YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

John Hedinare and Margaret live in Lancashire UK. He was 72 when he was diagnosed in July 2006. His initial PSA was 24.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 10 and he was staged T3 N1. His choice of treatment was Hormonal (no choice offered). Here is his story.

Diagnosed during a "full MOT" at GP surgery, when I asked for a PSA test to be included (it was not part of the MOT).

Subsequent bone scan was clear but MRI scan showed spread to soft tissue and lymph nodes. Treatment started by urologist with Cyprostat for one month and Zoladex after first two weeks. October 2006 told by oncologist that Zoladex would only work for 18 months(!), and that radical radiotherapy to prostate and lymph nodes in addition to hormone therapy was recommended. This commenced December 2006 - 35 treatments, requiring 35 round trips of 64 miles each! No serious side effects.

Latest report from oncologist (February 2008) is encouraging - PSA down to 0.06 - and have responded "better than expected" to treatment although original prognosis has not changed. I have lost about 20 kilos weight, although this is partly due to diabetes (diagnosed at same time as cancer) and a strict diet.

It is intended that I stay one Zoladex for at least another 12 months. I feel fine!

 

UPDATED

May 2008

 

 

May 2008 PSA has risen to 0.25 from 0.06 in February this year, after falling steadily test-on-test since treatment started in 2006.

Not too concerned, but a little disappointed!

 

UPDATED

July 2008

 

 

PSA had fallen steadily to a low of 0.06 in February 2008. By April 24th it had risen to 0.25. followed by 0.35 in mid June and 0.43 on July 3rd. Although taken individually these figures would seem acceptable, the steady rise (combined with a return of a urinary problem) does give a little concern and suggests that some variation in treatment may be required in the near future.

Otherwise, still feeling quite positive!!

 

UPDATED

August 2008

 

 

August 2008: Another rise in PSA - to 0.6 now. Casodex has been added to Zoladex to see if this prevents further PSA rise.

The urinary problem has got somewhat worse. Delayed radiation damage has been suggested as a possible reason. A flow test and bladder scan has been arranged.

Life still goes on!!

 

UPDATED

October 2008

 

 

September 2008: Admitted to hospital after flow test and bladder scan showed serious urine retention. Catheterised for two weeks, then TURP (TransUrethral Resection of the Prostate) carried out. Radiation damage to bladder and some damage from op. to sphincter confirmed. Now have continence problem but am working on it. Flow much improved though! Incidentally, Urologist advises that PSA test should not to be carried out now for three months as trauma from TURP may give false reading.

John's e-mail address is: johnmgt@globalnet.co.uk