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    GOLD    
This is his Country or State Flag

Anthony Winterer lives in Utah, USA. He was 61 when he was diagnosed in April, 2010. His initial PSA was 2.60 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 8, and he was staged T2a. His initial treatment choice was Surgery (Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy) and his current treatment choice is Chemotherapy (Zytiga (Abiraterone)). Here is his story.

THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2019 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

I was diagnosed in late April, 2010, after my urologist felt about a 1cm lump on the left side of my prostate. I had the needle biopsy about a week later, prostate cancer was found in four out of the ten core samples, left side only, Gleason 8 (4+4). I decided and scheduled to have Robotic Prostatectomy May 21, 2010, Dr. Pete Fisher, Western Urological Center, Salt Lake City, surgery at St. Marks Hospital.

Surgery completed, post surgery pathology, Gleason upgraded to 4+5=9, nerve sparing on 1.25 sides of prostate, negative surgical margins, extra-prostatic invasion, unilateral SV involvement, some peri-lymphatic and peri-neural invasion, negative lymph nodes, CT scan and pelvic scan negative, post-op staging at T3b.

Started adjuvant therapy on July 29, 2010, post-op PSA 0.02, one four month shot of Lupron, 50mg of Casodex for four months, started IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) September 21, 34 sessions, 2 grey per session, for a total of 68 grey, ended on November 8, 2010, PSA taken again on November 11 after adjuvant therapy, 0.04.

I'm a little concerned about the rising PSA, meet with my urologist again this Thursday, November 18, will discuss where we go from here. Lingering bowel problems from the RT, some tenesmus, totally continent, yes ED, some hot flashes from the ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy).

UPDATED

February 2012

Hi again.....it's been awhile since updating.

I am currently still feeling overall pretty good, I am 21 months out of robotic surgery, fairly active, walking, biking, hunting, etc!

My PSA has been slowly creeping up the last 3 months to its current reading of 0.08, I am seeing my doc and urologist this week for the results of my blood work, both ultra-sensitive PSA and free and total testosterone, that was taken last Friday. Here is hoping for a 0.08 or less.

I am feeling mainly fine and asymtomatic at the this time, God bless you all my brothers,you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday, there will be a cure, Keep the Faith and "Carpus Diem".

Tony

UPDATED

February 2012

Later

Hi Again: the dance continues, I met with my Urologist this week, February 22, I am 21 months out with a rising PSA to its current level of 0.19. My urologist agreed with my suggestion to go on Avodart to keep the PSA in check, and maybe reduce it in the next several months. Due to Insurance not willing to pay for Avodart, we chose Finasteride, same family of drugs, the 5AR reducers, I took my first pill today, 5mg, and will continue until my 3 month PSA and testosterone checks in late May, 2012.

I feel fine, quite tired at times, my testosterone is slowly coming down to low normal ranges, that is good I guess to some extent, I will deal with it. I am asymptomatic at this time, picking up the mandolin again and trying to master at least 10-20 bluegrass songs perfectly this year, a little goal, but still an important one. My urologist and oncologist both agreed on this protocol for now, if my PSA does get to .5, we will consider a pet bone scan at that time and possibly Intermittent or other ADT. That is it for now, God Bless you all, please write me if you would like anytime, mutual support and new friendships I really look forward to.......

Tony

Later:

Hi Again: Well, I took my second finasteride pill today following a protocol that was agreed upon by both my Urologist and Oncologist, hoping to slow the current PSA rise, no side affects yet, knock on wood! Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, a little different from Avodart or Dutasteride, designed to induce programmed cell apoptosis(death) of single cells. "Finasteride inhibits the type 2 receptors of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, thereby blocking conversion of testosterone to the more potent dihydrotestosterone (Bostwick, M.D., Feb. 2004)

The bottom line here to my treatment is that I want to be very pro-active and preemptive in my protocol or treatment with my Gleason 9 score. I have read the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial(PCPT), which was administered to 18,882 men over 55 for 7 years in a low or no risk group, in other words, as I understand it, they were not diagnosed with cancer at all going into this trial, at least they were in a low risk situation, benign prostatic hyperlasia, prostate chronic prostitis, other prostate problems, etc.

