YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Don Markowitz and Ramona live in California, USA. He was 58 when he was diagnosed in July, 2007. His initial PSA was 5.2 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and although he does not state his staging, it appears it would have been T1c. His choice of treatment was Laparoscopic Surgery. Here is his story.

My case is a little unique from others. First of all I am a semi-retired Medical Technologist at Kaiser Permanente. Since I work in the lab, I was able to obtain my PSA test result a year ago and it was 3.2 ng/ml. I decided to ignore it at that time and check again six months later (5.2 ng/ml).

At this time I scheduled to have Ultra-Sound Biopsy of my prostate gland. But something else came up in May 2007 that delayed my biopsy. I was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer tumor of my right kidney. Two days later, my right kidney was removed (no prior symptoms, woke up in the morning peeing blood, went to ER. CT Scan showed tumor). The kidney was removed via laparoscopic surgery by Dr. Gohar (excellent doctor at Kaiser Harbor City - and same doctor who performed my prostate removal).

Because of kidney problem, my prostate biopsy was delayed until end of July 2007. Results were a Gleason score of 3+4 = 7 (PSA was 5.6 ng/ml in July). After talking to a radiologist, and my kidney surgeon, I decided upon total removal of the prostate gland by laparoscopy rather than any other method, mostly due to my age. I thought about robotic removal, but my doctor has performed over 500 prostate surgeries, I had a lot of confidence in him (besides Da Vinci method not available at my Kaiser facility yet).Of course the surgery would have been cancelled if any cancer was found after my kidney removal (not related to prostate cancer).

I got kidney bill of health and scheduled my prostate surgery for Sept 17th and a two week trip to Mexico. I am a very active sports oriented person, so my health was excellent prior to surgery. I figured all would go well, and recovery would be my only concern.

The surgery did go well, and the doctor saved my nerves. No spread of cancer found (contained in Prostate Gland). I did my Kegel exercises religiously for three weeks prior to surgery, and highly recommend this if possible. After surgery, took about five days for my first bowel movement. Took four days to remove drain tube. Took ten days to remove catheter (Friday Sept 28th).

Since catheter removal I have had no leakage or accidents at all. I even think while catheter was in I might have had some erectile functioning taking place. So immediately after catheter removal, it appears I have total normal urinary function (I assume this is a rarity?).

Hopefully full erectile function and normal sexual intercourse will ensue real soon. My wife has been very supportive thru this whole ordeal. Now I just hope I remain cancer free for rest of my enjoyable life.

 

UPDATED

January 2009

 

 

Since my surgery in Sept 2007, I have routinely had a PSA test done every 3 months, and all results are negative. I did loose some nerve sensitivity in the abdominal muscle region due to the arthroscopic surgery. I am very happy otherwise having the prostate gland totally removed.

My urination is stronger than ever. I do have almost full erectile function with no medical assistance(pills or mechanical devices). The only difference I do notice is that my erections do not last as long as they use too, but who knows, this could be due to age also. The only difference is when I climax, no sperm or mess, but it still feels good.

I am still active in tennis, running, wakeboarding, biking, etc., just a little more lazy about them. I also had my right cancerous kidney removed May 2007, and everything is negative there too (no chemo or other medication needed). Looking forward to enjoying the remainder of my life.

Don M.


Don's e-mail address is: fungushhh@yahoo.com