My History
Here is my history which I hope will be encouraging to someone.
9/2012 PSA 4.6 and biopsy showed 4+3 cancer
10/2012 Robotic surgery, did not get clean margins
Early 2013 PSA rising to 0.8, CT scan clear
2-5/2013 38 treatments radiation with Lupron
11/2014 PSA rising to 1.0, started with Duke oncologist
Started 2-year regimen of Firmagon, Bicaludamide and
Finasteride (triple blockade)
PET scan clear
8/2016 PSA 0.23, PET scan clear
11/2016 PSA 0.54 Started Lupron, continues today
6/2019 PSA 0.46, PET scan clear Started Erleada, Lupron continued
7/2023 PSA 0.53, PET scan clear
2023-2026 PSA has bounced around, as low as 0.11
Started Nubequa, Lupron continues
7/26 PSA 0.21
I know that 10 years of Lupron and other hormone therapy has affected me in many ways but considering the alternative I have learned to live with it. I'm, 84 years old now, work with a trainer to protect muscle strength, take Prolia for osteopenia, and have to fight the daily fatigue.
But Duke Cancer has kept me going.
thank you for sharing your history in such detail. Ten years of treatment and navigating so many different steps along the way is quite a journey, and I can see why you hope it might be encouraging to someone else going through a similar experience. I really appreciate your honesty about the impact the hormone therapy has had on you, especially the fatigue and changes to your health, while also sharing the things you're doing to stay as strong and active as possible. Working with a trainer to protect your muscle strength while managing everything else sounds like a lot of determination. And after everything you've been through, it's wonderful to hear that Duke Cancer has continued to be there for you. Thank you again for giving others a glimpse into your experience. - Kimberli (Team Member)
