Hi Billy,
Sorry to be delayed with an answer. Sorry for the Gleason 9. It took a while for the full effects of the Ht to take that part away from me. Five months. But both of my nerves were saved. But the Lupron has silenced the action. And I have EUS (Extended Urethra Syndrome). Lupron does not artificially drop PSA. It does reduce the size of cancer to the point PSA declines. So you still want an undetectable PSA. I believe you will get there. But I would not be surprised if the HT is to continue given the Gleason 9. That's becoming automatic for 8+ these days. For me it was automatic for 4+3.
Stay Positive. You did get some good news already with the contained disease. Hang in there.
Tony
Age 45 (44 when Dx)
Pre-op PSA was 19.8
Surgery on Feb 16, 2007 @ The City of Hope
Post-Op Pathology: Gleason 4+3=7, positive margins, Stage pT3b (Stage III)
HT began in May, '07 with Lupron and Casodex 50mg
IMRT radiation for 38 Treatments ending August 3, '07
Current PSA (1/08): <0.1
I will continue HT until May '09.
Years in Remission (3/23/07): 1
Visit my Journey at:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tonycrispino
STAY POSITIVE!
Prostate Cancer Forum Moderator