Hello Readers !

I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in the fall of 2013. My initial PSA was over 100, with prostate cancer nodules in both of my lungs, confirmed by a lung biopsy and a prostate biopsy. It was a sobering diagnosis, as I had perfect health up to that point, so the diagnosis was quite unexpected at the age of 48 years of age.

I started on ADT shots, which brought my PSA down to 0.13 in a few months. Lung scans also showed that the lung nodules had resolved themselves after the ADT treatments, for which I was thankful.

After seeking treatment from my original urologist, I also added an oncologist to my medical team after a year. That was a very important decision in my medical care, and I recommend adding an oncologist to other friends facing this same diagnosis. I am very loyal to my doctors and have formed a close partnership with them in making all my medical decisions.

I do a fair amount of research, to keep up on new findings and treatment research in the field of prostate cancer. I like to do enough research that I can have meaningful consultations with my doctors during medical appointments and also to share advice with friends of mine who are also facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

In the summer of 2014, I decided to pursue six rounds of Taxotere chemotherapy treatments, which brought my PSA down to an all-time low of 0.04. I experienced relatively few side effects from the chemotherapy treatments. I lost all my hair shortly after my first infusion. I also needed additional shots of Neulasta to restore my immune system during chemotherapy treatments.

I found that maintaining an exercise routine, drinking lots of water, eating healthy foods, and keeping up with friends and family helped me get through those months of chemo treatments with few side effects. Thankfully, I went to work each and every day and managed to keep up a full schedule, for the most part. I have continued to work every day since being diagnosed, and I keep up with all my activities, interests, and hobbies, for which I am very grateful each day.

A few months after the chemo treatments were over, my PSA began creeping back up, but remained in the low decimals. In the fall of 2015, I started taking ZYTIGA pills. I've been on ZYTIGA for about two months, and my latest PSA test was 0.01, which seemed like a miracle to me, since my initial PSA at diagnosis was over 100. This is the lowest PSA reading I have ever received, after pursuing ADT, chemotherapy treatments, and now ZYTIGA medication.

I've formed important bonds with several friends of mine who have also faced this diagnosis. We check on each other, send messages, and support each other through everything. I feel a sense of brotherhood towards each one of them and I feel it is important to connect to others who will understand your situation when you are first diagnosed. Faith and prayers for others in this situation have also become an important part of my continuing journey.

I have continued with all my medical treatments, and I am still taking ZYTIGA at the present time. At the current time, my PSA is beginning to climb just a bit, after reaching the all-time low of 0.01 in the fall of 2015. My PSA is still below 0.10 at the present time, for which I am thankful. My PSA, testosterone, and lab work numbers are closely monitored by my oncologist. We meet together for a consultation every month.

Over the course of time, we have closely monitored my testosterone levels in an attempt to suppress the PSA levels to the greatest extent possible. Over time, I have been on LUPRON shots, then FIRMAGON shots, and I am currently on ZOLODEX injections --- all forms of ADT to suppress the PSA levels. At times, my oncologist and I have noted testosterone "spikes" and I encourage readers to ask for occasional testosterone tests, in addition to your regular lab work and PSA test, to ensure that your treatments are suppressing your testosterone to the greatest possible level.

I also receive shots of PROLIA to strengthen my bones, to counteract the effects of the ADT shots on my bones. Over time, my oncologist has also ordered a Circulating Tumor Cell lab test, which is another newer diagnostic lab test which can be used to assess the effectiveness of your current treatments. In my case, the Circulating Tumor Cell test is sent away to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where it is assessed by a lab oncologist.

In October 2015, I decided to travel to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for additional scans and diagnostic testing, with the full encouragement of my urologist and oncologist. At Mayo Clinic, I was given a detailed M.R.I. of the prostate and also the PET-CHOLINE scan, which can detect minute traces of metastatic cancer cells throughout the body. I had a very positive experience at Mayo Clinic, and I encourage readers here to always consider seeking a secondary medical opinion, especially for advanced cancer cases.