Therefore, what I am going on is an increased reduction over the control or placebo group of almost 7% of lower grade prostate cancers in this study. What I take out of this is, hopefully, this treatment, finasteride, will slow my PSA rise. Only time will tell! I have read the risks of higher grade tumors that came out of the PCPT, but I already have a high Gleason score, and the bottom line to these findings for me is the OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN: The risk of higher grade Gleason scores is more likely due to treatment-induced architectural changes of the cell's structures and morphology than to the development of more aggressive cancer. This would account for a grading bias in the Gleason scores by making lower grade cancer cells appear like higher grade cancer cells due to structural changes of these cells and incomplete apoptosis. Whether I am right or wrong is not the point here, choose your own treatment and protocol with your doctors, but do some research as well, hopin g for the best in the end. It is a delicate dance we are all doing, God Bless each and everyone of you who are struggling with this bastard of a disease. On a bright note, I've almost got two bluegrass songs down pat on my mandolin!! Tony

UPDATED

April 2012

Hello Again: Well I guess it is time to update my journey again, I sincerely hope this information helps any and all who can use it. If not, that is fine too, it helps me thinking I might be helping others by sharing my experience(s) with Gleason 9 Prostate Cancer since first being diagnosed in April 2010. I am and always will be "Tony" first, then hopefully Tony the Gleason 9 Survivor, I even recently wrote to someone calling myself Tony the Gleason 9 Human Being! Cancer certainly has the ability to dehumanize you if you allow it to. It seems from my last two years that there are doctors who are healers, and there are doctors who are doctors. I'm not suggesting which of the two is the best here at all, but I believe we all need the caring touch of another human being regularly in our lives, especially when we are looking down the barrel of a life-threatening disease. I am really looking for that right now but I do not want that desire to overshadow me picking the best clinician and specialist available.

Hence, my update: I saw Dr Agarwal today at the Hunstman Cancer Center in Salt lake City, a very well recognized and respected Medical Oncologist specializing in the treatment of urological and prostate cancers. I was well-received, initially during the interview by his understudy, and then by Dr. Agarwal himself. My office visit lasted well over 1-1.5 hours. Dr. Agarwal at this point in time is or has been involved in over 100 cancer trials. This is a good place to start. I obviously told him and his medical staff that I am concerned about the recent doubling time of my PSA from .2 to .32 in 3 months, regardless of whether it is still under the number 1. I don't have the source right now but I recently read a medical article stating that any doubling of PSA under 1 really is not significant. I believe my Urologist believes this. Dr. Agarwal does not!; He use the word "metastatic" to refer to my current rise in PSA due to prostate cancer cells still circulating in my blood, I don't necessarily agree with that term, in fact I believe he should have said "systemic." That being said, and regardless of the nomenclature used, we have a little problem developing, which is going to be addressed when I see Dr. Agarwall again in July, 2012, after we look again at monthly PSA tests taken in the interim. He said the decision will be mine to pull the trigger on total Androgen Blockade, and said he would make the decision for me if I could not! I guess then that will be my protocol. Hopefully, we will be able to contain this bastard for years, then trials that he said I would qualify for, the chemo bullet if needed later, and, God willing, a vaccine like Provenge, Zytiga, or any of the other many drugs being used and considered in trials right now.

I feel fine other than knowing I have an incurable disease at this point in time. I love my life, my supplements are many, including over the counter herbal stuff, prayer, and more exercise and water. I am still taking green tea most of the time, a little red wine, and am going to buy some fractionated citrus pectin and genistein tomorrow, or start eating a lot more soy nuts. Long walks with my two mini-schnauzers I really look forward to(up to 5-7 miles). I'm still trying to learn more songs on the mandolin, I've mastered one I really like called "Angeline the Baker", an old traditional tune, wonderful song. I'm in the shop making my custom knife handles and sheaths again for friends and gifts, and basically just trying to keep my "---t" together one day at a time. I'm off to Kansas on my annual turkey hunt next week for 6 day, and when I return I will have complete bone scan, ct scans, dexa, etc, done at the Huntsman and the University of Utah Hospital! Then I meet with Dr. Agarwal again July 19th, and closely examine options. Meanwhile, God willing, my wife and I are going to plan a cruise together either to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean for next February. No I am not rich by any means! I am a retired school teacher on a very fixed income, and my wife is a Postmaster who hopefully will retire in 2 years. I would encourage all of you to enjoy your life like there IS NO TOMORROW, because you know what?? There really isn't until it gets here! God Bless each and every one of you, your wives, and families, you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday..........Tony

