Greg
and Judy Nackers live in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. He was 41 years old in June
1997 when diagnosed. Greg continues: "I
am glad to offer my support, especially for the younger men who face this upsetting
diagnosis. There is little information out there about survival and treatment
at young ages, so I hope I can shed some light through my journey. Diagnosed after
a normal physical, with a slightly elevated PSA 6.6, Gleason 5, early stage, differentiated
- it was the first time I ever had it checked. Biopsy followup showed 1 in 6 samples
cancerous.
Had RP surgery two weeks later. Tumor was on one side and encapsulated. Recovered
quickly, however, experienced a rising PSA level starting six months after surgery.
Decided against radiation and did lots of research. Found many alternatives
and got cancer back under control with a healthy routine. Doing well so far, a
two and a half year survivor.
[UPDATE
3 February 2001]
My PSA has been holding steady for the past year and half. I am now 3 1/2 years
since surgery and two since dealing with the recurrence. My PSA holds around 0.5
to 0.6. I have fully recovered from the surgery and after effects and I am doing
very well. I am shooting for that Silver status in a little over a year from now.
[UPDATE
30 March 2002]
Current Age is 45. Current PSA is 1.0. Current Treatment - alternative. Initial
treatment? Radical Prostatectomy.
2001 was a year of change once again. My PSA climbed from 0.6 in Dec 2000, to
1.0 in July 2001 and 1.4 in December 2001. A health check up to zero in on changes
to my routine, and initiate a repeat of my 1998 alternative practices to curb
my PSA rising, is working, as my PSA dropped back to 1.0 by the end of January.
The routine will continue until my June check up and five year anniversary. The
journey and learning continues. The moral of the story thus far is that you must
remain vigilant with this disease.
UPDATE
18 October 2002
Greg
is now 47 and has a PSA of 1.0 his update follows:
July
11th, 2002 was my five year anniversary since my RP surgery in 1997.
I continue
to keep things under control with a healthy diet and routine.
UPDATE
15 February 2004
Hello
everyone! I have reached the 6.5 year mark and am doing fine.
My
last PSA test was Nov 2003 and it was steady at 1.0, where it has been for over
three years now.
We
built a new, smaller house and moved a year ago. I have traveled a lot with my
job. Through this past year and a half, I have proved I've learned to manage stress
and my diet seems to be working.
Very
thankful for this and all the blessings this journey has brought us.
UPDATE
15 February 2004
Greg
is coming up to the BIG 50 - he is now 49, his PSA is stable and here is his story:
Hi
Fellow Warriors! It is 2005 and I am doing well.
I
will mark my eight year anniversary as a survivor in July of this year. I continue
my belief and routine of following a healthy life style to keep cancer at bay.
I just had a complete blood panel, including PSA and cancer screening. My PSA
is holding steady around 1.0, which it has for the past four years now. My cancer
screen was completely negative.
The
last major step I took was June of 2004, when I quit my job of 17 years due to
excessive stress. I found a better job in my field, which cut down on travel and
got me back to reasonable hours. I adjust my diet annually, based on my blood
tests. Cutting stress and carbohydrate levels were two key items last year, which
led to my decision to change jobs.
Judy
and I are thankful for my continued success. I still feel blessed each day and
do not take good health for granted. We are celebrating 25 years of marriage this
year and couldn't be happier. We are on track to retire 'early' in a few years
and it is my job to stay healthy and make it there.
As
always, if I can be of help or encouragement to any of you, just email me. I get
about one contact a month. So I know people visit YANA and the journey goes on.
Peace and Good health to you all!
UPDATE
June 2006:
I
am doing fine, coming up on my 9 year anniversary. My latest PSA this past February
was 1.2 ng/ml, so I have been steady around that level for five years now.
I
just turned 50 in April, which was a major goal of mine after battling through
the 40's. I follow a diet based on my blood type and get a complete comprehesive
blood test each Spring to gauge where I am what adjustments are needed.
I'm
coming up on the 2nd anniversary on my new job. I have only traveled a couple
times in that period. The change was a definite plus in relieving stress and balancing
out life.
UPDATE
June 2007:
Hello
from Greg once again.
Approaching
my 10 year anniversary in July and doing well. My PSA has been 1.2 to 1.4 the
past five years, so it is stable. I work at staying healthy and that has been
my approach all along. Controlling stress and my diet continue to prove to be
keys. I get a complete blood work up every year to guide my choices.
I
get occasional contacts from this website from people seeking information and
support. I answer them all and am happy to do so.
Our
email address is: gjn429@aol.com
