YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

John Lemley and Lois live in Washington, USA . He was 61 when he was diagnosed on December 2, 2008. His initial PSA was 1.54 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and although he does not know his staging, it seems frm what he says that he would have been staged as T2a or T2b. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

Prostate cancer is prevalent in my family. Both grandfathers (one of whom died of it), father and brother all had it. At my annual prostate exam in October the doctor felt a hard lump and referred me to a urologist. The biopsy showed two cancerous cells in the twelve samples. [John means two samples out of the twelve taken were positive for prostate cancer.]

The urologist is recommending robotic surgery or seed implant considering my family history. I am gathering information trying to decide what to do. The most important factor is that my wife and I want to choose the option which has the best chance of retaining sexual function as much as possible.

Any input is welcome.

 

UPDATED

June 2009

 

 

I am receiving wonderful ideas and support.

The PSA in November was 1.54, in February was 1.33, then in May it had risen to 1.6. I'm disappointed that it rose. I also had an AMAS test that came back "normal." and will do a follow up one this week.

My primary difficulty has been caused by the urologist who did the biopsy. He missed the prostate twice, getting other tissue. And also knock out a couple of the lower vertebra in my back. I have gone to a chiropractor and gotten the back almost fixed.

Urinary problems - frequency, urgency, etc. have subsided a little, but still occur. I continue to do active surveillance, including monthly doctor appointments, quarterly PSA and see the urologist (a different one!!) every six months.

 

UPDATED

December 2009

 

 

I had my appointment with the urologist yesterday.

He says there is no change in the prostate and my PSA remains low (1.54). He recommends that I get another biopsy. My biopsy a year ago was done by a urologist who was very inept. He missed the prostate twice and got other tissue which only recently healed and he knocked out the two lower vertebrae in my back. Needless to say, I have another urologist now.

My next appointment is in six months. I hope you and all of us in the YANA family continue to experience health.

I'm thankful for YANA. Let me know of anything I can do for YANA.

John's e-mail address is: j_lemley@hotmail.com