UPDATED

April 2012

Hello Again: I started Avodart about 4 days ago, dropped Finasteride. I honestly don't know if Avodart or dutasteride will do anything for the rising PSA or possible progression at this point, but it could not hurt, and that is the general consensus of my Urologist, Radiation Oncologist, and Medical Oncologist, and Family Practitioner, my "team" so to speak. May 3rd I am scheduled for about 8-9 hours of ct, dexa, and bone scans, should be fun drinking the contrast solution which I'm sure tastes like shit, also a little fasting for a couple of hours. I really never have been worried about gaining weight with the Hormone therapy, I am about 6'3", and consistently stay around 210-212 pounds, with exercise and diet changes I have made, I honestly have never been overweight, and all my lipid panel looks great.

I am off to Kansas for a Turkey Hunt tomorrow, should be fun, I actually shot the #2 Alltime Atypical Eastern Turkey (6 beards) every taken in the state of Kansas last year, currently in the NWTF record books, it was quite by accident, a very interesting and fun story to tell if you are a hunter.

Take care all my brothers and sisters affected by this insidious bastard of a disease, you are all in my prayers and thoughts everyday of my life. God Bless, please write me at my personal email, I'm good at answering and responding to e-mails, I really like meeting new people this way, mutual support, respect, kindness, and love is always appreciated! You all have mine, thanks.................Tony

UPDATED

May 2012

Hi Brothers: I had my bone tests and scans last week, the ct scan, the nuclear scan, and a bone density dexa scan. Good news is that they were all clean and clear with the exception of osteoporosis in both hips due to long term use of Prilosec years and years ago for Gastric Reflux Syndrome. Monday, the 7th, I was infused with 4mg of Zometa over a 30 minute time interval at the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake City for the osteoporosis. I was fine that day and night, but since yesterday to the present my muscles and bones all over my body have been wreaked with pain. Hopefully, these flu-like symptoms will dissipate over the next day or so, a little better this morning and day, but still lingering, not fun stuff. Regardless, I would do it again in a heartbeat if this treatment mitigates and reverses the osteoporosis, which Zometa has a pretty good track record of doing, in addition to possibly stopping the development of any future bone mets and progression of my disease. To say that Zometa "kicked my ass" is an understatement, but I believe the long term benefits of this treatment are worth the pain I am having now. I will keep you all informed in future posts as I continue my journey, take care my brothers, God Bless you all!................Tony

UPDATED

May 2012

Hello My Brothers and Sisters(Wives): I have been feeling much much better since my first Zometa/yearly infusion for Osteoporosis a week ago today! Flu-like symtoms have dissipated, some new aches and pains, possibly from the Zometa interacting with weak anatomical landmarks(i.e. my right thumb has had a little more pain and weakness, but it has always been my weak thumb due to an old basketball injury, I'm sure I tore a major tendon and have arthritis in it at this point. Such is our Journey. I'm feeling pretty good right now, overall, will start my relatively vigorous exercise and weight program again this week, I will keep you all posted! I am due for my next monthly ultra-sensitive PSA test and testosterone levels around May 25, then an appointment with my Urologist May 30 for his opinion on what the results and treatment options are at that time, I will keep you informed. I'd like to end this entry with a joke: One of my main guys in music is deceased song-writer by the name of Townes Van Zandt, many have covered his songs including Eric Taylor, Emy Lou Harris, Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, Nancy Griffith, and a host of others, Johnny Cash, etc. Townes actually told this joke on stage live on one of his recordings: A drunk man runs up frantically to a police officer and says" Officer you have to help me, someone stole my car," the officer responds by saying "where was it?", the man replied " it was attached to my key", as the man walked away after his report, the officer said to him" you might want to zip your fly up," the man frantically replies "Oh my God they got my girlfriend too!" Love you guys, God Bless you all, Tony

UPDATED

May 2012

Hello Again to All: My PSA as of about 5 days ago came in at .64, I saw my Urologist today and have started 50 mg of Casodex for two weeks, then a 6 month Lupron shot June 13, and 2 more weeks to finish the Casodex! I will call my Oncologist at the Huntsman Cancer Center tomorrow at the University of Utah and inform him of my decision, and sincerely request that he works closely with my Urologist on this Protocol.