While at Mayo Clinic, I was privileged to consult with Dr. Eugene KWON, a leading researcher and noted expert in the field of prostate cancer. We discussed my case in-depth and talked about future treatment possibilities for my case, looking ahead. Dr. KWON is now a part of my medical team, which also includes my original urologist and oncologist. I will return to Mayo Clinic in March 2016, for follow-up tests and another consultation with Dr. Kwon.

Meanwhile, I am busy with my full-time career, my hobbies, volunteer work, exercise, social events, and get-togethers with friends and family. I am thankful that my treatment side effects have been minimal and that I have 100% of my drive and energy.

In the interest of helping others and keeping others EDUCATED about prostate cancer, I encourage all readers on this website to continue telling THEIR prostate cancer story to their brothers, sons, nephews, old high school and college classmates, work colleagues, neighbors, and friends from their community, church, fraternal organizations, and civic groups. Friends and colleagues of mine who listened to my story have gone in for check-ups, and now a few of them have also been diagnosed with prostate cancer. They are now pursuing medical treatments. Please continue sharing YOUR story, in the interest of helping others.

Hello Readers !

My medical journey has continued, with some meaningful successes over time. I have now been on ZYTIGA for eight months now, which has proven to be effective. There can be slight fluctuations in P.S.A. levels over time. I meet with my oncologist every month, just like clockwork. He shows tremendous care and diligence, and is very proactive in his approach. My oncologist closely monitors my lab levels each month, including P.S.A. and testosterone. He believes strongly in watching the testosterone level, to make sure we are suppressing the P.S.A. levels to the greatest extent possible.

As far as ADT shots, I've gone back to once-a-month ZOLADEX injections, which have the same goal as LUPRON or FIRMAGON shots. With multi-month doses, my oncologist and I were noticing some testosterone "spike and flares" and we decided to go back to monthly shots, which has now kept my testosterone levels BELOW 10 each month, and this has helped control the P.S.A. at this point in time. I encourage others on ADT shots to have their testosterone levels checked periodically, to make sure that your brand of ADT shot is keeping your testosterone level low, to help suppress your P.S.A. level.

I have several close friends who share in my same diagnosis, and they are finding meaningful success with various combinations of ADT hormone shots, chemotherapy treatments, and some of the newer breakthrough medications such as XTANDI and ZYTIGA. I encourage every reader to form a close bond with their medical team, ask specific questions when you visit your doctor, share specific details with your doctor, and communicate often with them. I recently sat down with my oncologist and we "mapped out" a future plan of treatments, as we continue to look ahead in a proactive way. Having that conversation was a very positive experience, and I recommend it to others engaged in this battle.

I recently returned from Mayo Clinic, for follow-up tests and consultations. This time, they provided me with a DETAILED M.R.I. scan of the abdomen and then the pelvis, to check for any traces of cancer in the inner organs. I also had a second PET-CHOLINE scan, which provided comparative data from the past PET-CHOLINE scan from last year. Both of these diagnostic scans provided detailed imaging, to stay on top of any changes in my condition. Larger medical facilities often have advanced imaging techniques that are not always found at smaller, local hospitals.

I consulted again with Dr. Eugene KWON, while I was at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It's been wonderful to see the emergence of a "team approach" between Dr. Kwon and my local doctors, all of them working together and consulting together on my case. All my scans and lab results are shared with all of my doctors. If you have never sought a second opinion, I heartily recommend seeking additional expertise for your case from a certified urology oncologist. There are thousands of urologists in this country, along with thousands of oncologists, but for advanced cases, I recommend seeking the expertise of a UROLOGY ONCOLOGIST, who specializes in advanced prostate cancer cases. We all deserve the best care we can find, and there are tremendous doctors and medical facilities to be found all over this country.

My tests and scans showed that my situation remains stable at the current time, for which I am thankful. Dr. Kwon affirmed the continuance of all my current treatments and medications, with plans for continued follow-up at Mayo Clinic in the summer of 2016.

Personally, I continue to recommend to all my "Battle Brothers" facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer to strive towards getting some exercise each day, whether it be strolling around your neighborhood, walking your dog, using some exercise equipment at home, lifting a few weights, riding your exercise bike, going for a game of golf, working in your yard, or stopping by your local gym. Find a form of fitness and exercise that suits YOU ! Along the way, remember the importance of drinking water and eating healthy foods, as well.

