YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

SILVER

Charlie Davis lives North Carolina, USA. He was 64 when he was diagnosed in March 2004. His PSA at diagnosis was 6.00 ng/ml, his Gleason 7 and he was staged as T2. He decided to take the Watchful Waiting option. Here's his story:

George Carlin once said a dog's life is waiting. Waits to go in, go out, be loved, be beat,.... I choose at this early stage to wait, do supplements, eat copious carrots and wait to see what's up doc.

Initially, all I find are specialists pushing product, theirs. If my PSA goes north, I would probably opt out for the Laparoscopic Surgery trip.

Your website is the best I have yet to uncover in this emotional coaster ride. My thanks.

UPDATED

17 April 2004

 

Charlie says his staging is actually T1c and his latest PSA is 7.9 ng/ml.

 

UPDATED

14 August 2004

 

As of this date, 13 August 2004, my lucky Friday the thirteen, I have not had a PSA in over 45 days. So no news might not be good news. I have moved to Arkansas. Will get back to you all after the next PSA. Still leaning toward laproscopic removal if the PSA levels indicate unusual elevation. Doing supplements, proper diet, exercise and plenty of positive thoughts and sex.

Attended my first person to person support group and was sad to hear the majority did not know their PSA numbers and other details of their diagnosis. Most all of them have had surgery and did so on their Urologists first recommendation. No second opinions, no complete understanding of their cancer, just a blind leap based on the Urologist. All encouraged me to reach a decision SOON.

I am not certain that I will return to the group. Hope I am not in denial, but I feel good about my watchful wait thing and will consider surgery if my numbers go north.

 

UPDATED

8 September 2004

 

My PSA first since May 2004 (which was 7.9 ng/ml) checked in at 5.8 ng/ml. Good news. More later.

UPDATED

29 July 2005

 

Urologist exam 28 July 2005, PSA holding at 6.5 ng/ml, DRE showing a little more hardness according to the Urologist.

Appears the cancer is within the Prostate, but then who knows for certain. I am certain the watchful mode is best for me at the moment. Still taking the nutricants, supplements, low fat diet, exercise and working on reducing stress levels.

Always looking for alternative treatments, the Ultra Sound method by USHIFU, not approved in the US sound encouraging. Anyone having experience in this area, I would appreciate input. My best to all, stay positive.

 

UPDATED

20 December 2005

 

Did the follow up PSA 8 Nov 2005. The Urologist gave me a blank look and told me, "It was the same as last time". So as usual the question for dice and slice was answered with a no from the dicee/slicee. As long as my PSA does not escalate, then I will assume that my cancer is within the walls of the Prostate. I realize this is going against the last four Urologists recommendations to remove, but it is my call. Doing a lot of mental and physcial exercise. Taking the supplements . Closing in on March 2006 which will mark the anniversary of my first diagnosis. Hope all is well with my brothers.

 

UPDATED

December 2006

 

Returned from a eastern Europe trip in May 06, admitting that my regular "watchful wait" diet was difficult to follow. My urologist vist just days after my return to home, had my PSA at 9.9 ng/ml the highest ever. Jet lag and diet were the cause in my opinion. The Urologist asked me if I wanted to continue the course of WW and I confirmed. He told me, "Lets schedule an appointment in a year" I told him we were doing a six months exam and he tells me he remembers now, "yes in six months" He does not agree with my watchful mode. I did a test with a mail out PSA lab and it returned 4.7 ng/ml. This testing lab always comes in low and is done with a finger prick by mail. I scheduled an Onocologist visit. PSA was tested there and came in at 5.9 ng/ml! It is my present course to retain the Onocologist as primary and cancel the urologist, continuing my WW. Next visit with the Onocologist is Dec 11, and I will update accordingly.

My warm regards to those battling not only their cancer but the aggressive methods of the surgery boys.

Charlie.

UPDATED

January 2007

 

Had an oncology visit, December 2006, PSA 9.3 ng/ml. We decided to schedule another PSA lab test in three months, in office six months. I am concerned that my PSA is elevating, and considering the Radiology Clinics of Ga. I am moving up the bar for input.