I am going to start with Intermittent ADT for a year, take a "vacation" if the PSA comes down to undetectable, and go from there. My urologist is definitely a "half full" type of guy, I very much respect and like his demeanor and agree with his recommendations! I'm feeling fine, am going to be riding the shit out of my mountain bike this summer, alternating with weight lifting as recommended and specific to my situation.

Hope this information all helps, have a great Summer, I know that I am, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily, take care,

God Bless all of you, Tony

UPDATED

June 2012

June 13, 2012: After a good discussion with my Urologist, and with my PSA doubling as stated in previous entries, I received a 6 month Lupron shot, I believe it was 45mg, in the hip. I will stay on the month's dosage of Casodex until I run out, then, continue with the Monotherapy for 2.5 to 3 years. I believe this was the best decision for me, although I'm sure it varies from patient to patient. I wanted to strike early on the Hormone therapy due to 3 significant factors: 1) my Gleason score of 9 with one SV involved; 2) 3 consecutive ultra-sensitive PSA increases in less than 9 months; 3) a short doubling time of a around 2-3 months;

I hope this information can help anyone who reads it, my spirits are high, "it is what it is", "it isn't what it isn't". I'm going to beat this bastard down and live a long, and hopefully very productive and fun life, making memories with my family and friends, and trying to be a better human being. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you, I would really like to hear from any of you who just want a friend and some support, that is my goal with being involved with YANA, so please feel free to email me anytime, rest assured I will get back to you,

Peace and Love to All, God Bless, Tony

UPDATED

July 2012

Hi All: I re-tested again this past week for PSA and testosterone, even though my Urologist suggested a September test would be fine. Great News! My current ultra-sensitive PSA has dropped from .64 to 0.08 within the last 6 weeks since my Lupron shot, preceded by Casodex. That essentially means essentially a drop of well over 300% since the shot. My testosterone, total serum, dropped from 212 to 10, free from 35.8 to a little over 1, and Bio-available from 93.5 to a little over 5, I believe these are the correct numbers that I was given over the phone. If not, I will update again this week.

The bottom literally fell out of all the testosterone levels, I guess this means I am near chemically castrated. I will continue Monotherapy for at least 2.5 to 3 years, according to my Urologist's recommendation! He is a very very good doctor and healer as well. Sure, I am tired a lot and have days when I have several hot flashes, then days when I have a few. I walked over 12 miles this last week with my two beautiful little children, my miniature schnauzers.

I feel fine, am keeping my weight down exactly where I want it, about 205-208 pounds, I am 6'3.5" inches tall, am going to be 65 in about a week and a half, and try to enjoy each and every day that God gives me to best of my ability. We had a family get together last night at our little home in Park City, Utah, with my wife, son, nephew, sister and brother-in-law, and my brother. We had a fantastic time together, made some great memories, I cooked one huge wild turkey breast cut up into strips using the deep fat fryer, with elk steaks, and elk bobs on the barby. My wife made a couple of killer salads, we visited until almost 2:00 a.m. in the morning and then my sister and brother drove back to Salt Lake. It was wonderful and, more than ever, made me realize again the value, love, and support that one can get from your immediate family.; What a great evening!

I wish you all well, I pray for all of you each and every night, I know many of you are having some really hard times, trust me, I know! Keep your faith in a cure coming, I really believe there is a lot of excitement right now in Immunotherapy research and many other clincical trials that are showing promise. Keep Your Peace and "Know That You Are Loved." Sincerely,........Tony W.

UPDATED

October 2012

My Brothers and Sisters: I turned 64 August 5, 2012, and am almost 2.5 years out from my initial diagnosis and surgery with a current PSA of 0.08ng/ml. Lupron side effects seem to be getting more severe, I had my 6 month shot June 13, so it has been almost 5 months. But it is, in my most humble opinion, a hell of a lot better than the other option. I'm a big boy now and certainly can deal with these side effects, I'm not saying at all my life is what I would have expected at this point, Nor what I would have wanted, BUT I am here talking to you about it, I willingly accept this disease, I don't worry about what the future holds, I pray and try to live my faith with others around me every day, and take mundane shit for what it it....mundane shit. I try not to "sweat the small stuff" and it really is all small stuff! God Bless you all, you All are in my daily thoughts and prayers, I am off to Boulder Mtn, southern Utah tomorrow, to try and harvest a nice mule deer to feed my family and friends, simple as that. Every day above ground is truly a blessing, we are all really terminal, right??? So take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and "Carpus Diem"..............................Tony

