YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Gene Asken and Evie live in Michigan, USA. He was 76 when he was diagnosed on September 28, 2009. His initial PSA was 13.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 9 and he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

I have had PSA testing annually over the past fifteen years with progression from about 5.0 initially to 13.0 with four biopsies along the way, the last in confirmation of cancerous lesions. I have since had a bone scan and MRI with indication that the disease remains localized - staged as T3, probably T3c. My urologist has defined treatment options as limited to surgery or radiology. I have had a consultation with a radiologist/oncologist and am scheduled next with a surgeon who specializes in robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy. I have been advised that I might expect similar results and side effects no matter which of the two methods I choose, but radiology provides more limited options for follow-up therapy in the event of further inclusion of the disease. I'm also considering an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion.

My biggest disappointment so far in my journey is an apparent lack of leadership by a central physician in coordinating and guiding me through the decision process. Even though my Urologist referred me to the radiology clinic for consultation, when I arrived for my appointment I was advised that a physician's assistant would see me. Only after I insisted that my appointment was with a doctor, not a PT, that I was granted an audience. And, only after I informed the doctor why I was there was I able to receive the appropriate information. It took me two days of phone tag thereafter to finally receive a return response from my Urologist for advisement on my next step.

It is remains true as ever that each person is his or her own medical advocate. It is with that in mind that I now seek treatment at a clinic where I can find a team of experienced specialists with central leadership toward an objective resolution. Hopefully, my quest will end at the Cleveland Clinic.

 

UPDATED

December 2009

 

 

I am now under the guidance of the extraordinary medical staff at M.D. Anderson Proton Therapy Center in Houston after an initial consultation a few weeks ago. My treatment is scheduled to begin after the first of the year.

Initially, because of the advanced stage of my diagnosis, Stage III, Gleason 9, there was concern I would not qualify as a suitable candidate for proton radiation. This was put to rest after the oncologist, Dr. Andrew Lee, ordered repeat MRI scans at the University of Texas Medical Center to confirm that there was no capsular extension. I thought it interesting that a repeat MRI was indicated since it had been completed weeks before at my home radiology center with similar results. But, I was impressed with the more comprehensive preparation and procedures at the University that led to a greater sense of assurance on my part of the final confirmation.

I started ADT a few weeks ago, which I'm told will continue for the next two to three years. I have not as yet experienced any significant side-effects, but perhaps it is too early to tell. So far, so good.

Gene's e-mail address is: dahbull@yahoo.com