THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2015 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

For several years I'd had decreased urinary function and strange, severe cramps in my anal area. My doctor said that my prostate was slightly enlarged but nothing to worry about.

In 2003 I retired at moved to Idaho. The move delayed my annual exam by about six months. During my first digital exam with the new doctor he said "Oh - that has to come out!" He felt a rough lump on my prostate indicating that the cancer had broken out of the capsule. My urologist agreed. I had a biopsy (24 samples, 20 of which were malignant with Gleason of 9), a bone scan (clear), a CT scan (unremarkable) and a test called ProstaScint (unremarkable.) I took Casodex and Lupron before surgery. The doctor said that nerve-sparing would not be recommended. Had the surgery on Sept 14, 2004.

Volume of the prostate was 34.7cc with a positive apical margin and multi-focal capsular penetration. Seminal vesicles and lymph nodes were clear.

I had external radiation treatment after healing, ending on Feb 28, 2005 with treatment on 39 out of 55 days and a total dose of 7020 cGY.

I am happy with my mild incontinence - I cut a "man guard" pad in half and it lasts all day. The radiation affected my bowel habits - two to five bms per day with loose stools and very little "lead time".

PSA stayed below 0.1 for 40 months and then began to rise. I am six months into an eight month regimen of Lupron. I think it is making me fat and lazy. My PSA is back down below 0.01.

I have total erectile dysfunction. Tried oral pills (nothing), the pump (gross), Muse (a pill you stick up the urethra, painful.) What does the trick is something call "Trimix" - you inject 100mm directly into the side of the penis. Sounds terrible, but it works.

Life is good.

Completed my second round of ADT of Lupron and Casodex about two months ago. In addition, a prostate cancer expert at University of Washington Med Ctr recommended I take Avodart 365 days per year. Even though there is no clinical proof that it will help (I have no prostate), he said it makes sense.

Took Avodart for a year and have noticed that ADT side effects persist - breasts are still sore and no sex drive. Have decided to give Avodart a rest and see if I can get back some interest in sex at the request of my wife. Also noticed that testicles feel like mush.

Was on Lupron/Casodex/Avodart for several years (9 months on, 3 months off). Last bone scan showed seven hot spots in my spine and ribs, plus a spot on my liver. Will now stay on Lupron full time, stop Casodex and Avodart (anyone need some?) and will add otc calcium+D3 and injection of Xgeva to strengthen bones. No specific pain yet.

On April 15, 2012 I went to the ER thinking I was passing a kidney stone. Turned out the PC has progress to ribs, spine, pelvis and liver. Started Xgeva and calcium to strengthen bones. Started chemo (Taxotere) on May 24, infusion every 21 days. A shot of Neulasta 24 hours after chemo helps boost white cell production which really reduces side effects.

Taxotere chemo did not seem to do that much except leave my feet numb. Also have Lymph Edima in one leg.

CT and MRI reveal seven hot spots in my spine and ribs. Prostate cancer spot in my liver staying the same. Dr. says very rare for cancer to enter liver.

Started oral chemo Zytiga (aberaterone) with prednesone. Mild, if any side effects.

Had radiation on 7th vertebrae to help bone pain. After a little time to heal I think it really helped and will make bone stronger.

Feeling better.

It been ten years since my prostate exploded. PSA was 5.04 - not a good indicator. Radical protatectomy, radiation, good for three years, ADT (Lupron continuous), metastesis, radiation on spine, chemo Taxotere, ADT with Zytiga, continuous Xgeva (bones) radiation on sternum (for pain), Now ADT with Xtandi. Will start chemo again soon. It's in my liver and kidneys.

Gym's e-mail address is: weliveintwinfalls AT juno.com (replace "AT" with "@")

NOTE: Gym has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.