UPDATED

December 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters: I am now over 2.5 years out from my original diagnosis, and robotic prostatectomy. Currently, I am on 6 month shots of Lupron, my most recent PSA as of December 17, 2012 was 0.02, Testosterone at less than 10. I feel fine with the exception of the side effects I have already mentioned, some fatigue, hot flashes that are tolerable, etc. I harvested a very nice mule deer buck this fall and continue to be active in my hunting and outdoor interests. Mike Ward, from Parowan, Utah, if you happen to read this, I would love to see you again and meet your wife, get together and bullshit(my place or yours), and have some fun. I hope the boat selling thing didn't offend you at all, just trying to renew an old friendship with a once deer friend from over 35 years ago(you indicated you might want a boat, I was just offering mine as a possibility, certainly no offense intended, I could give a shit about the boat or selling the boat to you or anyone else, and actually have decided to keep it and continue to fish like crazy this spring and summer. Hope your Prostate Cancer stays in Remission indefinitely, Kudos my friend! You are in my regular prayers as are all of you who are suffering either directly or indirectly from this insidious bastard of a disease. Keep the faith, and live your lives to the fullest, God Bless you all,........Tony

UPDATED

March 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters: March 11 found me having a 3 month blood draw for both ultra-sensitive PSA and testosterone levels. I received some great news within 2 days that my current ultra-sensitive PSA is at 0.01 and testosterone levels and percentages are all way way low. Thank God for His blessings. My wife Darlene and I went to a Postmasters Convention in Washington D.C. and had a great time. Life is very good, every day is a good day.

I am set to have my next blood work done in June, and this coming May 21 will be my 3 year Anniversary from my prostate surgery and, hopefully, I have made some positive changes in my life since that date. As I have said before, I would not have changed my protocol at all, realizing everyone who has this insidious disease have their own journeys to take and their own decisions to make on their course of treatment. I totally appreciate all of that. I am tolerating the 6 month Lupron shots fine, the hot flashes and fatigue. I try really hard to get something done everyday that needs doing, whether it be for myself, my family, my home, hobbies, etc. Life is great! I really try to stay in the moment and find peace within myself. I believe that having prostate cancer has given me the impetus to find priorities, live a better life, become a better person, and find joy and contentment in all the little things we sometimes tend to overlook. It is not about tomorrow, it is about today, one moment at a time. I have a long way to go to become the type of person that both God and myself know I should be, but I'm still working on it, little by little.

I just recently finished smoking 10 pounds of Mackinaw trout using an old Native American recipe, salt, brown sugar, and lemon juice (citric acid). The fish turned out great, delicious, and very rich. Lake trout are probably some of the richest and most oily of any fish species I have ever eaten. A few nice large tablespoons of fish and a few crackers really fill me up, and I'm sure the excessive oil is good for us too. These will make great gifts for a few friends and family. I am still on supplements, and have cut down on my own alcohol and caffeine intake a lot over the last 3 years, although I was never a heavy drinker, moderate at best. Although, that being said, a study in Germany a few years back suggested the hops in beer actually has been linked to lower incidence of prostate cancer and slower progression of the disease. So, I am not immune to having a few beers occasionally, but not every night or anything like that. My 84-year old Father-in-Law, "Sarge" as he is lovingly called, and I enjoy our times together recounting his years in the Korean War, watching our Utah Jazz games, and just generally bullshitting about almost anything, when we see each other, over several miller 64's.

Anyway, that is about it for now, I hope and pray some of the things that I write about in my story has helped someone who is affected by this bastard of a disease. Carpus diem, try not to sweat the small stuff, and "it's all small stuff" isn't it really?? I hope and pray for all of you, both husbands and wives, family's, etc, and a big shout out to Mike Ward from Paragonah, Utah. I love you, man! Hang in their people, fight the good fights, realizing and hoping there is a much better place waiting for all of us when we leave our journeys and plight in this world. I believe this with all my heart and I pray for all of us everyday. Take care and God Bless all of you until my next update................................Tony

UPDATED

June 2013

Hi Gang: This is Tony, I am here still, thanks to God and I believe my Docs and treatment choices. Let's hope so anyway. June 17 I went in for my 3rd 6 month Lupron shot, that was yesterday, Dr. Pete Fisher, Western Urological Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. My current PSA is less than 0.01 so I am elated with that news, my current Total Serum Testosterone Level is 11 and I am also very happy with that. I have developed what I would regard as significant arthritis in my right distal index joint. So much for the banjo picking, but what the hell. I am handling the fatigue issues and hot flashes well and feel fine other than those symptoms. I will be infused with Zometa again June 25 at Utah Cancer Specialists. I will keep you posted! God Bless you all, I hope this information helps someone. Thanks......Tony P.S. I consider myself very blessed and lucky to be a 3 plus year prostate cancer survivor.

