YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Jack Carden does not state where he lives but it seems to be in the USA. He was 65 when he was diagnosed on November 1, 2007. His initial PSA was 20.2 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T3 N1 M0. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

I had physical exam on reaching age 65. my PSA came back 20.2 ng/ml. I gulped and asked what next? I was sent to urologist.

DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) was not good. I had a biopsy all cores positive from 20% to 80%. The urologist was vague about grade and staging but finally said T3N1M0.

I had CAT and bone scan - all negative. I was referred to a radiation oncologist. He wants to do radiation with two years Lupron. I am very interested in my short term quality of life. I am very sensitive to medication and would like to do just the radiation.

I am scheduled for January third and would really like some feed back on this. I am being treated for long term depression and the side effects of Lupron for two years sound like pouring gas on a fire. I also have COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). I've seen the test results on combined therapy and it seems that five year PSA rise is much better with both, but if I'm a wreck mentally and physically and the treatment fails any way I still have to do Lupron. I would sure like all the feed back I can get.

Thanks.

 

UPDATED

January 2008

 

 

I live in Abilene, Texas. After much study and input from Yana and other sources I have decided that the only course is combined hormone and radiation. My oncologist is going to start Lupron today, January 7 '07. I will take Lupron for six weeks then start 30 radiation treatments. He wants to continue the Lupron for two years. I still have many fears and reservations about Lupron.

Thanks for all the input. Yana has been a godsend. I hope I'll be able to report minimal side effects, but never the less I need to get a positive attitude about this.

I will keep this updated when I know more.

Thanks Jack Carden .

Jack's e-mail address is: jackcarden@suddenlink.net