Jim
Preston and Marie live in Florida USA. He was
67 when he was diagnosed on March 21, 2007. His initial PSA was 11.3 ng/ml, his
Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Brachytherapy.
Here is his story:
Hi
my name is Jim Preston. I am 67 and live in Florida with my wife, Marie. In July
2001, I suffered a heart attack and then in February 2003, a stroke, leaving me
paralyzed on the left side.
In
February 2007 my PSA had risen from a high norm of 3.3 ng/ml to 11.3 ng/ml so
it was off to the urologist for a biopsy of the prostate done March 21, 2007.
The results came back showing a cancer contained in the right base of the prostate,
Gleason's score 6, stageT1c, I think.
After
conferring with my doctor on treatment options, I decided to go with brachytherapy
which was performed April 25, 2007 at an outpatient surgical center under general
anesthesia. 57 seeds were implanted. Prior to the procedure, I had a volume study
done along with the usual pre-op chest X-ray,e.k.g. and blood work up.
While
in recovery, a catheter was inserted to correct a blockage in the urinary tract
caused from trauma to the prostate during the procedure. The catheter was removed
shortly after I
voided and I went home. I rested and drank plenty of water
for the remainder of the day.That night, I had some burning passing urine and
a little blood but the symptoms all but disappeared by the following morning.
Tip - guys drink plenty of water to keep the river running.
The
anesthesia left me with a bit of an upset stomach and my behind was a little tender,
but other than that, no big deal.
I
go see the urologist in about a week and am scheduled for another blood test the
end of June at which time, I will submit an update.
Starting
to feel pretty good, Praise the Lord.
It
is July 3, 2007 and I just returned home after meeting with the VA doctor with
the results of my first blood tests since my brachytherapy. PSA is down to 2.5
ng/ml from 11.3 ng/ml. Having a little problem with frequent urination but otherwise
very satisfied with my choice of treatment
Next
update around Jan 08.
Since
July, 2007 I've had three more blood tests as well as visits to my doctor. My
PSA went from 2.5 to 2.00. At my last visit DRE was OK but PSA rose to 3.0. Will
have it checked again Jan 09. Urinary problems have all but disapeared. Getting
up about once a night and feeling pretty good.
Jim's
e-mail address is: presclog@gmail.com
.