UPDATED

June 2013

Hello Brothers and Sisters: June 17 found me at my Urologist's office getting my 3rd 6-month dose of Lupron Depot. Shot site hurt a little the next day but not bad at all. June 21 I was with my Oncologist in Salt Lake City and I received my annual Zometa injection, 4.5 mg I believe, and the flu-like symptoms were much reduced this year, not bad at all. This summer has found me doing a little metal detecting with my younger son Chris, we've had a great time, hiked and biked over 5 miles today at about 8000 feet to an old site I remembered from years ago, found a few relics, but the exercise and being in the mountains again was great and very relaxing. Take care all, you are in my thoughts and prayers each and every day, God Bless you all,................Tony P.S. My current PSA is holding steady at less than 0.01, Hurray!!!!!!!

UPDATED

March 2014

Hi All: My recent test results as of this morning are great news and I am thankful to God! My PSA is still holding at less than 0.01, lipid profile is fine. I receive my 6 month Lupron shot in June and December and have no plans to stop this protocol! My current supplements include: C0Q10, Lutein, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Resvesterol, Garlic, Smoothies, Green tea, and a little bit of kinnikinic taken daily. I feel great, some hot flashes, my priorities are God, family, self. Hobbies include digging, antique restoration and art, I am an avid duck hunter and member of Ducks Unlimited, finishing a book, and walking my 2 beautiful mini-schnauzers. Exercise routine includes walking, kettle balls, squats, strength conditioning with bands the Exercise Chair. God Bless to all of you....Tony 0.01 PSA

UPDATED

April 2015

April 1, 2015: Hi Guys and Gals, it has been a long time since I have updated, I am sorry, the good news is that I am still alive. I have been on Lupron 6 month injections for about 2.5 years, my PSA started to go up a little in December, 2014, after being less than 0.01 for 4.5 years. So we started on Avodart about 6 weeks ago with the Lupron, I will be ultra-sensitive PSA and testosterone tested again on April 6th at the Park City Medical Center. We will go from there, my oncologist, Dr. Niti Chandromouli at the Utah Cancer Specialists in Salt Lake City, called me and said it is a small creep of the PSA, if it goes up to 0.06, we will add Casodex to my protocol at that time. Otherwise, I will be 5 years out with a Gleason 9 May 21, 2015, a big Hurrah for that! Thanks be to God! I love all of you, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers, Happy and Holy Easter, if you are Not a believer, Hang in There and Good Luck and Health to all of you........Tony P.S. PET Scan, Lupron, and Zometa in June, 2015

UPDATED

June 2015

Hello My Brothers and Sisters: Well I had my monthly ultra-sensitive PSA test this week, and the results given to me today by my doc was .28, so even though I am currently on ADT3 therapy, my doubling time seems to be about 1 month, still technically undetectable, but news that definitely puts a little more in your brain to think about. Good news is my free and bio-available testosterone level is still at 8, it lightens the load a little bit. This is the deal at my stage of treatment: It is what it is, I will see both my urologist and oncologist in early July, have my PET scan, Zometa injection, and discuss in detail what new and other options of treatment might be in store for me in the near future. I thank God and my savior Jesus Christ that I have made it to the 5 year plus mark, actually almost 61 months, and look forward to many more years of productive living. I will put my faith in Christ, the best alternative treatments and trials currently available, and try to be the best human being I can to my family and all around me. The rest is up to the Lord. I am going to continue playing acoustic bluegrass and country music, laughing, hunting, taking beautiful vacations with my beloved wife of 45 years, and try to maintain the most positive attitude and mind set that I can. I have beat the bastard for over 5 years, my goal is to be here for at least another 10 years, my doctors agree. And who really knows what and how the cause of our passing will be? Death doesn't really scare me yet it is not something that anyone looks forward to either. I was hospitalized last August-Sept. for about 13 days with pleural effusion, not at all related to my cancer, that almost got me. So Thanks be to God and Amen that I am still here. Who knows? My doc called me this morning and gave me the PSA results, and told me that she is not at all concerned that prostate cancer will kill me, something else will. And that is the truth of it for all of us. Carpe Diem my friends and God Bless you all! Anyone who wants to respond to this entry, it would be warmly received, i.e. new treatments available for my situation, new clinical trials, etc, Thanks, Tony

