YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Al Calkins and Betty live in Colorado, USA. He was 76 when he was diagnosed on July 30, 2008. His initial PSA was 1.4 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 10 and although he does not state his staging, it seems he would have been staged T2. He is indecided as to his choice of treatment . Here is his story.

I was just diagnosed last Wednesday July 30, 2008. Had DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) by my GP physician late April 2008, PSA result of 1.4 ng/ml. GP referred me to a urologist because did not like feel of prostate. I put it off because of the low PSA.

First part of July discovered blood in semen and made appointment to see urologist. Urologist did DRE and recommended biopsies. That was done and got results last Wednesday. Gleason 10 one side. No classification T wise.

I am scheduled for CT scans this morning and consultation with Radiation Oncologist this Wednesday. Will not get results of CT scans until August 20, 2008.

So that is where I am right now. Initially, as I am very sceptical concerning radiation, I feel that I will not go that route. At present if I elect to do anything it will probably be Cryosurgery.

I will keep you informed as things progress.

 

UPDATED

November 2008

 

 

After much deliberation, study and having second opinion on slides from University of Colorado Anshutz Cancer Center, lots of help from Dan Jory in particular I decided to proceed with Neoadjuvant hormonal and radiation treatment.

Started one month Zoladex October 1, 2008. Wanted to see what side effects would be for me before using the three month implant. A few hot flashes but no depression, fatigue or night sweats.

After 28 days DRE revealed observable reduction of prostate size. Currently in 25th day of three month Zoladex implant. Still only significant side effect is hot flashes. Perhaps more often than during the first month.

I will be starting 9 weeks of IMRT December 4, 2008, (44 sessions) here in Durango Colorado.

 

UPDATED

February 2010

 

 

I completed the 44 sessions in February. It was quite a chore getting to the Treatment Center every single day except for weekends for treatments. We are at 7,500 feet elevation and had to deal with snow and ice most days just getting there.

The treatments themselves are not bad at all. Only problem is you have to be absolutely still for about 15 minutes. If you cough they have to start over again. So I always took a cough drop just before. Most if not all of the side effects that are listed do occur. What is really strange is that after the 44 treatments were over I missed all the people at the Center I saw every day.

Continued with the 3 month Zoladex every three months until July 2009. Was told side effect of weakness and hot flashes would go away within 30 days. Well I still have hot flashes and it is now February the 6th 2010. Slowly regaining muscle strength. One thing not mentioned with side effects of Zolodex is that I once had a very hairy chest. It is almost completely gone also under my arms. Would not mind too much if some of hair on head had came back because of the estrogen.

My PSA remains undetectable even though I have not been on hormones since July. My oncologist and I are happy about that. Bowel and urinary funtions are almost back to normal. Seems to get a little better every day. I have had two CT scans since treatments ended and everything looks ok. Now I go to see the oncologist and radiation doctor every 90 days. Basically they will be making sure my PSA remains undetectable.

I have made up my mind that if it does start to rise I will not go back on the Zoladex but will use Estrogel a topical application. Long story short I am satisfied with the treatment option I chose.

Al's e-mail address is: al.calkins@gmail.com