Greetings From A Stage 4 Prostate Cancer Survivor

Greetings to all... it is a privilege to be part of this community.

I am a Stage 4 prostate cancer survivor, Gleason Score 9, with the BRCA 1 Gene. I've had 3 PSMA PET scans and each has been extremely helpful. 
I have been battling aggressive prostate cancer for more than seven years.  While I have not completely overcome the cancer itself, I have done a fairly good job learning how to maintain a positive outlook.

 I am 72 years old.  The 2017 pre-surgical biopsy revealed a Gleason score of 9 out of a maximum of 10, indicating a highly aggressive prostate  cancer.  Post surgery, the pathology report indicated malignant stage 3 prostate cancer.  I have had a radical prostatectomy, chemo, one round of conventional radiation and two rounds of highly targeted stereotactic radiation. 

Every day, I spend some quiet time to make sure my outlook is where it needs to be.  One of the exercises helps distinguish things beyond my control from things which I can control. 

I can’t control the cancer.  That’s the job of my oncologists.  My job is to make sure cancer doesn’t poison my thoughts as it has poisoned parts of my body.  It has taken some time, but now it is second nature to push back against the fear and anxiety cancer wants to create.  This is especially challenging during the days leading up to learning blood test and PSMA/PET scan results.

My resilience is quiet.  I do not consider it extraordinary by any measure.  So many others stricken by cancer have overcome more daunting challenges.

So that's a bit about my battle.  I send along my best wishes and my respect to each of you as you fight a battle of your own.