UPDATED

April 2016

Dear Brothers: I heartfully apologize for not updating my story earlier, I will be better on this. My current ultra-sensitive PSA, as of this week, is 1.55 with the total free testosterone at 8. Within the next 21 days, I will be a six year survivor of this insidious disease. I am still playing music, in a trio with one other member a six year survivor as well, pretty much with the same clinical indicators as I. My wife and I are off for a week vacation tomorrow to Chicago, neither of us has been there, we will stay with my beloved nephew, an orthopedic surgeon at the Illinois Bone Institute. I dropped Casodex or Bicalatamide off my ADT, and probably will also drop the Avodart in the near future, as I have no prostate, so I will be on Monotherapy and be using my other bullets in my journey with PCa, hopefully a long long journey ahead of me, as both my Oncologist and Family Doc have told me. God Bless you all, you are in my thoughts and prayers..........Tony

UPDATED

March 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters: I went to see one of my two oncologists today at the Huntsman's Cancer Center in Salt Lake City. My current PSA is 2.36 and on the rise, I was told that, for all practical purposes, ADT has used its mileage. So now what?? Don't know yet, but I know that anything, anybody, that would like to write me please do so, I could sure use your feedback, protocols, support, and advocacy, Love to All, you are all in my thoughts and prayers......Tony

UPDATED

October 2017

Hello My Brothers and Sisters: I just got off the phone with my family doc, my PSA has gone up again from 2.59 to 3.25, a little bit of a shocker and downer, although we realized it had been creeping up slowly the last year. I am currently on Avodart and Lupron(injections), every 4 months, Avodart daily. I am approximately 7.4 plus years out with a Gleason 9, I know I am ahead of the curve some, maybe beat the odds a little, trying to stay positive, just got the news, I'm sure I will process this and feel a little better by tomorrow. Still playing music for the VA Hospital in SLC every Thursday, taking a few supplements, trying to stay in shape, although I've never had much problem with that, God is Great, Life is Great, I know I am blessed to have made it this long, I thank God every day for my blessings, I love my wife, my family, my life, this is my burden. It's hard to talk about with anyone who does not have cancer, I'll get through. Love you all, God Bless, good luck on your journey that no one really wants to be on........Tony

UPDATED

March 2018

Lots has happened since my last update, for that I apologize. I don't have all the dates written down, but here is the sum of it:

Oncologist recommended a PET, with the 3.67PSA, results indicated 5-6 hot/active nodes; Lymphectomy on a right cervical node, biopsy was adenocarcinoma in node malignant; Since then, about 8 weeks ago I was approved for Provenge, finished my 3 cycles 2 Fridays ago; appointment with Oncologist tomorrow for Zometa infusion, and discussing current side effects of Provenge, maybe adding Xandti to my current protocol. Current Side Effects: A little more fatigue, a few headaches, some new hot flashes, loss of appetite. I am still walking about 2 miles a day with my pups, playing music every Thursday for the Vets, and trying to live a pseudo active, healthy, and positive lifestyle with my beloved family. God bless you all!!

UPDATED

July 2018

June 6.2018: Well brothers ans sisters of the prostate family, I am sorry I have not updated earlier. I will be 70 August 5th, prostate cancer survivor for 8 years, 1 month, and 6 days but who's counting? I went on a complete cycle of Provenge early this year, thank God for 2 great insurance companies. Currently I am on a protocol of Lupron, Zometa, Avodart, and Zytiga and seem to be handling this drug well, I assume it's oral chemo. with Prednizone. A little more fatigue, longer and hotter hot flashes, a little more IBS. I am still very active, play music, walk my schnauzers, travel with my wife, travel alone, exercise, and watch the drama of the NBA(not Donald Trump sorry) We'l talk soon, God Bless you all!

Anthony's e-mail address is: tonahawk AT msn.com (replace "AT" with "@")

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


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