No matter what treatment you are pursuing right now, it's important to stay active and involved in daily activities, to the fullest extent possible. Stay involved with your friends, family, church, community, hobbies, & activities. Getting involved with a bit of volunteer work or charity work to support cancer causes can also be meaningful and beneficial and provide a positive way for all of us to share our stories with others facing a cancer diagnosis. Keep reaching out to others, no matter what!

Hello Readers !

It's time for an update, with some good news to share with you. It's now been two years ago since I pursued the TAXOTERE chemotherapy treatments. I continue to be an advocate for upfront chemotherapy treatments for those with advanced cases at the time of diagnosis. I feel that that early series of chemo treatments gave me a tremendous advantage in fighting back against my prostate cancer.

I continue to take ZYTIGA pills each day. ZYTIGA has helped to keep my P.S.A. levels consistently below 0.05 for the past several months, for which I am thankful. I continue to receive ZOLADEX hormone shots each month, as well. I encourage other fellows to ask for occasional testosterone tests to make CERTAIN that your treatments are keeping your testosterone levels suppressed to the greatest level possible, which can help keep your P.S.A. under greater control. Currently, my testosterone levels have registering at very low levels below 10, which has helped keep my P.S.A. suppressed at low decimal levels.

I continue to check in with my oncologist every month. He is extremely caring, compassionate, and proactive in watching over my lab numbers each month. It's important to form a close and trusted bond with your doctors. Make certain that you select a doctor who has EXPERTISE in prostate cancer cases.

I just returned from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. I found out that they treat one million patients each year, with patients from all 50 state in the United States, and that they also treat patients from 150 countries from around the globe, as well. It is a tremendous medical facility.

While there, I had a detailed M.R.I. of the prostate and also a PET-CHOLINE scan. Both of these scans showed that my metastatic prostate cancer is considered "undetectable" at this point in time, for which I feel grateful. I am to continue with the daily ZYTIGA medication and the monthly ZOLADEX injections and return to Mayo Clinic for another follow-up this winter.

I feel fortunate as I continue to enjoy my full-time career, daily exercise, hobbies, interests, volunteer projects, and social events. Keep living life to the fullest and stay strong in the battle, my friends !

Happy New Year !

It's time for an update on my treatment story. I recently celebrated my fourth Christmas since being diagnosed and feel grateful for reaching another milestone, as my treatments continue.

I continue to consult with my primary oncologist each month. Because my case had some complexities at the time of my original diagnosis, we assess my lab work and PSA levels each and every month. I value this ongoing, proactive approach to stay on top of my case.

My PSA levels remain in the low decimal range, which seems miraculous compared to where I started at the time of my diagnosis. With the help of monthly ZOLADEX injections, my testosterone levels have now remained consistently below 10, which also helps suppress my PSA levels.

I just returned from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. I return there every few months, for the purpose of repeating high-tech diagnostic scans, for comparative purposes. This time, I repeated a detailed MRI of the abdomen and pelvis. I also repeated the CHOLINE-PET scan.

Following the scans, I consulted with Dr. Kwon at Mayo Clinic. The scans showed that my current course of treatments continues to be effective in my case, for which I am grateful. I will continue with my current course of treatments which include monthly ZOLADEX hormone shots, and taking ZYTIGA medication each day. I also receive PROLIA shots twice a year, to maintain bone strength.

At this point in time, I have been on ZYTIGA for 18 continuous months. Other friends of mine have also been helped by ZYTIGA. I am thankful for the emergence of these newer breakthrough medications that are helping prostate cancer patients all over the globe. ZYTIGA has been very helpful, in my particular case.

It has been over two years ago now that I completed a series of TAXOTERE chemotherapy treatments. I was in the first wave of fellows who pursued the "early chemo plan" for advanced cases, following the release of the CHAARTED and STAMPEDE clinical trials which showed the benefits of adding chemotherapy treatments. Other friends of mine have now followed suit at the time of their diagnosis, and they have also seen a benefit following chemotherapy treatments.

