Red
Nighthawk and Jadnil live in Rhode Island, USA. He was 61 when he was diagnosed
on July 8, 2009. His initial PSA was 4.1 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 (3+4)
and he was staged T1c Nx Mx. His choice of treatment was Da Vinci Robotic Radical
Prostatectomy. Here is his story.
2007--had my first urologist DRE (Digital
Rectal Examination) and PSA test.
March 4, 2008--PSA 2.7
2009--PSA
4.1 and urologist insisted on biopsy
July 1, 2009 Biopsy done, 12 samples.
July
8, 2009 Urologist called to say there was evidence of a tumor.
July 10,
2009 Pathology report indicated there were cancer cells in three samples. Gleason
score 7 (4+3). Urologist suggested radical prostatectomy with robotic assistance.
I asked for a second pathology opinion and it came back a 7 (3+4). My urologist
admitted to having only done 40 Da Vinci surgeries.
After much research,
study, and prayer I decided on Da Vinci Robotic radical prostatectomy, but with
a surgeon who had done over 1,100.
The cancer was confined to the prostate.
Gleason grade 3+4 = 7. No lymphatic/vascular invasion. Seminal vesicles and extraprostatic
soft tissue free of tumor. Inked margins free of tumor.
Used one pad per
day for six weeks. Presently off pads and using two underpants to be safe. Four
week post surgery ultra sensitive PSA was 0.04 - next PSA check in January. No
Viagra therapy yet. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) present
Red's e-mail address
is: JohnM141@cox.net
