapy treatment Docetaxel. But again, check with your doctor, as things change frequently and there are many other options. Your doctor is best to say what options are best for your husband's unique situation.
Thank you for sharing your story—it really puts things into perspective. You’ve been through a lot, and the way you’ve handled everything with strength and discipline is honestly inspiring. Staying active and positive through all of this says a lot about you.
I’m really glad to hear you’re feeling well right now and that your recovery from surgery went smoothly. I hope the recent scan brings encouraging news and that the current treatment keeps things under control for as long as possible.
Wishing you continued strength and many more good days ahead. I’m rooting for you.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I just got the results from the CAT scan and it was great news! The existing lung nodules have all remained stable and no new ones have appeared! Looks like the Abiraterone and Lupron is working, so I'm hoping that continues to be the case.