I continue to stay active each day, with my full-time career, hobbies, interests, social events, and daily exercise. Even with winter weather this time of the year, I like to go walking outside, as often as possible. On stormy days, I visit the local gym, to maintain my daily fitness goals. I think it's important to stay active, to the greatest extent possible, for every person facing a cancer diagnosis.

I continue to connect with others who are facing a health diagnosis in their lives. It's important to find ways to support others who are undergoing medical treatments and to share friendship, camaraderie, and brotherhood along the way !

Hello Fellow Battle Brothers!

It's now been three full years ago that I pursued the "early chemo plan" with TAXOTERE infusions. I feel it helped me immensely.

I have taught school for nearly three decades. I was diagnosed four years ago, and will soon be starting my fifth year of teaching school since my original prostate cancer diagnosis.

Continuing to teach full-time is immensely rewarding ... and continuing to teach has served as an encouragement to school children in my school who also face serious health concerns.

To be proactive this summer, I had a full CT scan, an MRI of the abdomen, an MRI of the pelvis, and a CHOLINE-PET scan at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

My local doctor and Dr. Kwon at Mayo Clinic continue in their "teamwork" approach to my case by consulting with each other and sharing test results and scan results. At the present time, my situation remains stable, with no problematic area noted on any of the detailed scans, for which I am very thankful.

Something I've learned over the course of time: fellows in our situation should expect some fluctuations in PSA scores, from time to time. My local oncologist tracks my PSA levels each month, and also tracks my testosterone levels each month, to ensure that my ADT shots are working to their best advantage.

If you haven't asked for a testosterone level test in a while, you should request this, to make sure your ADT treatments are working to their full advantage. My current testosterone level registers below 0.10 each month. This helps suppress the PSA levels to the greatest extent possible.

I have now been on ZYTIGA for over two years. As a way to track my progress, I started saving the empty ZYTIGA bottles each month. I now have 25 ZYTIGA bottles, from the past 25 months, all lined up in my medicine cupboard. I think that is a testament to the importance of the breakthrough medications and treatments that have emerged for prostate cancer in the past decade.

I continue to stay active in my career, my hobbies, and with daily exercise. I set goals each and every day. It's important to stay connected to your family, your friends, and your faith, in whatever form that takes for you.

I think it's important to stay connected to others who are facing a cancer diagnosis --- and I encourage you to keep sharing your medical journey with others --- and to keep finding ways to support OTHERS who stand alongside us in this battle. We're all in this together, as BROTHERS IN THE BATTLE!

Find your voice --- share your experiences --- reach out --- be proactive in your approach to treatments --- stay connected --- get involved --- stay informed --- and BE THERE for others, in whatever ways you can!

Hello Readers ~

I recently returned for follow-up scans at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Recommended scans include the PET-CHOLINE scan and a detailed M.R.I. of the prostate.

After consulting with my doctors at Mayo Clinic and my local oncologist, I have decided to pursue a series of radiation treatments, directed at the prostate.

The purpose of the radiation is to address a trouble spot that showed up on the detailed M.R.I. and hopefully, to lower my P.S.A.

I continue to receive monthly ZOLADEX injections to help suppress my P.S.A. levels.

To maintain bone strength, I also receive PROLIA injections twice a year.

My doctors have recommended that I remain on ZYTIGA.

I have now been on ZYTIGA for over 30 continuous months, and it continues to help me.

My new series of radiation treatments will consist of 39 total treatments, over the course of eight weeks.

For this new series of treatments, I have added a radiation oncologist to my medical team.

For complex cases, it's important to remain vigilant. Stay closely connected to your doctors and continue to follow up with detailed scans that can detect any changes in your current health.

I continue to follow my full-time career. I believe in the importance of staying active with exercise, social events, hobbies, and interests.

This past fall, I participated in a few 5-K distance events to help raise awareness and additional funds for ongoing prostate cancer research with hundreds of other survivors.

Attending these events is a great way to build camaraderie and fellowship with others who stand alongside us in this battle.

I'm mindful of the research that has led to the newer breakthrough medications and treatments that are helping many of us today.

