YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Bob C and Marie D live in California USA. He was 64 when he was diagnosed on October 27, 2008. His initial PSA was 4.5 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c . He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

I am still in the "research of treatments" mode. There is so much to learn and digest. My urologist has been very helpful and encourages me to evaluate all treatments and talk to as many people as I can about their experience. He has not offered his opinion on any specific treatment. It wasn't until after I left his office did I find out that he and his colleagues were experts in Da Vinci surgery.

So far I can say that the toughest part of being diagnosed with PC is that there is no clear answer as to the most effective treatment is. I have asked for a 2nd pathology report on my initial biopsy. Subsequent to my biopsy my PSA went down from 4.5 to 3.6. Waiting on 2nd opinion.

 

UPDATED

December 2008

 

 

I had a 2nd opinion completed on my biopsy pathology report. The 2nd Lab confirmed the results from the 1st Lab. I am continuing to talk with others that have PC to get their story and discuss their therapy choices. I am currently inclined to go with the DaVinci surgery. I will be talking with an oncologist and a radiation oncologist this week. There is no correct/right answer for treating PC. All indications so far are that my cancer is within the prostate. Da Vinci removes the prostate and future recurrence is less likey. More to follow as I get closer to my decision.

 

UPDATED

February 2009

 

 

I met with an oncologist and a radiation oncologist in December to continue my research into best therapy for PC. I didn't get anything significant out of the discussions. Although I felt the radiation oncologist was overstating facts about his therapy versus others. He truly wanted my business. He has subequently phoned me this past week to see if I had made a decision.

I met with my Primary Care doctor this month to get some referrals out of my Health Insurance Network to explore other options. I am waiting to hear back from the Medical Group on these referrals. I have ask to consult with the Proton Center at Loma Linda. They have reviewed my medical records. The other two referrals are : 1) to a Focal Cryosurgeon (no Focal in my Network) and 2) a consultation with Dr. Pete Carroll of UC San Francisco to discuss the Laproscopic Robotic Surgery (Da Vinci Procedure).

 

UPDATED

June 2009

 

 

On March 29th 2009, I stopped my research into the various procedures for my PC. It was driving me nuts. There is no easy answer. My wife and I considered all the pros and cons and we agreed to move forward with surgery (Da Vinci procedure). I called my urologist to schedule surgery.

On April 20 I had surgery, both nerve bundles were spared, and spent 2 days in the hospital. As expected, the catheter was a nuisance for 10 days. But I just put my mind to it and counted down the days. May 1st they remove the catheter and for the most part had pretty good control. Had daily leakage when I exerted myself the 1st couple of weeks. Started Cialis the day the catheter came out. Work in progress there. I am an avid golfer and began going to the driving range (half to 3/4 swings) 3 weeks after surgery. Doctor wanted me to wait until 6 weeks.

On May 14th I had blood drawn for the PSA reading. On May 21st I got the results of .04: what a relief. My wife told the doctor I was going to the golf range hitting golf balls. I expected him to be upset. He simply asked "how did it feel". I said great. He said, "go for it". I played 18 holes that afternoon with my son. No discomfort, shot an 88.

I am having my blood checked every 3 months. I am having my doctor explore some information on nerve health supplements that I came across in the Vitamin Research News (May issue) to see if it is feasible.

Future updates coming, your e-mails are welcome.

BobC.

Bob's e-mail address is: dandb200@pacbell.net