Mark
Wibberley and Karen live in Queensland, Australia. He was 49 when he was diagnosed
on 15 January 2009. His initial PSA was 2.5 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+4=7
and he was staged T2a. His choice of treatment was Open Radical Prostatectomy.
Here is his story.
In late 2008 I had a PSA test as part of a general
health check. The test came back at 2.5, which was just slightly high for my age.
Following guidelines my doctor referred me to a urologist, who performed a digital
exam. The urologist, Dr. McClintock, found no enlargement but thought there might
be a slightly hard area, and as a result recommended a biopsy, 'just to be sure'.
The biopsy was found 5 from 8 samples with cancer. Getting the call was a fairly
surreal experience as I was in the pub having post work drinks at the time, and
given the low PSA wasn't really expecting it.
After consultation with
the Doc, too much on-line research and discussions with other survivors, I opted
for open radical prostatectomy as likely to provide the best outcome for someone
my age.
The surgery was performed on 2nd April 2009 and went well with
nerves spared on the right. I'm currently at home recovering. Things are generally
going well though I've had a couple of very minor set backs:
a) I was
in hospital 8 days in total, 3 days longer than planned, as my wound drain kept
leaking urine.
b) my wound opened slightly after sutures (staples) were removed.
As a consequence of a) the catheter won't be removed for a few more days.
The
op pathology showed cancer in 12% of the prostate (again Gleason 3+4) , with no
traces in lymph modes or seminal vesicles.
I'm yet to face the continence
and sexual function issues, though I'm optimistic (but realistic) about both.
I'm also fortunate to have an extremely supportive and loving wife.
Whilst
it has been difficult for my family and myself (I have a 12 year old daughter)
overall I've been pretty positive all through the experience, though I confess
to a low point, when as a result of a pretty unclear MRI, it was recommended I
have a bone scan. Thankfully this was clear. Generally I just feel lucky - the
initial health check wasn't planned - it was a Queensland Health initiative, and
without it I'd probably be in a much worse situation at some time in the future.
I've
made some minor lifestyle changes since diagnosis, cutting back (almost completely)
on red meat and dairy. I'm also generally eating well. I've also increased antioxidants
mainly through green tea and Dr. Red (a prostate beneficial drink available at
cellar door or through pharmacies).
One thing I haven't given up yet is
a beer or two with mates. It remains to be seen whether this is something I can
continue (in moderation), though this is obviously a minor consideration in the
scheme of things.
Mark's e-mail address is : mwibberley@gmail.com
