YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Amador Montejano and Danali live in California, USA. He was 58 when he was diagnosed in April, 2008. His initial PSA was 98 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 8 and he was staged T4. His choice of treatment was ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy).. Here is his story.

After experiencing pain to what I thought was my left leg, I went in to see an urgent care doctor. They gave me pain meds, told me to also take Advil and sent me away. Months went by and I was now limping and experiencing more pain. After going in for a massage, the therapist indicated that the pain that I was indicating seemed more like a prostate issue. I then went to my PCD. After receiving the results, he told me that my PSA was the highest he had ever seen, he suggested it was cancer.

After visiting the urologist and starting on Lupron, my PSA began to drop significantly; 98, 10.3, 5.3! I am undergoing Zometa monthly and Lupron every four months. I have gained a lot of weight and feel well overall. Sometimes I cannot believe that I have this disease. I want to live. I will fight for as long as I can. If someone out there has positive feedback regarding prognosis, please share your story. When my urologist met with me, he pretty much said "the cat is out of the bag" "have fun with your family" I don't feel like I am dying, I am still working and living a pretty normal life:(

 

UPDATED

January 2009

 

Just found out that my PSA rose from 5.3 to 9.7. First rise since diagnosis. I am going to do a PSA test in two weeks to see what happens. If it rises, I will begin Casodex. Have some pain to lower back and legs. Went on a trip to Mexico in December and enjoyed the time there with family. I began to drink hard liquor and lost track of myself for a bit. Now I am back on track and ready to continue my fight against this disease.

 

UPDATED

February 2009

 

I just wanted to post to let everyone know that my PSA went down 2 points.

It is not much, but this means that I will continue on Lupron only, no additional meds at this time. I have no clue what triggered the change, but I am so glad. Also, I am curious, if anyone out there feels sensitivity with the cold. My bones feel more achey.... Will follow up in a month when I have my PET scan and new PSA reading. April will mark my one year that I found out of this disease. I hope that there are many more years to come...

 

UPDATED

March 2009

 

Just learned that all my scans look the same as they did a few months ago. They do not show further progression (thank god). My doctor is unable to tell if Zometa is helping to restore bone damage.

Overall, I still feel good. I have gained more weight, have a growing appetite. Only bad news is that PSA did go up again (9.7). I will have my next Lupron shot next month, so doctor wants to see what my reading is at that time, before moving to other meds.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

After having an unstable PSA, my oncologist suggested that I wait until my Lupron shot to see what the results would yield. While waiting, my original pain returned! I had not felt any pain in 9-months!! Doctor confirmed that PSA went up to 12.5.

I will now start taking Flutamide tomorrow. I hope this works. I am considering radiation for pain, but I have to wait until my x-rays come back to see what is happening to my right leg.

My daughter is researching alternative medicine in Mexico. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

UPDATED

July 2009

 

My doctor put me on Flutamide and my PSA dropped to 3.5!! The lowest it has ever been. My daughter has pushed my insurance to authorize radiation treatment for my right femur and they finally agreed. The doctor says he is 100% sure that this treatment will alleviate my pain and restore my right femur completely. I am waiting for approval from my insurance. Upon approval I will be receiving a total of 3 weeks of radiation daily. The doc says I must lose 30 lbs. Why didn't the other docs tell me this before???

Will keep you all posted.

 

UPDATED

August 2009

 

End of July. Just finished radiation treatment. Ended up traveling to a different county for treatments because my insurance was too stubborn to authorize treatment near my home,ugh. Thank god for my daughters, they made it happen!

My pain to my right femur is GONE! I feel much better, but still taking pain meds for other aches and pains.

I will have my next PSA reading in two weeks. As usual, will keep updating. This fight is like a roller coaster, but I am grateful for every second that I have. One thing that really changes when you have cancer is that you really do not sweat the small stuff.

Later: Just a quick update to say that my PSA went down to 2.5. Lowest ever, I pray that this lasts for a lonnnng time.

Keep your hopes and prayers up!

 

UPDATED

September 2009

 

 

Amador's latest PSA is still 2.5.

 

UPDATED

October 2009

 

 

Just wanted to write a quick update to let everyone know that my PSA is about the same 2.8:)

I hope it stays the same for a few more years.

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

Not so good news for 2010. My PSA is at 6.5 from 2.8. My doctor took me off of Flutamide and put me on Casodex. if PSA does not go down, may have to start chemotherapy.

Later: Two weeks on Casodex. PSA up to 7.2 :(

Amador's e-mail address is: gracem76@yahoo.com