Because of these breakthroughs, I recently celebrated my fifth Christmas and New Year's Day since being diagnosed.

Stay determined --- stay strong --- and stay hopeful in the battle, my brothers!

Hello To All ~

I recently completed a series of radiation treatments, based on the recommendations of my medical team, which included input from doctors at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

My radiologist decided on a nine week course of treatments, divided into 44 consecutive treatments, given each weekday for nine weeks, with no treatments given on weekends.

My radiologist and oncologist were very mindful of side effects, and this is why the treatments were divided up over the course of 44 treatment sessions.

This plan allowed me to keep working during the course of the treatments.

I will share some things I learned during the course of radiation that might be helpful to other readers who are considering radiation treatments, now or in the future:

* Radiation treatments don't last very long, but it does become a daily time commitment.

* You can request optimal treatment times that best fit your schedule. It may take a few weeks to work into the time slot you want most. This is especially key if you are working full-time.

* Some fellows find that the very first or very last appointment of the day is best, factoring in their work schedules. Be your own advocate and request the time that works the best for you.

* Before treatments begin, you will have an initial consultation with your radiologist or member of your care team. They will cover all the details of the radiation process with you and explain the treatment regimen to you. This is a time to ask questions that you might have on your mind.

* Before your official treatments begin, you will go to a treatment simulation, which is basically a "test run" to get everything situated before your actual treatments begin. This simulation will alleviate any anxieties you might have about the daily treatments and what they will entail. Treatments are not lengthy or invasive --- it's just factoring in that daily commitment to the treatment schedule.

* In my case, with radiation focused on the prostate and pelvic area, I had to consume a prescribed amount of water before each treatment. If this is your situation, they will work with you on this. I found that simply staying hydrated helped me. I followed this same routine at work and on the weekends.

* For my situation, I brought a gym bag to work with me each day. Right after work, I drove to the clinic, and changed into a t-shirt and track suit in the changing room at the treatment center. Wearing a track suit and t-shirt meant I didn't have to change into hospital clothes each day.

* If this situation works for you, just go to the store and buy a couple of pairs of track pants with an elastic waist band. You don't want anything with zippers or metal, whatsover, as metal can't be worn on the radiation machine.

* As time went on, I experienced mild fatigue, which is typical for radiation treatments. As the weeks continued, I could feel more fatigue.

* In my case, setting an earlier bedtime became an important part of my daily routine. This allowed me to have good energy for the next day at work. It's important to get rest on weekends, too. Some fellows take a nap, now and then, when fatigue begins to hit. Keeping a reasonable bedtime went a LONG way in helping me during the nine weeks of treatments.

* Don't neglect to exercise, in some way. Although rest and sleep are important, it is also essential to build in some exercise each day. My radiologist said, "Going on a daily walk is a GREAT way to counteract the fatigue factor associated with radiation treatments." My radiologist emphasized that even if a fellow is feeling lethargic from the treatments, it's still vital to make sure that you do some exerising throughout the weeks of treatment, to restore your energy. If it's rainy or cold outside, I recommend walking in an indoor location. Even a short walk will help counteract the fatigue factor.

* Your radiologist and the technicians will check in with you frequently, as the treatments continue, to stay on top of any side effects you may experience. Your medical team will provide you with a list of recommendations, as far as essential skin care, hygiene routines, and recommended food ideas, that will help you avoid potential side effects.

* I found it was important to set GOALS. My course of treatments lasted every weekday for nine weeks, and that can be daunting when you first get started. Surprisingly, the weeks do go much quicker than you first imagine. Weekends become important for relaxing and resting up. Set attainable goals --- but allow yourself to rest and relax each evening and during weekends. This allows your body time to rejuvenate and restore itself from the radiation treatments.

* With this in mind, I found ways to make each treatment day more meaningful. I donated children's books and supplies to the children's hospital attached to the treatment center. I chose different walking locations, and walked on some walking paths at nearby parks and recreational lakes, as the weeks went along. During the nine weeks, I also ate at a different restaurant each weekend, as a way to mark my progress. These are just a few examples of things that kept me motivated during my series of treatments. Building in some meaningful routines can really help encourage you to "stay on track" - physically and emotionally - during your treatments.

