I rarely post about myself, but think that others may be interested in my experience and the change in my treatment.
First up, I have religiously tracked my PSA over the past ten years, imbuing it with an undeserved significance. It is currently 5.9, having risen from 1.1 at the end of a shortened (because I gained pulmonary embolism) course of docetaxel. The chemo was to deal with soft tissue mets (I have never had bone mets). These were in the connective tissue which binds the bowel to the spine, in my urethra (although I call this the mothership, as I believe it to be a remnant of the original PCa in my removed prostate)and in my liver. Unfortunately, since the chemo ended in August my PSA has risen and the PCa has spread, to remove all the benefits of the chemo, although no new sites are indicated. The shadow in the liver does look worryingly large! It is clear to me that in my case at least the prednisolone and then dexamethasone since August have achieved zilch.
The plan now is up to ten cycles of cabazitaxel then if necessary a rechallenge with docetaxel. I am not yet at the last throw of the dice, but getting too damned close for comfort!
Future guidance on PCa developments will be obtained via scans and not PSA!
So the lessons I have learned are 1. tay fit, which I shall need to be to see out the next ten cycles Fortunately, I am. 2. Don't trust the PSA number, it tells a very partial truth. 3. Rely on the evidence of your own eyes Stephen viewing scans!
AC