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I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer 9½ years ago. 8 bone mets even though my PSA was about 9.4 at diagnosis. 5-year survival rates was 54%.

I got a TIA probably last July. I got VERY dizzy reffing volleyball in September I had to cancel the rest of my season.

At the time, I had been getting Lupron injections every three months and also taking 160 mg of Xtandi per day. Last September, we cut down the Xtandi to 120 mg per day, and discontinue the Lupron until my PSA and testosterone started to go up. After nine months, my PSA is still undetectable, and my testosterone is still very low.

My oncologist told me yesterday that my PSA might not go up for a year, maybe longer. When I asked him how many of his patients pass away every month, he said between 4-6 on average.

He also said IF Xtandi or the Xtandi/Lupron combo ever stops working, there are 8 to 9 other therapies to go to. He also said it is likely I will never need another treatment based on my response so far. I’ll be 71 in April, so I will almost surely died of something else.

You are absolutely right about MD Anderson. Cancers that are hardly ever treated at any regional cancer center are common at MDA.

First time my wife and I walked in to MDA, we had a strange feeling because it really hits you that your cancer is real. Also had a sense of awe at the place.

Met with my urologist, decided to meet with the radiation oncologist and a GU oncologist. The GU oncologist said I’d have 3-5 years if I did his clinical trial. I declined. Then met with my urologist and he told me my PSA wasn’t very high and I’d be around for a long time. That was such a relief, my wife and I went out for dinner to celebrate.

I tell anyone I know who has gotten cancer to at least get a consult at MDA if for no other reason than to get confirmation for their local diagnosis and treatment plan.

First time my wife and I walked into MDA, we had a strange feeling because it really hit you that your cancer is real. Also had a sense of awe at the place.

........ I tell anyone I know who has gotten cancer to at least get a consult at MDA, if for no other reason than to get confirmation for their local diagnosis and treatment plan.

I agree 100%!

I was in awe when I visited. I was 69 at the time, a runner, and had never set foot in a hospital as a patient in my life. I had just been discharged from a six-week stay in a local hospital from my cancer and kidney failure (two were related). Frankly, I was not sure if I would make it.

My first thought as I wandered around MDA was, these are my people. Everybody had cancer. You saw people with masks everywhere (long before COVID) and pushing poles down the halls and the street with five and six drips.

After my four-day visit, I had peace. I was confident I had the best care possible and saw so many survivors. Like you, it was a peaceful, inspiring feeling.

I was a real evangelist for MDA. I would tell anyone who would listen who had a cancer diagnosis or a loved one or friend with that diagnosis that they must go to MDA -- at least for a second opinion. My diagnosis was made locally, and chemo treatment started. My visit to MDA and their diagnosis, after extensive testing, was quite different and greatly improved.

After going over the top with my message about MDA to others, I found that nobody heard me. Anyone I approached seemed convinced they had the best doctor and were at a great center. They just did not want to hear what I had to say. Many I spoke with ended up meeting the Lord. I gave up on my story and message. It only seemed to make them angry, and they would just not hear. I now "suggest" they get a second opinion. They still do not hear -- but at least they don't get mad :-). A cancer diagnosis can have a profound mental impact. For me, it was a great change. I accepted my own mortality, and when the Good Lord says it's time to come home, I'm ready to go. I don't worry. It's a peace.

We are both very lucky. Luck seems to follow those who work at it. I respect medical science and most doctors -- but they are human and don't always get it right. That's why it is critical to educate yourself and become your own advocate. A second opinion is so important in a life-or-death disease.

I'm happy for us both. God bless.