I feel I did well during my treatments. I listened to my doctors and set goals, each day.

Some doctors don't run P.S.A. tests during the course of radiation treatments, because P.S.A. can artificially "spike up" during radiation tests.

In my case, my oncologist just wanted to keep updated on my P.S.A. --- during and after the series of treatments.

In my case, my P.S.A. continued to decline during the treatments and after the treatments were over.

My latest P.S.A. was less than 0.10, which is affirmation that these radiation treatments were helpful, in my case.

I have other friends who are pursuing similar treatments, and it's very important to keep reaching out to others who are undergoing health treatments.

Everyone with a health diagnosis needs encouragement, support, and HOPE --- so lend your support, and keep checking in with other "brothers in the battle" who stand alongside you in this journey!

Hello, Fellow Comrades ~

As time has gone by, I have reached the five year milestone of SURVIVORSHIP in recent months.

I continue to believe in the importance of family, friends, and faith, when facing a medical diagnosis.

I am also very grateful for the care, compassion, and dedication of my doctors and medical team.

On occasion, I make sure to write a note of thankfulness and gratitude to my main doctors. If you have never done this before, it's a very meaningful way to express your thanks to those who have gone "above and beyond" the call of duty for their patients.

An entire year has now passed since I finished up a nine week series of radiation treatments.

It took a few months for my energy to be completely restored afterwards, but I was thankful to keep working full-time during my course of treatments.

To stay proactive, my oncologist has me do lab work every four weeks, like clockwork.

I now do my labs a week in advance, then see my oncologist the following week. This strategy might help other comrades out there --- this way, I'm not rushed at the lab.

All of the results reach my doctor a few days in advance before our consultation --- and this gives him time to assess the lab results, and we have a much more informative and meaningful consultation this way.

I have an online patient account, where I can see my lab results from the past and present. Going to the lab a few days in advance, and then receiving the results before I meet with my doctor, also allows me time to think of questions that I have for my doctor, as well.

If you have never gotten an online patient account set up, I recommend it. Your lab results will appear on your account when they have been processed by the lab.

You can compare and contrast your lab results from past and present, in this way. In my case, for example, it revealed a need for me to add an iron supplement, to bolster my iron levels, with guidance from my doctor.

This past winter, I returned to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for follow-up scans and a consultation with Dr. Kwon.

For those of you with interest in Mayo Clinic, I heartily recommend the new documentary about Mayo Clinic produced by noted and award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns. His newly released documentary about Mayo Clinic is fascinating, moving, and inspiring.

Following the series of radiation treatments a year ago, I was thankful to learn that my PSA score was still in the undetectable range, below 0.10 --- which is a far cry from the PSA score I had upon my diagnosis.

Subsequent lab tests with my main local doctor have shown that the radiation treatments I pursued in the spring of 2018 were helpful and timely, in my case.

Since then, I have also continued taking ZYTIGA, each and every day. Recently, a generic version of ZYTIGA became available. For those interested, talk directly to your doctor.

However, in my case, remaining on the brand name ZYTIGA medication actually saved me money, over the generic version, due to my insurance coverage, as I discovered. My doctor rewrote the original prescription to ensure that I would stay on name brand ZYTIGA, at this time.

This happened to other health comrades of mine, as well. My best advice is to check with your doctor AND your insurance provider, if you are considering a switchover to the generic version of ZYTIGA.

Beyond that, I continue to set daily fitness goals. Even through this past snowy winter, I found ways to walk consistently. Stay determined --- stay consistent --- stay focused on daily goals, to help you feel your very best, while taking medications and pursuing treatments.

When weather interrupts your fitness plans, I recommend working out or walking at an indoor location instead. Building some exercise or fitness into your day will increase your energy and reduce fatigue.

The past few years, I have also participated in 5K distance events for PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS.

Above all else, keeping pursuing LIFE GOALS --- staying as active as you can, getting proper rest, pursuing your favorite hobbies, getting involved with charity work --- and spending time with family and friends.

