Phil
Z and Asher live in Israel. He was 65 when he was diagnosed on November 27, 2007.
His initial PSA was 2.69 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and he was staged
T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment was . Here is his story.
Not
much to tell at this point- loads of questions. I'm working on a list to take
to my next visit with the urologist.
It's
now May, about 6 months since I was diagnosed. I've seen my urologist again and
he's supportive but a little leary since one of my cores showed 20-40% cancer.
He felt that this is a little high for active surveillance but agreed we could
hold off at least until it's time to do another biopsy (one year after the first).
He's doing a bunch of blood tests to supplement the information we now have.
I'm
feeling very good and, in my mind, making plans for the treatment if it turns
out that I'll need that. I hope the signs point us to maintaining active surveillance.
Several
months ago, on a repeat exam, my PSA went up to 5. My urologist wasn't happy and
sent me for some additional blood work and another biopsy.
The
Gleason was up to 3+4=7, 8 out of 10 positive cores, all in the left lobe. It
was time to do some active treatment and he referred me to a radiation oncologist.
I spoke to 3 or 4 of them and settled on one - the only doctor in this country
using gold implants. I got my implants, then 2 weeks later I did the simulation.
Then, last week, came the call to start treatments, 81 in all.
I
began last Wed (May 13). Parallel to this, I was diagnosed with hyper-parathyroidism
and had a diagnostic battery. Everything is in place for surgery soon after the
radiotherapy is completed. And just for fun...I began root canal work on the day
I began radiotherapy!
I'm
feeling fine, if a bit tired (which can also be related to the daily trip). I'm
having some rectal pain- and have cream to lighten it.
I'm
feeling very positive and feel that I've chosen the treatment and center that
are best for me. Good luck to all of us!.
Phil's e-mail address is: philzyz@gmail.com
