Psa Started Out At 470

I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in August of 2004 with a PSA score of 470. Im now 53 and had been going for regular physicals each year. The PSA had been 3.0 in 2003. When diagnosed it had already spread to the bones. No symptoms to speak of until the pain started about the same time as the physical in '04.

I'll try and keep this short but we started with Lupron and Zometa right away. Worked great for a little over a year -- PSA down to 2 -- and then went refractory. Added Casodex without any help. Went to chemo and Taxotere -- no help. PSA back up to about 60. Changed chemo to combination of Taxol and Carboplatin weekly. Now in 3 month and last week was first reduction in PSA to 40.

Pain management is under control with 300 mg. of Duragesic and Dilaudid for breakthrough pain.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? How many have heard of PSA's that high? Anyone have a guess to how long I've got? I love my doctor but he won't say and I guess I can't blame him. Too many things can have a play in this.

Hi Woody. I have a friend who is in a similar situation to yourself. He was diagnosed with advance metastatic PC at age 50, went on HT and that became refractory in about a year. He has been on various chemos now for about 4 years since stopping the Lupron and Casodex and is still doing surprisingly well. I think his highest PSA has been about 60, and now its about 16. I certainly have heard of PSAs higher than yours, up to about 5000 or even much more. The fact that yours has declined to 40 seems a positive. My friend still maintains a positive attitude and stays busy with various activities and interests. He seems to diligently deal with the medical isssues one at a time, keeping a short-term perspective, rather than stewing too much. It works well for him since he is able to still enjoy the good things in life, especially his relationships. By the way, I think you are right about the docs avoiding forecasts. It seems like life expectancy for individuals with advanced PC is highly variable, and only group trends can be predicted. Good luck and keep up the fight.
Pat K