YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Alan J lives in Washington, USA . He was 56 when he was diagnosed in May 2007. His initial PSA was 76.41 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 9 and he was staged T3b. His choice of treatment was IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy). Here is his story.


I elected to join a clinical trial because of the high PSA and Gleason scores. An MRI showed the prostate cancer had escaped the gland, but bone and CT scans were negative for metastasis. I was on Casodex for four months only. I will take Zoladex shots every 3 months for 2 years.

The trial used a new cancer drug Avastin for twelve infusions to try to stop new tumor growth. Avastin has no prior history in treating PC, but I took a chance. PSA went down to 0.01 during these treatments. Now I only can wait for future tests.

 

UPDATED

March 2008

 

 

PSA 3 month check up after last Avastin treatment came back <.01. Still on ADT every 3 months through to February, 2009.

 

UPDATED

June 2008

 

 

PSA is the same as March update. Living in 3 month stages for now.

 

UPDATED

October 2008

 

 

September 2008-Latest 3 month PSA was 0.01. I think this is an increase from <.01 since November 2007, but not sure. Hoping for typing error in lab report. Also, due to ADT, first bone density test was low, but Doctor said not to worry.

 

UPDATED

November 2008

 

 

Nov 2008- PSA >.01! Got another hormone shot good for 3 months. I believe this low PSA is due to the power of prayer to God. On ADT until February 2009. My white cell count has dropped every 3 months since mid 2007. It is now 2.5, the doctor does not know why.

Any comments appreciated.

 

UPDATED

March 2009

 

 

Got last Zoladex shot February 2009. PSA <.01. Scheduled for 3 month PSA tests only for now. I only can pray now that the PSA does not return for many years.

In the 2 years on ADT I gained 20 pounds and hope I can work it off soon. My Cholesterol is near 300 and doctors say it should come down now, I will post new readings. White cell count is around 3.0 due to all combined treatments, hoping for it to rise also.

I advise all to keep praying to God for health and a cure.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

Latest 3 month PSA was <.01. I am off hormone shots for now.

After this initial 2 year battle, my PSA is gone for now, but I gained 20 pounds and my LDL Cholesterol is high at 145. Total cholesterol is 218. Doctor said to increase exercise, eat more green foods and lose weight.

I get PSA test in 3 months, praying to God things stay the same. My advice to all is keep praying!!

 

UPDATED

August 2009

 

 

August 2009- latest 3 month PSA <0.01.

Off ADT for 6 months now. No testosterone returning yet. The doctor said this was a good thing as no T was probably surpressing my cancer. With my beginning PSA and Gleason scores, cancers return within 5-8 years is sadly expected.

I am getting some strength back, but it is a slow process and takes a lot of time and effort. My main support is praying to God for continued low PSAs and it has really helped me.

Another PSA due in October 2009.

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

The long-term effects I notice 2 years after my IMRT/ADT are

(1) a small amount of bowel mucus, not everyday,

(2) loss of muscle mass, weight moved to spare tire area,

(3) loss of sex drive,

(4) growth of small man boobs, and

(5) loss of body hair and weight gain initally of 20 pounds, now down to 10. All are tolerable.

I chose my initial treatment because the various doctors I consulted told me that my PCA was advanced out of the capsule and surgery would not cure me and radiation would still be needed anyway.

My next PSA is 6 months. My testosterone has started to return, now at 96. The return of T and not PSA is of course the litmus test now.

I advise all to keep praying, keep exercising, and keep weight down by avoiding, sugars in candy and other fat foods.


Alan's e-mail address is: alanr35@msn.com