YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Rex Clark and Anita live in Indiana, United States. He was 58 when he was diagnosed on January 15, 2007. His initial PSA was 6.4 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 4+3=7 (altered to 9 after surgery) and he was clinically staged T1c - this was altered to T3 after surgery . His choice of initial treatment was Laparoscopic Robotic Radical Prostatectomy . He has since started ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) and EBRT (External Beam Radiation Therapy) . Here is his story

After urinary problems in 2006 contacted Doctor regarding problem. PSA was taken with reading 6.4 ng/ml. Decided on prostate biopsy which substantiated existence of prostate cancer.

Moved quickly to have prostate removed in March 2007 via Da Vinci process at University of Chicago Hospitals. During surgery to remove prostate Doctor checked lymph nodes finding no spread to nodes. Following prostate removal microscopic penetration was determined by pathologist when examining removed prostate. Doctor also indicated revised Gleason Grading at nine.

I then decided to take hormone therapy with radiation treatments. Hormone therapy began August 2007 followed with radiation treatments which started October 1, 2007. I have now completed nine radiation treatments (as of October 10) with 30 treatments remaining.

 

UPDATED

January 2008

 

 

Completed IMRT and ADT (Casodex and Zoladex) on November 16 for total 37 radiation treatments total 66.6 GY. On January 3, will have first PSA test following completion of IMRT and ADT.

Had no adverse effects to IMRT treatments with the exception of urinary voiding/overactive bladder symptoms, and hot flashes from ADT. Currently taking Detrol LA to reduce OBS symptoms. Hot flashes ended once off ADT.

Working dilligently to exercise (walk two miles every second day) and maintain good diet.

Looking foward to results of next PSA test, but realize it is only one step in a long journey called prostate cancer.

RC

 

UPDATED

July 2008

 

 

PSA reading July 1, 2008 - <0.05. Next PSA check January , 2009

No problems to report in regards to urinary function. Erectile function limited.

My course of action to battle cancer successful, to date.

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

On my last two visits to Doctor following prostate removal and radiation, PSA is at zero. I am feeling great and enjoying life keeping busy with family, friends, work, church and hobbies. I have occasional incontinence which amounts to "dripping" if I don't stay at the urinal a bit longer, and often when I get the urge I must get to the urinal quickly, or lose urine. I do not have to wear pads, and continue to exercise Kegals.

One problem that is bothersome is lack of natural erections. I had nerve sparing, but I believe the radiation destroyed remaining nerves. I have tried pills, and recently Muse, and will be seeing Doctor in near future regarding "shots". Will keep you advised on progress. I have a very loving wife and believe it or not - the orgasms are better than ever.

Please feel free to contact me as I am glad to share my story. Life is GOOOOOD!! RC .

Rex's e mail address is: durayclark@comcast.net