David
McGee and John live in United Kingdom. He was 50 when he was diagnosed on June
22, 2004. His initial PSA was 3.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3 + 3 and he was
staged T1c . His choice of treatment was Active Surveillance. Here is his story.
Sometime in the Spring of 2004 I was approached by my local medical practice
and asked to volunteer for screening for prostate cancer. I fulfilled the criteria
of being over 50 and having a relative who also had prostate problems.
My
PSA was found to be 3.88. A DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) was done and revealed
nothing unusual however I was still scheduled for a biopsy and this showed a small
proportion of abnormal cells in one of 15 cores.
I was referred to my local
hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne where I was contacted by the ProtecT
study team. They 'randomised' me for treatment and said that the computer
had selected me for a radical prostatectomy. I hesitated and said I wanted to
spend time on research. As a result of reading many dozens of articles on the
internet I decided to refuse the RP and opt for 'watchful waiting'. The ProtecT
team accepted this and said that they would still like to keep in contact with
me and follow my progress.
In the intervening 5 years I have monitored
my own PSA, either every 3 or 6 months. The readings have always been within the
limits 1.9 - 3.8. As a natural kneejerk reaction - which many of us have - I have
run the gauntlet of numerous 'treatments' varying from exercise, diet, Chinese
medicine, the lot, all with no directly related effect on the PSA reading.
I
have moved following retirement and been 'surveyed' by a number of practices.
I have lost count of the number of ordinary GP's who have dealt with me and I
have never failed to be amazed at the lack of knowledge of prostate cancer these
professional show. This last week I suffered my first 'spike' when my PSA jumped
from 2.4 to 3.4. The doctor's reaction was to urge me to make an immediate appointment
to see urology.
I have been absent from this site for a while and am pleased
to be back. It is invaluable for reminding me that there is a real alternative
to the medical profession however vital and well meaning they are.
David's
e-mail address is: sendraguy@hotmail.com
