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Max Hunter and Kate live in Iowa, USA. He was 51 when he was diagnosed in July, 2010. His initial PSA was 9.40 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 9, and he was staged T1c. His initial treatment choice was Brachytherapy (Seed Implant with EB and ADT) and his current treatment choice is External Beam Radiation+ADT (Other). Here is his story.

THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2018 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

I found out I have prostate cancer through 2 biopsies the first (12 samples) was all clear. PSA rose 1 point. Second biopsy (18 samples) found 3 spots. Gleason 7, 8, and 9 respectively.

My treatment is 3 months of hormone (Firmagon) then 25 external beam radiation then Seeds.

I am taking this path on the doctors' recommendation and in my research I found this way has a high 10 year cancer free rate (83%). I am in my second month of hormone treatment and will stay on it for 12 to 24 months. In one month I will start radiation if the prostate is the right size.

The only way the PC was found was the PSA and biopsy everything else no symptoms.

UPDATED

February 2011

I finished 25 external beam radiation treatments on December 21, 2010. The whole process went very well, I probably fell a sleep about 15 times during the 25 treatments must have been relaxed. I experienced some fatigue after the treatment about five or six times and a hour nap cured that problem.

On January 5, 2011 I had 74 Seeds implanted. They are Theraseed PD-103. Other than the "normal" post-op stuff things went well. Urination for the first 36 hours was an experience but it went away quite fast. The healing curve was very steep - meaning I could tell about every two days that I felt better then I did two days before. I now have reached a plateau meaning that I know that I feel better now than I did a week ago.

As of this writing I an 39 days post implant and am going off the Rapaflo which is for flow issues. I will find out in a few days if I need to return to the Rapaflo. I am to get an other PSA the first part of February 2011 we will see how things are going then.

Thanks for this great site it has helped me and my wife in this journey.

UPDATED

June 2011

I have had two PSA test since my seed implant in January of 2011. My first PSA in February, 2011 was 0.18. My second PSA in June, 2011 was 0.10. I hope this good PSA readings keep up but I have 3 to 5 years to fully know if it is working.

No urinary problems so far, am losing body hair about 80% of it so I just keep a light coat handy. Have ED issues but I feel this is from the Firmagon. Thanks to a very understanding wife of 25 years we work through this.

UPDATED

July 2012

I have had four PSA Tests done in the past 12 months. I am please to report that they all have been undetectable. I am doing fine, because of slight bone density loss I am now taking Prolia every 6 months. I am stopping the Firmagon in Aug. 2012, it has been 2 years, but will will continue the Prolia. I am so far happy with the treatment I have chosen. Thanks to my wonderful wife and daughters for all their support.

UPDATED

November 2013

It has been awhile since I have updated. I stopped the Firmagon in in August of 2012 I still have ED issues but it is manageable. I only have a hot flashes about twice a day. My past two bi-yearly PSA tests without being on Firmagon are 0.30 and 0.28 respectfully. Everything is going very well I am still happy with the treatment I have chosen. My personal life has not changed my wife is still very supportive.

UPDATED

May 2014

Two weeks ago I received my PSA results.It was down to 0.20 ng/ml, all last year, two PSA tests, it was 0.28 ng/ml.My whole family and I as well as my doctor are very pleased. We are praying that I stay on this path.

UPDATED

October 2014

Just wanted to update, my PSA was 0.14 down from 0.20 six months ago. I am very thankful to my family for all the support in this journey.

UPDATED

April 2015

Just received my bi-annual PSA results. Less than 0.1 undetectable. I have been off Firmagon for 2 years and am approaching the 5 year diagnose date. I am very blessed with a great wife and daughters and God has been watching out for me. I hope and pray for my friends and others that are fighting PCA.

UPDATED

November 2015

I had a PSA done in mid October. For the second time in a row it is undetectable. Thanks to a very supportive and loving wife, family and strong faith. Next PSA test is in April 2016.

UPDATED

December 2016

Last month had a slight up tick in PSA to 0.17. Doctor not too concerned. Still getting tested every 6 months. Thanks to my wife for all her love and support.

Max's e-mail address is: huntalab AT gmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")

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


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