My thanks to Terry for his prompt reply to a recent question asked.

My best regards for a positive 2007.

 

UPDATED

June 2007

 

My goal in watchful waiting was to redirect my treatment mode if PSA reached double digit. For approximately three years I seem to limit the PSA under 10. Diet, supplements, avoiding stress, and exercise were my basis for watchful waiting, and hoping that if PSA remained under 10 then it was contained to the prostate. I could not feel warm and fuzzy with the adivce four urologists in three states advised, and that was doing the "GOLD" standard.

After a couple brushes with a 10 PSA, I focused on Georgia Raiotheraphy Clinic located in Decatur, Ga. This was a source that actually responded with data on cure rates, side effect reporting, ect. RC of Georgia has the track record and after careful consideration, I have done the seed implant and now in the second week of beam radiation therapy. GRC is transparent in my opinion and that is not the norm in my quest for knowledge and advice as it applies to PC. Prior to treatment, I had a bone scan, cat scan, and blood work.

Upon entering the treatment, Dr. Critz, the director of GRC predicted a 77% cure. Post seed implant and after review of the cat scans, he moved it to 85%.

The seed implant was a forty-five minute procedure. The only discomfort was the Foley catheter, which was removed the following day. I was told to resume anything that I was doing the week prior with the exception of bike riding. I drove myself 900 miles back to Arkansas for a three week wait period prior to the beam therapy.

So far, the only side effect I experience is a slight burring when I urinate. I am told this is normal for radiation and will go away eventually. My sex life is normal, and all systems are go.

If you have any questions concerning this procedure, you can go the web site of Radiotheraphy Clinics of Georgia or drop me an e mail.

 

UPDATED

August 2007

 

The first PSA test recommended was two weeks after the last of the 35 radiation treatments. The onocologist were looking for 4.1 to 10. My PSA came in at 3.178, which of course was good and under the normal. The next PSA will be three months post radiation, and then each six months. The Radiotheraphy Clinics of Georgia determine a cure if PSA remains under .2 for ten years. The caution that there may be a "bounce", but not to worry.

The only prescription drug I am taking is Flomax. I have been reducing the dose and expect to be off it entirely soon. I am not nor have I ever wore a diaper or had urinary control problems. My sex is normal. All systems are go.

 

UPDATED

March 2008

 

Nine months now after seed implant and six weeks of external beam radiation from the Radiotheraphy Clinics of Georgia, my PSA comes in at 1.22. On course and positive in regards to the treatment carefully (three years after diagnosis) chosen.

 

UPDATED

January 2009

 

Jan 7, 2009, 18 month PSA 1.09 which is down trending. My oncolgist tells me that the burn upon commencement of my urination is due to the radiation. Otherwise most systems are go.

My best to all this New Year.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

May 13, 2009 PSA 1.2, still an initial burn or sting with the initial urine stream, otherwise, the decision to seek treatment three years after diagnosis with Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia in my opinion remains a comfortable choice.

To those that are recently diagnosed it does not apply to all, but to repeat, it was three years after diagnosis, that I found a treatment that was acceptable to me personally.

Go brothers, be positive,

Charlie

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

PSA (November 18, 2009) at 1.03 is still down trending since the seed and radiation at RCOG. Looking for a PSA of 0.20.

ED a problem, all else is good to go.

My hopes for all are extended.

My best of regards,

Charlie

 

UPDATED

February 2010

 

 

Just a note to update my most recent PSA, down trending since my seed implant and radiation with RCOG May 2007. This is the first time my PSA has broke below the single figure, it is now 0.74.

ED is a problem, no luck with the drug companies solutions, the pump me up is cumbersome and inconsistent, and my age is probably not helpful.

Oh well, my best to all my brothers out there, and my continued thanks for YANA and all that you do.

Charlie

 

UPDATED

July 2010

 

 

Just posting my latest PSA, last was 0.74 now lower at 0.47

All seems to be well with the exception of ED, most of which probably being an ole fart!!

My brothers hang in there, my best of regards and thanks to YANA..

Charlie's e-mail address is daviscb@yahoo.com