Christian
Fassbinder and Ellen live in New Hampshire USA. He was 64 when he was diagnosed
on February 4, 2008. His initial PSA was 19.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+4=7
and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation
Therapy). Here is his story.
Only sign was elevated PSA. Had been 4 in
2007, urologist said to check in one year. No other signs, symptoms, or problems
to indicate any prostate problem.
January 2008, PSA 19.0; Dr. Donald Kauffman,
Medical Oncologist, said that
was an anomaly and the test was repeated with
a result of PSA 13.0. On to biopsy.
Biopsy Positive, Stages T1C Bone Scan
negative as to metastasis.
Urologist and oncologists at Massachusetts
General Hospital were exceptional. Met with urologist, then with medical oncologist
and with radiation oncologist. Surgery out of question because of my increased
prothrombin or clotting time. Radiation oncologist suggested hormone therapy and
radiation. Medical oncologist strongly urged against hormone therapy and I went
directly back to radiation oncologist. Now, choice was between IMRT (Intensity
Modulated Radiation Therapy) and Proton. I chose IMRT - my research convinced
me that outcomes were equal.
Started radiation on April 15, 2008 at MGH.
Forty five daily treatments, excluding weekends, of course, ending around June
26. Minimal side effect cleared up within six weeks. Radiation totalled 79.2 grey
scale, almost 8,000 rads. Oncologist - Dr. Shipley - was optimistic and was confident
we would get this. Met with Dr. Zeitman once and he deserves kudos for his optimism
and style. I was scheduled every day at 4:15, so I was able to work every day,
starting early AM and wrapping up after my return from MGH. MGH is an hour's drive
from my New Hampshire home - up to 2 hours if traffic is bad. MGH has a resource
center for oncology with internet access and computers, an extensive library,
comfortable seating and wonderful staff of professionals and volunteers. I did
not miss a day of work, although my workdays were prolonged by a couple of hours.
Optimism was encouraged and I remain optimistic today. Only limitation on my work
was inability to travel overnight, but I managed to keep up and grow my consulting
practice throughout my treatment regimen. Side effects of radiation showed up
after about three weeks but they completely subsided within four weeks of ending
radiation.
Dr. Shipley was my radiation oncologist. He and his colleague,
Dr. Zeitman, have published their successes with a regimen of 79.2 GY radiation.
Dr. Shipley was optimistic and very encouraging to me and to my wife. Dr. Shipley
says he has treated 8,000 men with prostate cancer in his career. Radiation therapy
staff were very professional, compassionate and supportive. Every question or
concern addressed directly and truthfully, to my great satisfaction.
October
6, 2008 was my first follow-up visit after completing radiation. PSA was 0.74
Good news! No side effects, no incontinence, no ED. So far so good, it seems.
A
good friend of mine on staff at MGH advised early on that "we don't let you die
of cancer at MGH". So far...........so good.
Later:
MGH
offered full range of consultations on options.
Dr.
Dicken Ko Urologist(also transplant surgeon) Excellent, kind, realistic doctor.
Dr.
Donald Kaufman - wonderful medical oncologist
Dr.
William U. Shipley Radiation oncologist. At outset, said this was to be a curative
course of radiation.
Dr.
Shipley has treated 8,000 men with prostate cancer. Affable, kind physician with
enormous experience and great credibility. Published extensively, along with his
colleague Dr. Zeitman.
Dr.
Z. is also a star in my constellation. Dr. Z. is the president elect of ASTRO.
(American Society for Therapeutic Radiology And Oncology)
Total satisfaction
with Mass General. Surprised and delighted at apparent outcome of low PSA.
Christian's
e-mail address is: fxgreaney@yahoo.com