I have found that spending time pursuing volunteer or charity work can REALLY encourage those who are facing a health diagnosis.

Connecting with others and finding meaningful ways to help others can be tremendously uplifting. Keep pursuing new goals!

In regard to your treatments, fellow comrades ~ stay strong ~ stay proactive ~ stay determined!

Hello Comrades, One & All ~

I just returned from a return trip to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It was time to update my lab tests and scans while I was there.

My scans included a choline tracer scan, which is used at Mayo Clinic to assess for prostate cancer. I also updated an abdomen and pelvis scan.

I met with Dr. Kwon afterwards, and he was pleased with my results. The nine weeks of radiation that I pursued in the spring of 2018 has helped me tremendously. On the Mayo Clinic scale, my PSA registered in the "undetectable range" which indicates it is remaining at less than 0.10, at the current time.

I continue to meet each month with my local doctor, to assess lab results and to have a consultation. The scans and tests that I do at Mayo Clinic are also shared with my local doctor. I'm thankful for this ongoing sense of teamwork and coordinated care.

In recent months, I transferred over to the newly released generic form of ZYTIGA, the generic version labeled as ABIRATERONE ACETATE. Many of my fellow "battle brothers" are doing the same --- for various reasons --- in some cases, those reasons include a cost savings or an insurance company preference, in order to keep out-of-pocket medication costs lower for patients on ZYTIGA.

If ZYTIGA or its generic form is in your treatment plan, please check with your doctor and insurance provider to see which option might be best for you. I have now been on ZYTIGA for four continuous years and it has helped me maintain my health goals.

Each month, I continue to receive a ZOLADEX hormone deprivation shot, which has helped keep my testosterone level low, in order to help my P.S.A. levels as low as possible. Other fellows receive LUPRON or FIRMAGON shots, which I have also tried, but for my case, the ZOLADEX shot has been the best option for me.

As time goes on, my doctor and I have discussed the importance of considering some new immunizations for me. He always asks me to get an influenza shot, every year, when flu season rolls around.

I have also received the pneumonia vaccince, as a proactive step. This past week, I received the shingles vacccine known as SHINGRIX. These immunizations are often recommended for cancer patients.

My doctor felt that since I had received chemotherapy and radiation treatments in the past, which can weaken one's immunity, adding some immunity vaccines (flu, pneumonia, and shingles) was a proactive step, for my particular case. I appreciated the fact that my doctor discussed these vaccines with me, and that we made the decision TOGETHER, in a proactive way.

I continue to walk each day --- on weekends, I like to explore various local trails in my neighborhood, as well as walking trails around some local recreational lakes.

September is known as PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. You might consider attending a cancer charity event in September, wearing a wristband to show support of our fellow comrades, or contributing to a cancer charity.

Remember --- the color for prostate cancer awareness is light blue, so wear a light blue shirt in September, as a way to remember all our "brothers in the battle" each September.

I will be participating in a 5K Prostate Cancer Walk this September, as I quietly mark my sixth year of survivorship since my diagnosis.

Stay determined ~ stay vigilant ~ stay active ~ stay strong ~~~ my comrades!

Hello, Fellow Comrades ~

I recently returned from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for a six month follow-up appointment with Dr. Kwon.

He is a proponent of using the C-11 Choline Pet Scan for assessment and imaging. An IV of the choline solution is mixed, and then injected into a brief IV, and used as a tracing agent for the scan, which only takes about 30 minutes.

My lab levels are staying on track, with my current PSA still showing at an undetectable level, which is any value less than 0.10 at Mayo Clinic. The choline scan showed no evidence of trouble spots at the present time, for which I was thankful.

I am to continue with my current course of treatments, which include the monthly ZOLODEX shot, as well as my daily medications.

I have continued taking the generic version of ZYTIGA since 2019, and feel that its efficacy matches the original brand name medication. Now that it's more commonly available, the generic version can represent significant cost savings to patients.

I feel fortunate in that my local oncologist and I have a consultation every single month. He watches over my case with tremendous care, concern, and compassion. He feels it's important to keep tabs on my monthly lab results.

