Mike
Asher and Christine live in Michigan, Shiawassee, USA. He was 56 when he was diagnosed
in July, 2009. His initial PSA was 6.7 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was
staged . His choice of treatment was radical prostatectomy. Here is his story.
I feel I should mention that I've always been real regular with my physicals
and consider myself healthy, slightly overweight, eating habits are fair and don't
smoke and drink only a few beers occasionally.
In November of 2008 during
routine blood work the results showed an elevated PSA level of 4.2.From what I
know now that was only considered slightly high for my age group. I was referred
to a Urologist in East Lansing Michigan and scheduled an appointment for what
I thought was just a consultation. During the consultation he convinced me that
a biopsy/ultrasound was the only true way to know, and performed the procedure
at that time. The beginning was extremely uncomfortable for me (but tolerable)
until the transducer was in place and after that only slight discomfort. samples
were taken, I was given a prescription for meds and sent home.
I had a
fair amount of rectal bleeding that evening and a lot of stomach pain. It passed
and I was able to work the next day. I passed blood in my urine for a few days
and in my semen for a month. (both normal) My results came back normal, no cancer.
Life
was good until February when another blood test showed an even higher PSA level.
My Doc strongly suggest another visit to the urologist. I was not happy with the
lack of prep on my last visit and asked to be referred to a second urologist.
I was referred to a Urologist in Owosso Michigan. He suggested a second biopsy/ultrasound
stating what the first said about the only sure way of knowing. He did a digit
exam at that time which indicated only a slightly enlarge prostate and for my
age is not unusual.
I choose to do nothing and wait and see what next blood
draw would bring. I felt that I had some kind of urinary tract issue. With a lot
of internet research I felt I had very few and moderate prostate cancer issues.
I had pretty good urine flow, I had control over my flow and normal bladder capacity,
no ED issues.
My next blood test in June 09 indicated my PSA had came down
some but was still high. I was convinced by my family Doctor to schedule a biopsy/ultrasound
with the Urologist in Owosso, in which I did.
In late July 09 I was scheduled
for the procedure, I was pre medicated and my colon was prepped on exam day. The
entry of the transducer was still extremely uncomfortable but tolerable, the ten
sample and the exam was only slightly uncomfortable and with an understanding
doctor and tech. it was over before I knew it. The evening was comfortable with
very little pain, I even mowed my lawn that evening. The next morning we left
on a vacation which involved a six hour drive. Very little blood in my urine and
blood in my semen for about a month. normal and not painful.
These results
was not as good. PROSTATE CANCER early stage. The doctor went over the pathology
report with me and we discussed my options. Surgery, radiation and watchful waiting.
I voiced my concerns about the importance of a sex life to me and losing the ability
to get an erection bothered me. personally I would prefer to die.
He explained
that their was a 50/50 chance of regaining the ability if caught in the early
stages and if nerves can be spared. He also mention that there were aids for achieving
an erection. If I did nothing maybe ten years before cancer starts causing major
issues but no guarantees. Ten years to me seemed ok compared to the rest of my
life with ED.
Went home to talk it over with my wife Chris, she told me
not to be stupid and get treatment. we researched my options and decided to have
the surgery. Which was scheduled for September 15, 2009. I'm in the recovery process
at this time and will post my surgery experience at another time.
Mike's
e-mail address is: masher@broadstripe.net
