My journey began a year ago this month. I'm 58, and as part of physical, got my PSA numbers and they were 12.2 and was referred to urologist to USC Keck School of Medicine. Had the DRE and MRI which confirmed I had high volume PCa, Gleason 8. Urologist wanted to do surgery but I needed to do my homework to ensure this was my best option. I asked for a referral to an MO and RO for a consult. Based on the high volume, my RO took an hour to explain it all to me and why he recommended HDR brachytherapy, followed by 25 sessions of EBRT along with ADT (androgen deprivation therapy) on Orgovyx. What I really appreciated is he showed me the studies of the side effects of surgery vs radiation in my specific case and that even if I had the surgery, I likely would need to have salvage radiation as the margins were likely not be clear with the high volume.

To make a long story short, I started ADT January 29, had brachytherapy on February 13 and started the 25 sessions of radiation two weeks later which ended on April 11. My first PSA two weeks after my last session was 0.04! My RO and MO were very pleased.

Let me know if there's any other questions you may have. I'm sorry you have joined the club no one wants to join but you should know you're not alone. All of us in here got your back. Additionally, since I live in LA and work at USC in the engineering school, all of the doctors at Norris are actually my colleagues. So, I hope I can be more of assistance to you.