Mayo Clinic offers some additional high-tech imaging scans, which my local oncologist uses to stay on top of my particular case. Dr. Kwon is a proponent of using scans to stay on top of complex cases.

I appreciate, very much, the teamwork that has evolved between my local doctors and the medical team at Mayo Clinic. They are able to collaborate, consult with each other, and share records and test results instantly.

I'm thankful to be stepping into my seventh year of survivorship, since being diagnosed in 2013. Family, friends, and faith have been important to me. My doctors have been a Godsend to me, as well.

Stay strong in the battle, my fellow comrades! Along the way, remember to reach out to others facing a health diagnosis, and offer them encouragement and support, as well! We're all in this --- TOGETHER!

Hello, All Readers!

I recently returned from Mayo Clinic, where I updated my scans and consulted with Dr. Kwon.

Continue to see my local oncologist each month, as well --- to remain proactive and vigilant!

I have been on ZYTIGA now for over five years, and I am thankful that it continues to help me maintain my health goals, along with a monthly ZOLADEX shot.

My health remains stable at the current time, with my PSA remaining in the undetectable category, on the Mayo Clinic scale.

An interesting aspect of my case is that my grandfather, my father, my uncle, and I have all been prostate cancer patients. Three generations!

Despite this, genetic tests showed there was no genetic "link" to my prostate cancer diagnosis.

I have recently marked the seven year milestone of survivorship since my original diagnosis, and I am setting new goals for the future.

I am thankful for the dedicated doctors in my life, and I continue to stay active ---- setting daily fitness goals, even in the winter.

One of my doctors shared some memorable advice: "The day you feel like NOT exercising is the day you NEED to exercise the most!"

Now there's some daily motivation to share with you!

Stay strong, fellow "brothers in the battle!"

Hello, Brothers In The Battle ~~~

It's time for a new update in my treatment story.

I visited Mayo Clinic early this summer, to update my scans. All results are also shared with my local oncologist, and I see him regularly.

Things seem to be staying on track, and my latest PSA scores remain in the undetectable category, for which I give thanks.

My local oncologist is also certified in infectious disease, and is an advocate for the corona vaccines.

Being a public school teacher, I felt fortunate to receive the vaccine earlier this school year. Any fellow diagnosed with prostate cancer should consider this proactive step, for their well-being.

I remain active and walk each day, year 'round.

Staying active truly helps counteract the side effects that can accompany many cancer treatments and medications. It especially helps mitigate fatigue --- and exercise has many physical and emotional benefits, as well.

For all "brothers in the battle" ---- build a close bond with your medical team, stay on a consistent schedule with your medical appointments, & ask your doctor to closely monitor your lab work, and remain active each day.

Stay connected to family & friends --- stay proactive with your healthcare goals ---- keep pursuing your hobbies & interests --- and keep living your BEST LIFE!

Remember, treatments aren't always easy --- but forging ahead, one day at a time, is always WORTH IT! Remember the value of staying connected --- and reaching out to others, along the way!

We're all in this TOGETHER --- fellow travelers, walking alongside each other! I'm getting ready to step into my ninth year of SURVIVORSHIP, and send my very best to each & all who visit here!

Hello, All "Brothers In The Battle" ~

Diagnosed in 2013, I marked a significant milestone as the year 2023 dawned ~ it was my tenth NEW YEAR'S DAY since my diagnosis.

I hope my story will encourage new readers, just facing a new diagnosis.

I continue to stay proactive and vigilant, in terms of maintaining my healthcare goals.

I continue to see my oncologist monthly, and I visit the lab every two months.

In terms of current treatments, I continue to receive monthly ZOLODEX injections (a form of ADT) and I continue to take ZYTIGA (Abiraterone Acetate) daily.

I have been on ZYTIGA for over seven years now.

I'm truly thankful for the efficacy of this medicine that was relatively new when I first began taking it, over seven years ago.

Thankfully, I remain active ~ working full-time, pursuing volunteer work, and exploring area trails.

I'm setting new goals for the NEW YEAR ahead & I am encouraged to hear that new treatments are emerging on the treatment landscape.

My best to each & all!

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