  Dane
Sheldon and Jami live in Wellington, Florida, USA. He was 49 when he was diagnosed
in July, 2007. His initial PSA was 7.5 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and his
clinical stage would have been T1c - his pathological stage being T2a. His choice
of treatment was . Here is his story.
I have Type 1 Diabetes which requires
ongoing medical visits. After moving, I did not see a doctor for a year and a
half. When I finally went to see a doctor about my diabetes, I had a complete
physical. At the time I also complained that I wasn't as sexually strong as I
had recently been and was experiencing curvature to my penis when erect. At 49,
I was concerned about this condition.
The results of my physical indicated
an abnormally high PSA (7.5). I was referred to an urologist who took biopsies.
This process was not comfortable but was tolerable. Blood in my semen for the
next couple of weeks was not "attractive" but caused no discomfort. The biopsies
revealed the cancer. I was diagnosed with stage T2a, Gleason 6 (3+3).
I
joined this group and learned as much as I could on the various treatment options.
I was looking at LRP (Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy) or proton beam therapy.
I chose LRP as it would remove the prostate and have the least financial and time
constraints on me and my family.
After removal of the catheter seven days
after surgery (October, 2007), I was 99% continent...only minimal leakage when
exercising a week later. The leakage was completely gone after one month. I probably
only used a half dozen pads. I am back to running 3 miles 3 times a week without
any issue.
I was diagnosed with Peyronie's disease at my initial visit
with the urologist. Following surgery I have been using a pump and Cialis (20mg/2xweek)
with decent results. I am able to create an erection at about 70% of pre-surgery
strength...enough for intercourse. My penis even seems to have straightened out
some. No erection is happening without this assistance. Fortunately, while completely
different than pre-surgery, I am able to achieve enjoyable orgasms (I still leak
a few drops occasionally at orgasm).
My final pathology showed the cancer
was confined to the prostate and did not come close to the margins. The final
stage was T2c and Gleason 7 (4+3). I received the results of my first PSA test
last week (2 months post surgery) with a 0.04 - oh happy day!
I will continue
to monitor my PSA and will even insist on colonoscopy at my next physical to ensure
everything is fine there (I understand that PC, colon cancer and bladder cancer
are often clustered).
My father had PC and is a survivor. I had no idea
that PC could be a "family" illness - well everyone in the family knows now and
have been checked. I am telling all my friends as well. It seems to me that all
men should know about this illness and how/when to be on the look out for it.
Share the news.
My wife has been a wonderful partner throughout this ordeal
and is very pleased with the results and long-term prognosis. I thank God I have
her in my life.
I am thankful for the members of this group; for everything
they put into supporting our community. I could not have made it through this
ordeal without the additional support and information from this group. I am more
than willing to pay back by offering my support through this venue.
Feel
free to email me for additional information.
Dane's e-mail address
is: wdshell98@yahoo.com
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