YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Lucky Canuck and Darlene live in Alberta Canada. He was 47 when he encountered PSA anxiety on February 25, 2009. His initial PSA was 3.9 ng/ml, he is scheduled for a prostate biopsy on April 25, 2009 and if there are any positive samples he will be staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment if he is diagnosed. Here is his story.

First of all, I haven't officially been diagnosed with PC but I think my story may be worth telling because I know the emotional strain that I am under now is already difficult to deal with at times.

In November 2008 I had my yearly physical. During the physical I asked my Dr. for a PSA test. This is not standard procedure for men under 50 in Alberta. He asked me why I thought it was necessary and I explained my grandfather had PC, (although not diagnosed until his seventies) and that my second cousin had PC (diagnosed at 55). He agreed that I warranted the blood test and away I went to the lab. First result came back with a PSA of 3.9, which warranted a second test, again 3.9. After meeting with my Dr. in late December he explained to me that I was High-Normal for my age group and he was referring me to a urologist.

February 25, 2009, I made my visit to the urologist who looked at the PSA numbers, conducted a DRE, and informed me that he had some concern. The concern being that I have a small prostate, (normal in feel) but a high PSA level for a prostate my size.

I am scheduled for a prostate biopsy on April 25, 2009. I will update my contribution to this site as more information becomes available to me.

 

UPDATED

April 2009

 

 

Had my biopsy on April 23, 2009 and results will be given on May 6th.

Went to the biopsy clinic with more than a little trepidation. I've heard everything from "its the worst part of the whole adventure" to "I really don't remember it". I took a positve appproach to the event and engaged the doctor. Watched the ultrasound screen through the whole procedure and got the play by play from the doctor. It was so clear on the monitor that I could watch the lidocaine spread out through the prostate. The actual biopsy needles went in far to fast for me to even notice. Overall from a pain perspective it was like a person taking their finger and poking you in the thigh.....don't really know what it would have been like without the local freezing. From an uncomfortability perspective, not so bad.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

So I'm driving home from work on Monday, May 4 and I get the call. "It's Dr. ? calling, I've got some news for you and I wanted to give it to you now so it doesn't come as a surprise to you and your wife at your appointment on Wednesday. The pathology of your biopsy shows you have a spot. It is in 5% of one of your twelve needle cores and is a Gleason Score 6, stage T1c. We'll discuss it more when you come in but it definitely puts you in the low risk zone. Congratulations you caught this as early as I've ever seen it. Your prognosis is excellent!"

I have a number of friends and family that have had prostate cancer, I have a number of medical professionals who are friends....after consulting with most everyone I know that can provide me with an opinion as to how to treat this affliction...I have decided to have Laproscopic Robotic Surgery......

 

UPDATED

October 2009

 

 

Had my surgery on August 31, had the catheter in until September 8, wore diapers until 3:00pm September 8 and haven't touched them since. Had a full erection on September 10 as well as sex with my wife. All margins were negative for cancer post surgery and waiting to have my post surgery PSA test. Stomach was tender for the first 3-4 weeks but the pain was eased with the great surgical results. I am one lucky guy....caught the cancer early, decided on treatment early, and got great results early.

The Mind is good, the Body is good, the Family is good...........Life is good!

Later: Received the results of my post OP PSA test. Result came back as a big "0". Hopefully this closes my PCA chapter. Thank you everyone for telling your stories - gave me hope and also a reality check. Thank you to my doctor who remained honest and straight forward in his approach. Thank you to my wife , who no doubt had the most difficult job - being a supporting and understanding partner through the process.

Although I had the best result possible I would be neglectful if I didn't mention that it was a tough emotional year. Dealing with the unknown is never pleasant and although this web-site shed alot of insight into the world of prostate cancer, every individual's experience will be different. I was, quite honestly, unprepared for the emotional onslaught that was unleashed inside my head. The tears, the anger and the feeling that I was alone on this journey often overcame me.

For those of you who are still trying to make a choice as to your treatment.....it is your decision. For those of you who are still fighting the battle good luck and my heart is with you. For those of you who just need someone to chat with about my experienceor yours....send me an email.

Thanks again for all your support! GJ.

Lucky's e-mail address is: gregjardine@hotmail.com