YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Richard Coleman and Elyse live in New York, USA. He was 57 when he was diagnosed on June 22, 2009. His initial PSA was 4.13 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 (3+4) and he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

I was diagnosed after Urologist did Needle Biopsy. My internist had referred me to urologist after PSA was 4.13 Internist had earlier done free PSA that came back 7.

I figured that I did have PCa and the biopsy confirmed what I believed to be the case. I had Bone scan and pelvic CT scan, which thankfully were negative for metastasis.

I saw the Urologist today with my wife and he immediately suggested that I take out the prostate as soon as possible, although he agreed getting a "second" opinion was good. He touted his partner for Da Vinci robotic procedure.

I asked him about Proton therapy and he appeared not to even be aware of it. He discouraged me from any radiation therapy.

I am inclined to consider Proton therapy from what I have reviewed and studied. I have an appointment to go to MD Anderson for evaluation.

Any thoughts about Proton therapy vs. Da Vinci?

Thanks,

Richard

 

UPDATED

October 2009

 

 

I elected to have proton therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital, Houston, Texas.

I am finishing treatment on October 19, 2009. I am glad I elected this treatment...

I will have a follow up at the hospital in January, 2010 for first PSA test following proton therapy.

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

I had follow up PSA in January, 2010 at MD Anderson after completing Proton Therapy in October, 2009. Pre-Treatment PSA 5.8 and now 2.3.

Follow up PSA in April, 2010.

 

UPDATED

July 2010

 

 

My PSA in April, 2010 was 1.1. I have no side effects from Proton Therapy treatment. Will be returning to MD Anderson in August, 2010 for follow up DRE and PSA.

Richard's e-mail address is: rcole727@aol.com