YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Mark Corone lives in California, USA. He was 73 when he was diagnosed in November 2005. His initial PSA was 6.0 ng/ml+ and his Gleason Score was 9. He has not given his staging, but it seems likely that it was T1c. He has not yet decided on his treatment. Here is his story:

I was told my only option was surgery, set up for Dec 22nd, 2005. On Dec 18th, I was operated on to have my gall-bladder removed, infected my blood and had to stay 4-5 additional days, prostate surgery postponed.

Dec 28th, "they" started me on hormone therapy (Lupron) and Casodex, for three months. With the exception of being tired, "hot flashes" and night sweats I feel good. March 6th, 2006 I get another shot.

Since then I have been searching for info RE: prostate cancer. I've read letters posted by PCa'ers and their mates, and I'm leaning away from surgery. Haven't spoke to my urologist, but I'm thinking of LRP and/or robotic.

Since I don't seem to have symptoms that others write about I am now doubting I have prostate cancer. I know this is dangerous thinking, but I feel too good to have cancer.

I watched my wife fight brain cancer for 3 1/2 years, with chemo, then radiation at Stanford Med Ctr., so I don't want chemo or radiation. I guess I'm confused.

 

UPDATED

March 2006

 

OK, March 6th,'06 received my third Lupron shot.

I informed my Uro that I was not going for a RP. He didn't seem to like that, told me so, and I told him I was looking into the Da Vinci system (robotic). (He doesn't approve) Anyway, I met with a Dr. who does Robotic in San Diego, sounded good, and I decided to "go for it".

Will have some tests and will be set up for surgery within 3 weeks.

I still feel like there is nothing wrong with me, went to Las Vegas for the week-end (lost, darn PCa) and will be going for more tests this week. If all goes well, I'll report back then.

UPDATED

April 2006

 

"They" wanted me to have a 'radical prostatectomy' (cutting my belly). I chose the 'Di Vinci system' also a radical, but laproscopic and robot assisted prostatectomy.

April 19th, 2006: After 4 1/2 hours, the robot did it's thing. Dr. believes the cancer was confined to the prostate, he managed to spare the nerves and was proud of himself. I'm home, 5 holes in my belly, no blood loss but an awful lot of pain. I'm wearing a catheter (ouch) and bag attached to my leg. Will be on antibiotics a while and something for pain. I'm very happy it turned out well, I decided against being cut and pissed off my Uro AND the Surgeon. We have to decide our own fate. As to whether the cancer comes back..........???

I will have the catheter removed Monday the 24th and I'm sure I will learn more from the Dr. and report back. Today, April 22nd, I feel great. Most of the pain is gone, I still feel like there was nothing wrong with me, no symptoms etc., but.........?

 

UPDATED

November 2006

 

Well....Today is Nov. 4th, 2006, almost 7 months post/op., PSA is 0.01 ng/ml as of October, "holes" have healed nicely, no pain or discomfort from the RLP, no incontinence (maybe an occasional drop), "no matter how you wiggle or how you dance, the last three drops go down your pants" (circa 1950) and I still don't believe I have PCa. Not a problem.

The hormone treatment is different story. The stupid side effects stayed with me longer than I expected, gained 30 pounds, have no libido, no energy, have ED and don't care (now that's scary). I have tried Viagra, Cialis, VED and one hurtful injection, still nothing. I'm told by "others" that it can take a year or so. I will not give up. Especially since I "discovered" I don't need an erection to have an orgasm. (Giggle, Giggle)

All in all, I'm sure I made the right decision, would recommend LRP, if you need the hormones, they do the job. NOW... to get on with my life........!!

Mark

 

UPDATED

June 2007

 

Jun 15th I'll be 75. It's been 13 mos. since the removal of my Prostate. All is well, except for the long term side affects of the hormone treatments, that no one told me about. (ED, no libido, lack of energy and extra weight)

It sounds horrible, but I read somewhere that it's called chemical castration (hormone treatment). Not having the desire is worse than the ED, even when I try injecting, the desire isn't there, so I don't bother. But, as long as my PSA stays at 0.01, I'll quit complaining.

I spoke to a woman who had a breast removed and was very bitter until I told her I was turned into a "Eunuch" by my cancer treatment. She seemed to be less bitter after that.

If my libido returns, even at 75, I'll get a penile implant.

What the hell, you only live once.

 

UPDATED

August 2008

 

As Terry reminded me "time flies".

Wish I had more "good stuff" to report, but, at 76 and alive, I shouldn't complain (but I will).

Everything is good re: PCa, PSA is 0.01. That said, aside from cholesterol/blood pressure/ diabetes, my complaint is the same as last year. No libido, no energy, sweats plus ED. in other words, still a eunuch. "They" won't give me testosterone therapy 'cause PCa cells may be lurking in my body and they "feed/grow" on Testosterone.

Sounds dumb to me, since there are other guys who have normal testosterone after surgery/seeds/radiation and no one lowers their testosterone. So, penile implant "here I come". Hopefully in Sept/Oct. Have to pass a cardiac stress test first.

I'll keep in touch.

Mark

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

OK, Since my last update, and lots of tests, "they" decided I needed more. I refused/hesitated and they cancelled my implant.

I was/am still without energy, libido or erections. I found a local Uro, ask for testosterone, he said he would get my medical test from the "other" doctors. After checking, he very nonchalantly said "Mark, you're a walking timebomb" (always good to hear that). I finally agreed to go for an angioplasty, (looking for a clogged artery that they could put a stent into). They found arteries/veins clogged, disconnected and said I needed and was setup for open heart surgery, and quadruple by-pass.

That was May 6th, all went well and after 6 weeks recovery, I was hounding the local Uro for Testosterone. my argument was, "I'm 77 years old, I survived cancer AND open heart surgery and would like enjoy what life I have left.

Hah! He went for it. He put me on androgel, didn't do much, after 8 weeks of that, on November 13 2009, my PSA didn't go up, which thrilled both of us. Then I hungrily looked into his eyes and "can I get a penile implant"? He looked, paused and said "sure". He set me up for Dec 8th.

So, 'till then..............

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

Just a quickie, I was scheduled for an implant December 8th 2009. "They" found cancer in my bladder, so, December 7th "they" took out the cancer and sentenced me to six weeks of "treatment" once a week. Then when "they" quit screwing around, I'll be set up for the implant. (I hope) If not, you'll hear about it here.

Mark .

Mark's e-mail address is markvip@cox.net