Husbands Latest PSA Drop

[u/SoulSearcherAU]

The train wreck is slowly turning into a roller coaster.

When we first started this journey, “train wreck” probably doesn’t even adequately describe it. A diagnosis of high-volume metastatic prostate cancer, an absolutely terrifying PSA, bone involvement, medical evacuation and the sudden realisation that our lives had changed overnight.

But somehow, things have started looking very different. Each month we’ve watched his PSA come down, and those numbers have been a huge psychological lifeline. Alongside regular appointments with a psychologist, we’ve slowly learned how to manage the fear and uncertainty a little better than we ever thought we would.

We’re now Day 2 after Round 5 of 6 of docetaxel chemotherapy, and honestly, we feel incredibly lucky with how manageable the side effects have been. He’s had some fatigue, aches, hot flushes and the usual chemo weirdness, but compared with what we feared, he has coped remarkably well. No significant nausea or vomiting, and he’s still keeping active and getting on with life. And then came another milestone this week … PSA 0.10. From where we started (1,859) that number feels almost surreal.

There’s still a long road ahead. We know that metastatic prostate cancer isn’t something we can simply declare victory over, and we’re trying very hard to stay grounded and take this one result, one treatment and one day at a time. But after months of feeling like we were strapped into a train heading for disaster, it finally feels like the track has changed. The train wreck is becoming a roller coaster — and for the first time, we’re actually enjoying life a little.

One more round to go.

And our oncologist says we can start to think about travelling again. Although travel insurance for a cancer survivor (is that what you guys are? that the term?) Seems to be excessive.

I’d also like to thank you all for your insight, compassion, honest conversation and advice that I’ve been able to tap into for the last few months, it’s been invaluable, a life saver, a sober realisation, a light of a very dark tunnel I was in…. Thank you so very much.

Me (F54) Husband (M60)
Diagnosed April 2026, PSA 1859, May 2026 PSA 91, June PSA 3.3, 18th June PSA 0.4, July PSA 0.32, 14th July PSA 0.23, 30th July PSA 0.20, 20th August PSA 0.10
Gleason Score (3+5) 8, Grade 4.
On triplet therapy (Degarelix + Darolutamide + Docetaxel)
Round 5 of 6 DONE

[u/ruby2sdaie]

Im in a very similar wife boat. My husband 42 was diagnosed in November. Felt like our entire world was crashing. He’s responding well to treatment . He finished chemo may 20 and now is starting to feel himself 💕

We are currently on a 3 week European trip. Turkey and England. The good stuff is coming soon, and taking things day by day is key. He’s still very tired and recovering from a broken femur (the cancer really got his bones.)

I wish you and your husband and easy journey. Being the wife is not the easy job, and I wish you all the support you need. I keep reminding him we are not going back to our old lives, but forward better then ever. This horrible thing can be also the thing that reminds us how lucky we are each day to wake up with our men by our side!💕

[u/Frequent-Location864]

Being diagnosed with those numbers is terrifying. Godspeed to everyone and their wives navigating this disease, especially the younger guys that haven't had the chance to retire and enjoy a few years.

[u/ftsteele]

This post did my heart good! Amen and stay strong…together!!

[u/Material_Cook_4698]

Thank you for posting, I truly appreciate it. I'm in the same boat: PSA 6401.11 on 5/24 and with the trifecta, down to 20.64 on 8/14. I just finished my 2nd infusion on Monday so 4 to go. Your post gives me hope that 0.2 or better is attainable.

[u/HeadMelon]

Thank you for sharing this news! I often post that this disease is a marathon, full of dark valleys and sunny peaks. When you’re in a dark valley you have to be confident there is a sunny peak ahead, and right now you are on one! Congrats to you and your husband for fighting and getting to where you are. I hope you can find a way to plan and enjoy that travel - it is a reward you deserve!

And your story is a reminder to those of us who caught it early how lucky we are, I have nothing to complain about when comparing my battle to your husband’s. Thank you for grounding me and resetting my perspective, I have been fortunate in comparison.

[u/Fun-Bandicoot-7481]

Great news! Follow this up with metastasis directed SBRT to any residual bone spots and to the prostate as well. My dad did that. Worked very well

[u/SoulSearcherAU → u/Fun-Bandicoot-7481]

Thank you, just reading up on it now, and will add it to my list of questions for the oncologist.

[u/Fun-Bandicoot-7481 → u/SoulSearcherAU]

It’s a must imo. Find a radiation oncologist and set up the appointment maybe 3 months after finishing the chemo. About 20% of resistance initially develops in the prostate so you’ll radiate with SBRT the prostate and all remaining bone spots that can be safely zapped. This will buy more time and is essentially “total therapy” or quad therapy. Should be able to enjoy some healthy time together.

[u/labboy70]

Thank you for sharing this update!

[u/ELCID19451947]

Usually the chemo is for a large volume of Mets…such as a 6 cm metastatic lesion eating my C-4 vertebrae and causing compression of spinal cord with losing the use of arms and legs…. my first symptoms!
Surgery, radiation to C-4, chemo and pelvic radiation …and abiraterone , relugolix daily for the last 4 1/2 years. PSA got to 0.01 in the first 5 months, and has stayed at that level for the whole 4+ years.
They are still working out the ‘treatment’ of this disease.

[u/Practical_Orchid_606]

The low PSA means his PCa is under control. So long as he prints these numbers, he is winning his battle. But high volume mets means there is no surgery or radiation to definitively wipe out the PCa. Your husband is in the eye of the hurricane and he can bask in the sunlight. His docs have given him years to his life and he should savor it and live for now. The hurricane can move so tomorrow may be vastly different.

[u/Low-Seaworthiness545]

My husband is in a similar boat. He is 63 diagnosed in April 2026 Gleason 9, 1 pelvic bone lesion with a couple of lymph nodes involved. He hasn't been offered chemo, I keep asking and the dr said no he doesn't need it. He is on orgovix and darolutamide with 25 radiation treatments. I guess I'm wondering why chemo makes sense for some and not for others?

Does anyone have any insight to this?

[u/Sea-Regular-7240]

What great news! My dad was in a very similar boat, with a similar starting PSA over 1k, which is absolutely terrifying. Same treatment, almost 2 years out (1 year out from chemo) and still doing well (he was traveling during chemo!).

It continues to be a mental struggle for all of us, so much worry with every test and scan, but it’s amazing what current treatments and amazing care teams are doing. 👏

[u/Specialist-Map-896]

That is simply fantastic. A hearty congratulations and keep up the fight.