YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Jim Murray and Heather live in Illinois, USA. He was 41 when he was diagnosed on October 26, 2009. His initial PSA was 2.2 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Robotic Surgery. Here is his story.

Just got the diagnosis of prostate cancer. I was surprised to get it at 41. My Dad just recently completed treatment for prostate cancer at 68. I knew I had a better chance than not at getting it Heather and I had our anger moments, break downs, and crying on the first night. I decided then and there that this would be our last cry over this, now it was time to battle and beat it.

Having a dad who is a doctor has allowed me to access some of the best medical care in the Chicago area. I meet with the surgeon tomorrow and will have a better feel of the process then. I also have a surgeon at the University of Chicago I can meet with who does the procedure. I have found the stories on this page very encouraging. I will keep you posted at the process moves forward.

Had a total of 12 biopsies 6 on each side The positives where in the middle. They where 3+3, 3+4 and 3+3. I have been told I am in the very early stages and the prognosis is good. This all started with a prostate infection five months ago. I hated it then but it allowed me to find this early.

Later: I met with the first of two surgeons. I will be having my surgery at University of Chicago by Greg Zagaja. I went in feeling like I had a death sentence and came out very confident I will be OK. I am a candidate for the bilateral nerve sparing and he believes I will do great.

After hearing all the options I feel great about my decision, I feel great about my location for the operations and I feel very optimistic about my outcome. I know two people who had operations from this surgeon one 5 years ago and one 2 1/2 years ago. Both are doing great with no real side effects.

I will keep you updated as the surgery gets scheduled and after. Thanks for the page and the support.

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

Just wanted to update. Will have Surgery at the University of Chicago by Dr Zagaja on January 15, 2010. I get to enjoy my Holidays.

They actually lowered my Gleason numbers when they reviewed my slides. I am looking forward to having the surgery done, and moving on with life. I will update again after the surgery.

To all those just diagnosed, after the initial shock, it does get better. Do your research, review your options, make sure you are comfortable with your doctor and decision and then take it head on.

Jim's e-mail address is: mur224@murdog68.com