YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Mike Bass and Valerie live in Colorado, USA. He was 48 when he was diagnosed on September 4, 2008. His initial PSA was 5.2 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Laparoscopic Surgery (Da Vinci). Here is his story.

First - thanks to all who have shared their stories. I have read many that fit my profile and the knowledge I've gained has helped me dramatically when it comes to prep for surgeon meetings and developing confidence in facing the mental stress. At age 45 I had my first PSA and DRE with no indication of any problems. I have been getting complete blood workups for several years as a result of having ITP (don't make me remember what it stands for!)[Terry: That's Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, I think], a blood disorder that results in a lower platelet count.

Three years later, my PSA hit 7.2 during a routine physical, so off to the Urologist for another test. This time it was 5.2, triggering the need for the biopsy. I was used to having instruments in my nether regions from haemorrhoid staple surgery two years prior, so it wasn't too bad (until the doctor nicked a staple on the fifth needle shot, requiring a quick call to the colorectal surgeon). A week later and I got the pathology news - 3 out of 12 samples show cancer, one of the three had 3's and 4's, giving me a Gleason 7 (3+4), staged as T1c.

I began my research project in earnest. Started with my urologist, Dr. Brad Bell (I want to name names in this report since one of my challenges was getting good referrals). Dr. Bell was very thorough and took all the time we needed to answer our initial questions. Lots of internet research on various treatments including proton beams as recommended by a work associate. I visited with one of the top radiation oncologists in the country, Dr. David Schreiber (also in Denver) to learn about radiation treatment options. Then I met with two surgeons skilled in the Da Vinci laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Paul Maroni of the University Hospital who learned under Dr. Crawford, and Dr. James Fagelson. Both surgeons have strong credentials, compassion, and willingness to spend the time to help the patient understand what lies ahead. I decided to go with surgery for the peace of mind benefits and longer term statistical success rates. The radiation advocates are clear that the science/statistics don't support a clear choice for surgery, but their data generally stops at 15 years. I've chosen Dr. Fagelson based upon his experience (both volume and quality) and am scheduled for surgery on December 16th.

I have already developed a knowledge base of pre-surgery experiences that I won't elaborate on here, but can share if anyone is interested. These have to do with things like MRI recommendation from the radiation oncologist, locating surgeons in your area with experience, communicating with family members and work associates to increase awareness but minimize stress (as many already know, it can be stressful to have to repeat the story over and over). Also, you'll find friends, and friends of friends who will come out of the woodwork with prostate cancer stories once you spread the word around. Take advantage of their experience.

I'm looking forward to successful surgery with quick recovery. Thanks again to all who participate in this forum.

 

UPDATED

December 2008

 

 

Today is December 22nd, I had my surgery 6 days ago. According to my surgeon, my procedure was textbook and he didn't have to remove any additional tissue. I opted to hold off on the pre-surgery sedative, so I was awake and aware (and actually calm) as I was brought into the surgery room. Saw the machine and asked them to make sure it stayed plugged in. Next thing I was in the recovery room, groggy, but able to talk with the nurse about pain, holiday plans, children. Ended up spending two nights in the hospital for two reasons - first was that my surgery was at noon on Tuesday, and second was that my IV ended up leaking and I missed one dose of morphine and anti-inflammatory. As any of you who've had surgery know, pain management requires consistent delivery of medication, and if you miss one, you regress substantially.

Spending 48 hours in a hospital reminds you of the importance of quality nursing care, and the challenges of that profession. I can only imagine the nightmare of going through a process like this in an undeveloped country. I've been home for four days and still moving a bit slow. Hoping to get my catheter out tomorrow (one week post-op), and praying for good news out of the pathology report.

This experience is demonstrating clearly to me the depth of love and support I've got from my wife Valerie, my children, and all of our friends. The calls, the cooking, the offers of help, the concern - I get overwhelmed sometimes thinking about it - it means so much.

I'll finish for now with a funny anecdote - we have two wheaton terriers, and they've been following me around the house constantly because they think my catheter tube is a leash and that I'm going to take them for a walk!

I'll write again with results when I get them - thanks again for all who have reached out to me.

 

UPDATED

February 2009

 

 

February 17th and it's been two months since surgery.

First PSA came back at <0.1, confirming that my procedure was a success. I'm feeling overall about 90%. Still have soreness in the surgery area, and tender in the genitalia, but all manageable. Back to excercise and skiing.

Almost no issues with incontinence since catheter came out.

Been using the combination of Viagra and pump as my ED therapy. The combination works, but still nothing rising up on it's own. It will be interesting when I start trying the "ring".

Next blood test in April as life goes on! Very thankful.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

I had the more sensitive PSA test done 4 months post-surgery and the result was "undetectable". Very happy with this news.

I discussed some minor pain I've been having with the Physicians Assistant and it seems I may have a stricture (scar tissue) somewhere near where the urethra joins the bladder. Hurts in the morning when I get up (only a ten second pain) and sometimes when I've been sitting for a while. Going to just monitor it for now to see if it changes. Doctor would have to put a scope up there to learn more. Reading the experiences of others, it seems like this is a rare side effect.

Still doing ED therapy - Viagra gets me about 80% of what I had. Happy with the timetable so far!

No continence issues thankfully.

Mike's e-mail address is mikebass02@comcast.net