YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Hans Jordan and Ching live in California, US. He was 70 when he was diagnosed in February, 2007. His initial PSA was 3.97 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T2a. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment . Here is his story.

Since I was restricted for 2nd opinions with my health plan at initial diagnosis, it is until now (1 year later)that I'm able to compare treatments and talk to different doctors. It takes a while to distinguish commercial from purely medical considerations of treatment options. A few days ago I got a quite philosophical answer: if you don't want to get hurt do nothing. (WW!) The different treatments need to be done by well trained people (doctors, technicians etc.) sometimes this is not the case and result statistics get distorted. It takes a while to find an objective professional.

Later:

On January 14, 2008 I consulted with Dr.Lam, Huntington Memorial, Pasadena. He heads the oncology department there. His handling of the seed implant procedure is convincing and seem to be the right thing for me. He kept the biopsy slides for a second analysis. A year ago it was done at Kaiser. Gleason 3+3=6. This time it showed 3+4=7. I better give up my WW now.

The next day I talked to Dr. Lau at City of Hope, he is a da Vinci surgeon, I went recently to his video presentation. They also checked the biopsy samples, result 3+3=6. Go figure.

 

UPDATED

February 2008

 

 

Lucky, I live near all these institutions. After discussing the discrepancies on the Gleason scores, Dr. Lau suggested to have a new biopsy if I want to choose watchful waiting. Last week I went to a support group meeting for brachytherapy at Huntington Memorial. I learned that Johns Hopkins is a good place to double check biopsies, so I send my slides immediately. Also I have an appointment with Dr. Bahn March 18. after which I should be able to make my decision.

 

UPDATED

March 2008

 

 

Here's what has happened so far:

Johns Hopkins reading of the biopsy slides showed a Gleason Score of 7. That makes 2 GS 6 scores and 2 G7 scores.

I have watched my diet, less sugars, dairy products, meat. I take Selenium and Raw Palmetto supplements now, as well as antioxidants like pomegranate and blueberry juices. I'll have a second biopsy before the end of the month.

I'm participating on a research study sponsored by the Baylor College of Medicine for Watchful Waiting.

The only treatment facility I have not been able to get an appointment for consultation is Loma Linda. Since last year they postpone any new patient appointments for their proton treatment. Next call April 7!

Later:

Dr. Bahn performed the biopsy on March 18, 08 resulting in a Gleason 4+3=7, staging (pathological) T2b. The ultrasound procedure was quite impressive, he took 6 samples based on shadow appearances showing the cancer cells. He suggested the previous biopsy was under stated. April 1. I'll see my oncologist to discuss treatment options.

 

UPDATED

April 2008

 

 

Well, the watchful waiting is over. With this Gleason score the aggresivness of the cancer is pretty clear. We put all my data into the Sloan-Kettering prostate nomogram and the calculation results helped my decision process a lot.

Its going to be Brachytherapy + IMRT. On April 15 I have the appointment for the volume study (ultrasound)at Huntington Hospital. The results will be send to the Seattle Prostate Institute, where the template for the implants is designed.

 

UPDATED

May 2008

 

 

The volume study resulted in a smaller gland, 40cc compared with the last biopsy showing 60cc.

PSA on April 15 '08 was down to 4.35. I wonder if it has to do with my diet and supplements over the last few month.

 

UPDATED

June 2008

 

 

Now I'm in the fourth week of IMRT. I'm experiencing uncomfortable burning while urinating, stool is softer, frequency for both is higher. No problem with erections. But these side effect are to be expected in varying grades. The doc recommends Aleve, I'm up to 6 pills (220mg each) a day to no avail. Another recommend is more drinking to dilute the urine, that doesn't help either, only that I have to go more often. The total of treatments will be 25.

You can get information about seed implantation from Pro-Qura - a prostate brachytherapy medical service company based in Seattle, Washington.The result of the volume study (ultra sound)was sent to Seattle Prostate Institute, where the template for the implants will be designed.

 

UPDATED

July 2008

 

 

I started taking Uroxatrol during the last few days of radiation on a daily basis up to this date. With almost immediate result: reducing the burning by 50%. Side effects are diminishing 2 weeks after treatment, as expected.

 

UPDATED

August 2008

 

 

On August 4. I went to the hospital for the pre-op for the seed implants. It was also the first day I felt so good after all the side effects from radiation were almost gone (frequent urination, burning, incontinence - there is still some - pelvic muscle control - meaning to differentiate urinating and bowel movement).

The seed implants were scheduled for August 11, but since side effect most probably would return, thought maybe worth postponing. I had a talk with the oncologist and we postponed the procedure.

PSA July 9: 2.16 - August 4:PSA 1.96. I'll see him back in a month..

Hans' e-mail address is: hhj@roadrunner.com