YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Gary D and Denise live in Upstate New York, USA. He was 55 when he was diagnosed on November 13, 2008. His initial PSA was 10.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 9 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Robot assisted Prostatectomy. Here is his story.

I went for a routine physical in August 08 and was told my PSA was high and that I should see a Urologist. Went to see him on September 15 and he set me up for more blood work. Got the results back on October 20 and the PSA was 10.8 so a biopsy was scheduled for November 10. Results of the biopsy was given on November 13 - Cancer was found on the left side of my prostate. Gleason 9 (4+5).

The doctor set up a appointment for a bone and CT scan on November 21. Results were negative that the cancer had spread. Consulted with my urologist on November 24 to go over the options. Was also told that because the cancer was so aggressive on the left side that the nerves on that side would probably not be spared if I chose surgery but all efforts would be made to spare the right side nerves.

Because of the aggressiveness of the cancer I made the decision to have surgery on December 9 after consulting with both my urologist and the surgeon who would do the robotic surgery. Surgery was on January 5, 2009. After the surgery the doctor told me he examined the prostate and was optimistic that the cancer was confined. He also said that he wasn't able to spare the nerves on the left side but was able to on the right side.

Today it's been four days since I've been home and feel good. Have the catheter in still until next week (January 15) at which time I'll get the pathology report back so we'll see how it goes then.

Later:

We got the pathology report back on January 12, the day before my 56th birthday. The report was that, although aggressive the cancer seemed to be contained entirely within the prostate. That was the best birthday present that I ever could have imagined.

I go back in April for my PSA test so keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks for all the help I received on the Yana site.

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

Its been almost a year since my surgery. Just went to get results on December 22, 2009 and my PSA was 0.

Still am unable to gain an erection but my doctor said it may take some time...here's hoping..

Gary's e-mail address is: Garydavine@msn.com