YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Bill M is a Canadian living in South Korea. He was 51 when he was diagnosed in November 2005. His initial PSA was 4.3 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+4=7 and it seems he would have been staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Surgery - Radical Prostatectomy with neo adjuvant ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy). Here is his story:

My problem was discovered after routine PSA test in mid 2002 when I had a slight elevation in my PSA which was 4.00 ng/ml. Two years later it was up to 4.3 ng/ml and in November 2005 I had a biopsy which was positive - Gleason Score 3+4=7. My pathological staging was T2c.

I chose hormone therapy for 7 months because I wanted to finish teaching semester but my PSA continued to rise and at the time of my surgery it was 5.3 ng/ml.

My surgery was done at Hyundai hospital by a good surgeon. No other options were offered. No seeds, no robotic surgery except Samsung hospital in Seoul.

It is now 6 months after surgery. I have had two follow up PSA tests which were both negligible

I have no incontinence now but there is some less than optimal erection.

Sometimes in this troubled world of ours we lose hope and question if we are wanted and if life has meaning and purpose. With time, patience, and above all faith, our dreams will come true. God loves every one of us, and if you trust, and listen, he will guide your path.

Bill.

UPDATED

May 2008

 

 

I will go for my two year PSA check. I had a yearly check at one year, and PSA was negligible.

No problem with incontinence but erections are not satisfactory. I have to use Viagra, but get red faced and hot flushes.

If I sit on a hard surface, like a school table, then I have to be careful. (leaking). But bladder control is fine. Also leaning back to get something out of the back seat of a car, can cause little leaks.

But all in all, feel good. I am glad I had it removed. The PSA was accelerating fast and history of family drove the decision.

That's all for now. Bill

 

UPDATED

September 2009

 

 

I think it has been 3 years now, and I am glad I had it done, for peace of mind. PSA was accelerating fairly rapidly, back then, and with family history, and the sense that I didn't want cancer hanging around, I had it done.

As of today. Aug. 31 2009:

Incontinence: still have to be careful sitting on hard surfaces, especially if I lean back, like to get something out of the back seat of a car. I haven't had any "accidents" but came close when leaning back. I think my bladder has shrunk as I have to pee more often, and it seems like a small amount, compared to younger days.

Had a PSA done 2 years ago, and it was negligible. Didn't get the three year test done yet. Cancer was fairly small 2 lobes, and not through wall. I think Gleason was 7

Erectile dysfunction: Getting an erection is difficult, without Viagra. It is not all that bad, as I can still reach climax with hand stimulation with girlfriend. (without Viagra) Viagra makes my face red and I have a flushed or hot feeling. Orgasms are about 50 % as intense compared to pre-surgery, but also I am getting older. Sex drive is still healthy and not really different from pre op.

Looking back I am glad I had it removed. We have to accept want fate life brings us, and it is not a big deal as I can still reach orgasm. (blanks of course). There is no sense of resentment, or feeling of inadequacy. A man is measured by abilities and character, not his sexual performance.

Good wishes to those who face surgery, or are going through the "what should I do" mental gymnastics. It is not as bad as you may think, although I had it done early with a PSA of 4.3 then 6.5 a year later. Glad I got tested early.

Bill M.

Bill's e-mail address is: wmcrgood@yahoo.com