Hi Kelly
It sounds very much like what we re told when my FIL was admitted to hospital in November, with severe back problems, which we were told was a broken back.
It turned out to be compression on his spine from cancer nodules but after a few courses of radiotherapy, the nodules shrunk back and his back is now ok, albeit he does still have pain killers.
As well as HT, he is now receiving chemo, and had his third session last week with no major side effects so far. His PSA score is now down to 5, from 360 odd originally.
Like you, my wife and I were very worried initially and thought similar timescales as you, but we now know much more about PCa from both this site and the Onco, and my FIL is getting on with life and making the most of things, albeit taking things a little easier than he used to.
He's just been out and bought a new car, new furniture, carpets etc and waiting for his last chemo session so he can book a holiday.