YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Mark H and Valerie live in Oregon USA. He was 50 when he was diagnosed on March 30, 2007. His initial PSA was 5.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and he was staged T1c . His choice of treatment was laparoscopic robotic surgery. Here is his story.

After a routine physical at my family doctor I was informed that my PSA 5.0 was high and should visit a urologist. Initially, there was some doubt but once the single needle biopsy was completed it was confirmed I had prostate cancer and my Gleason was at a 6.

My urologist was great explained the many options and at my age and being otherwise healthy I elected, Da Vinci Robotic surgery. He made a comment that as slow growing as my cancer was if I was a 70 yr old man he would suggest to do nothing. I would probably die with Prostate Cancer but not from Prostate Cancer. I really had no great fear or anxiety, I had caught it early enough.

The surgery was very easy and I was home after two nights in the hospital. The single needle biopsy was, by far, worse as discomfort goes. All news since has been great, last PSA .01. The surgery was October 17, 2007. Unlike some guys out there with no incontinence/impotence, I have dealt with post surgery incontinence which is slowly getting better. As of Feb 08, I use perhaps one pad per day as opposed to 4 p/d initially. I need to stay away from beer, alcohol, coke and tea. Coffee and a small glass of wine with food are tolerable. I have had no natural erections, but use a pump and take supplementary Viagra 25mg per day.

I pray things will get better with time and thank God for my good fortune. Best wishes to all you guys reading this and hang in there!

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

Two years after robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy I am well and cancer free. The annoying common side effects of the surgery have subsided and I have come to terms with them and continue rehab in those areas...

If you would like more intimate details I am free and willing to discuss on private emails.

Mark's address is: holzie@gmail.com