YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Joe Tillson and Fred live in Virginia, USA . He was 58 when he was diagnosed on April 22, 2009. His initial PSA was 2.3 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and although he was staged T1c, it seems from his narrative that he should have been staged T2a. His choice of treatment was Da Vinci Laparoscopic surgery. Here is his story.

In December 2008, I had an annual physical where my PSA was 2.3. My digital exam was normal. One week later, I came down with a case of prostatitis. My internist placed me on a course of antibiotics for 17 days. When the systems cleared up, he referred me to an urologist.

At that visit in February, the urologist detected a nodule on the right side of my prostate; he scheduled a biopsy. The results of the biopsy showed PCa in right middle apex and the lower part of the prostate. Based on my age and physical condition, he and I decided that the Da Vinci Laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Michael Fabrizio was going to be the surgeon.

After meeting with the surgeon, I was scheduled for a CT scan of the pelvis area and a bone scan. Both scans were clear.

My surgery was scheduled for 23 June 09. It was successful and based on the pathology report I had excellent margins. I came home on the 24th and will go back to the surgeon's office to have the catheter removed.

I went through surgery fine; had relatively little pain. I am only on Tylenol for my discomfort. Other than, I have had a low fever. Being in great health and physically fit, I was surprised how weak and tired I am right now. But it seems to improve every day. I will follow up when I go through the process after surgery. I don't see surgeon until after July.

 

UPDATED

August 2009

 

My first PSA test after my surgery in June was not detectable. What a relief. I don't see my surgeon for another 6 weeks. He is an excellent doctor, but very hands off.

My incontinence has reached a plateau; I am dry at night and only leak slightly when sitting down (especially at night). However when I walk, I leak continuously. Last week I started PT. The therapist indicated that my pelvic floor muscles are strained. By late afternoon, the perineum feels swollen and sometimes sore. She cut back my Kegel exercise to 10 5sec/10sec contractions twice a day, added stretching exercises and a cold pack for 20 minutes twice a day. While this is going to take some time, I think there is marginal improvement so far.

I think my ED is slowly improving. While I can't get an erection, at times my penis gets semi-hard. I am taking 5mg of Cialis and using a vacuum pump daily. Since both sets of nerves were spared, I am optimistic that the ED will improve over time.

So far I feel very fortunate in this journey.

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

I have had my second PSA test after surgery; PSA still continues to be not detectable.

Urinary incontinence has improved significantly. I now only have stress incontinence.

ED has not improved significantly; continuing 5mg Cialis and use of vacuum pump daily. However, have just asked the doctor if Cialis can cause tinnitus (ring of the ears) as I have had it daily on an intermittent basis since surgery. Hearing loss is a rare side effect of Cialis. Have not heard back yet.

I choose RP in order to have the best chance of eliminating the cancer and minimizing the chance it will return. At this point, I am progressing well with the side effects. 4.5 months is too soon to make a judgment on ED.

Joe's e-mail address is: jjlt1112@yahoo.com