YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Klaus von Hagen and Vernon live in . California, USA. He was 68 when he was diagnosed in January, 2008. His initial PSA was 4.7 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and although he does not say what he was staged, it seems likely that it was T1c. His choice of treatment was Brachytherapy . Here is his story.

So happy to have found this site. Lots more stories to read and to learn from what I am reading/hearing.

when I was diagnosed, it felt like a bomb had hit me. I thought it was a mistake. having always been healthy, active with a good life style of living and no history of prostrate cancer in my family. But, it was true.

First was told that only surgery or radiation was my option but after a second consultation at the Arnold Palmer Center, told all options open for me. Because of an in/out procedure with the "least" side effects, opted for the seed treatment. Had wonderful doctors and can only recommend the Arnold Palmer Center to anyone with prostrate cancer.

Had almost no side effects since the treatment in February. Have been taking Flomax ever since but my new urologist (moved from southern to northern California recently) said I could try to do without it and see how I would do.

The big shock came when I heard that my new PSA count was 5, higher than before my treatment. Back onto the roller coaster, which I have actually never left since being diagnosed.

My doctor said: "It does not make sense", and ordered a new PSA test: the result of that I have not heard.

Hard to believe that mistakes in testing could be made!!!

One of the hardest things is to stay positive and not to think of PROSTATE CANCER all the time and connect it with "the end". still, not an easy task.

In ending, I would once more say that this site will be of great help to us all. THANK YOU.

 

UPDATED

July 2008

 

 

Dear friends in the struggle:

After moving from Palm Springs to Morgan Hill, No California, I found a great urologist. Scan found that cancer had spread to the bone, at least that's what the doctor said. Surprised since I was told when having seed implant that my cancer was an early one. How could it have spread outside the prostrate when always reading that prostate cancer grows so slowly. Still don't have an answer for this. Searching!!!!!!!!

Was put on Lupron with the usual side effects which I can live with. Going for another PSA result and injection coming Tuesday. But, not knowing what will happen in the future is taking it's toll. Read that Lupron injections can make the cancer appear in other areas?

Trying to keep busy and positive but not always easy. Know I am not alone but still, it hit hard.

Thanks for this site. A great help.

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

Please to have my PSA count still .15 but.... every time before the next result, an emotional mess. Had an appointment with the Arnold Palmer Center that did my treatment for December 29 to have some questions answered and to put me at ease?? But, the oncologist went on vacation and my appointment was cancelled.

So, I go and with the Lupron side affects which are bothersome but livable. Hard to always be optimistic and follow through with a change in diet and lots of exercises. Work and other obligations prevent the latter often. And the former, one has to enjoy life at times and enjoy the many "forbidden fruits" listed.

But so gratetful to YANA and for all of it's support.

 

UPDATED

June 2010

 

 

Have had a number of three-months Lupron injections and my PSA has been down, to the satisfaction of my doctor and myself. But, always worrying!!!

Was referred to a new doctor, cancer and blood specialist to get a bone scan. Wonderful doctor, taking his time in answering my questions and putting me at ease!!! Putting me at easy???? Anyway, have full confidence in him. Had a bone scan done yesterday to see if Lupron has done damage to the bones. Friday will have another MRI to see if any changes from the last one, done in 2008. Have been feeling great and hard to believe that I have this terrible you know what!

Hope this will bring me up to date with the site. Know they are saying Men are not dying of Prostrate Cancer but..... the obits do not lie. [No they don't. Some men do die of prostate cancer, but not in the numbers implied by the media releases. Less than 3 men in 100 die of prostate cancer - more than 98 in 100 die of something else. As Dr Whitmore said so memorably: "Growing old is invariably fatal while prostate cancer is only sometimes so." For more on the subject go to The Elephant In The Room.]

Best regards to all who are in the same boat. Klaus.

 

UPDATED

August 2010

 

 

.ust got back from a great, four week vacation to family and friends in England and Germany and did not worry about my health issues. But now that I am back, it is back onto the roller coaster……..

Before leaving I had two scans, one bone and one ? being injected with some stuff!!! Also a new doctor in addition to my faithful urologist from which I still get the Lupron injections every three months. The new doctor, a cancer and blood specialist, a super doctor who has my full confidence, took time to show my the scans. He said NO new spots. Only the old two, right next to each other, opposite the Prostrate which I think (and I think he also thinks) came from balling down some stairs a few years ago!!!! He said, most unusual having two spots opposite each other with no enlargements or changes. But, to be safe, I will be getting a shot of Zometa in a short while and since I trust him, will go along. He said that it is precautionary only. Have not checked out what Zometa is or does but hope it is "what the doctor ordered".

So, keeping fingers crossed that I will be around for a bit longer. Again and again, thanks to YANA, what a great site and to Terry, for his support and work. .

Klaus' e-mail address is: palmspringsklaus@verizon.net