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Ed March and Tiffany live in New Jersey, USA. He was 51 when he was diagnosed in May 07. His initial PSA was 3.5 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 (3+4) and he was staged T2c. His choice of treatment was robotic laparoscopic surgery. Here is his story:


Upon routine examination, my PSA level had increased from 1.96 to 3.4. My doctor suggested seeing a urologist since the percentage increase in PSA was so dramatic. I've learned many doctors still feel PSA levels under 4 are of little concern but that has really changed in recent years. Now the PSA levels safe ranges have dropped and percentage increase is as important.

My urologist did a DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), felt a slight bump but didn't feel anything alarming, yet still suggested a biopsy. The result of my biopsy was positive. Two cores out of 12 had cancer with 46% and 86% respectively. Needless to say, I was stunned and asked lots of questions that couldn't be answered. The "what if " type questions. The urologist (who btw had a poor bedside manner and seemed to present more worse case scenario rather than a balanced one) scheduled me for a bone and CT scan.

Both scans came back unable to detect any cancer. Let me tell you, waiting for that phone call was pure torture but I came to learn most people that get regular check-ups and catch this disease early, stand a good chance cancer hasn't metastasized. Fortunately, my regular doctor made a call on my behalf to the hospital to obtain my results asap. He called and gave me the relieving news the scans couldn't detect any cancer. Before my doc could say another word I thanked him and asked to end the phone call right there. I didn't want to hear anything else until I had a few days to bask in some good news...finally!!

Next was deciding what course of treatment. Searching the internet to all hours of the night for information. Talking with doctors and urologists and calling in some favors I was able to narrow down my choices to either open or laparoscopic surgery. I was told the advantages to open surgery were the surgeons ability to "feel" tissue and determine if it was cancerous. This was an important factor considering it added another layer of protection for me. On the other hand, robotic surgery offered other advantages, such as quicker recovery time, less invasive, better surgical control, less blood during the procedure and 3D visualization of my prostate and surrounding environment. I decided robotic was the way to go.

My surgery was completed on June 29, 2007 and I went home the very next day. Pain was minimal, I had 6 incisions in my abdomen and a catheter. I took pain medication to help me sleep the first couple days. My appetite was missing and I was very constipated unable to have a bowel movement for four days. I took a suppository and shortly thereafter had the bowel movement that taught me to appreciate what childbirth must feel like for a woman.

Yesterday I returned to my surgeons office to have my staples (surgical clips) and catheter removed. On yes, my pathology report was ready too. The clips came off with ease, no pain or anything. The catheter was a different story. When the surgeon deflated the catheter and removed it, it hurt like heck, felt like a red hot poker. Several urinations since, the fiery pain continues and I'll be calling the doc today about it.

My pathology report came back good. No surgical margins and no capsule penetration. This is what you pray for and hopefully the next step, the PSA test, is as good.

Other notes, I've been advised to take LaVitra 3x a week for impotence and schedule therapy for urinary control (sphincter muscles). So far, my urinary stream is much improved, my leakage is very minimal. Since my surgeon was able to spare 90% of my nerve bundles, I'm hopeful impotence will be short term.

 

UPDATED

August 2007

 

 

It's been 5 weeks since my laparascopic surgery. I wanted to put this update out regarding progress of impotence, urine leakage and diet.

I was prescribed to take LeVitra 3x/week to stimulate erection. Frankly, I'm not into taking drugs of any kind and did not commence the program as directed. However, 3 weeks post surgery I decided to try one and the results were great. I was apprehensive at first (fearful impotence would be with me for a long time) but ureka, it did the job. The sensation was slightly less than usual but satisfactory nonetheless. It's difficult getting used to the end of semen flow. It's really odd to notice and makes me feel somewhat empty inside (no pun intended)

Regarding urination and leakage. I went through some pain subsequent to the catheter being removed for a couple weeks. I can still feel a different sensation upon urinating than I used to, something I'd describe not of painful but noticable. My flow is like I'm 10 years old again. I just started with Kegel exercises. My leakage was minimal to begin with. The therapist wanted to insert several instruments in and around my rectum to measure muscle stength which I refused. My thoughts were if it wasn't something to cure or treat me, it wasn't going in. I've had just about enough action down there from the exams, biospy, suppositories, enemas etc that I was willing to take.

Lastly, my diet has been rather healthy for the past several years, lots of organic fruits, vegetables etc. Since my cancer diagnosis, thats been racheted up several notches. Today I'm virtually all organic. My diet consists of fruits, vegetables, beans, soy products etc. Meat and dairy are gone. Most all I can read indicates disease is a product of genetics, diet, exercise and state of mind. I've been hot and heavy to address all these issues. Eating in this manner is not a problem for me, I emjoy it and rarely feel deprived. When I do, I simply indulge my craving with a small portion (like blueberry pie) and it satisfies me. I'd encourage everyone to investigate and change your lifestyle towards a healthy one. Read books like "Extraordinary Healing or Cancer Fighting Foods" and the like to educate yourselves and help your body defend itself and limit your chances of getting disease.

I've dropped about 30 lbs since my diagnosis. Today I visit my GP for my follow-up PSA test. I'll update after the results. Good luck to everyone reading this.

 

UPDATED

December 2008

 

 

It's now December, 2008. My first PSA test since the surgery produced good results. It was undetecable, which is what we're all looking for. Side effects are always of interest to people that have gone through our situations, so here it goes.

Urination: To this day I still feel limited burning sensation if I force urinate (like your in a hurry to get done). Under normal circumstances, there is no problem with stream or leakage anymore. Occassionally, if I do some situps, a small leak could occur under the strain. Thats about it. Shortly after surgery I reported my stream being as strong as a 10 yr old and it was. It's lessened now to a still very acceptable level. I learned that as time went by after surgery, scar tissue begins to develop and closes down on your stream. That resulted in a reduced stream to normal from the incredible initial results.

Impotence: The issues I encountered after surgery were minimal compared to others. I used either Levitra or Cialis etc for erections which I began having immediately. I've also had normal erections without those drugs as well, just can't always count on it for some reason. The sensation isnt quite the same but nothing to complain about. I feel fortunate. One issue/recommendation is prior to any sexual intercourse, empty your bladder. Occassionally (as in doing sitps) a stream can escape during intercourse and cause an issue.

To be honest, I've slipped off my very healthy diet/exercise routine, which I believe plays a big part in preventing/dealing with disease. It helped me greatly both physically and mentally when I was going through my diagnosis and treatment. I strongly suggest you entertain working on this for yourselves as well as positive thinking. IT will have a great impact on you and you shouldn't leave any stone unturned.

Best to all of you.

Ed's e-mail address is: levelseven@msn.com