Richard
and Beverly live in Jackson Gap, Alabama, USA. Richard was 62 when he was diagnosed
in July 2002. His PSA was 21.5 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and he was staged
T2c. His choice of treatment was Brachytherapy. Here is his story: Some
where near the end of July 2000 I had my normal physical. At that time my regular
doctor said he would run a PSA test along with the rest of my blood tests. Within
the next day or two I got a call from him, telling me that my PSA was high, and
he felt I should see a Urologist, whom he recommended.
I
explained to him, that I had pretty much had the same thing happen about 2 years
ago, before I moved from Pittsburgh, PA. I explained to him that they had done
a biopsy, and found nothing, and then my PSA went down. He asked what it was,
and I told him that I was either not told, or I don't remember. I made an appointment
to see the urologist, and at that appointement he scheduled a biopsy.
The
biopsy was performed, and within a couple of days I started having some minor
problems.
About
5 days after the biopsy we went to pick up the Grandchildren. We were to meet
them about 8 hours from our house. After going half way we stopped, and I went
to bed and slept! until the next morning. Still feeling bad we took my temperature
and discovered I had a slight fever 100. We picked the grandkids up and headed
for home, getting there about 9 days after the biopsy, and I was really feeling
rough by then. I went to the emergency room and they gave me some form of antibiotic,
which did not help much.
That
was Saturday night, and I had appointment to see urologist the following Tuesday.
That is when he told me I had prostate cancer. He felt we had caught it in time,
and that I should have surgery.
As
I had very little knowledge at that time I asked him what was best, and again
he said surgery. Needless to say, myself and my wife who was with me, were in
total shock, and nothing was really registering too good at this point. After
getting home we discussed the whole thing at length, and both felt survival was
the most important issue at this time. That evening I went on the internet for
information, and I have been on there ever since.
Later
that week I saw my regular Dr., who prescribed a special type of antibiotic for
urinal tract infection. This seemed to clean my problem up, except I was have
problems emptying my bladder, and had a very weak stream.
After
learning a lot from WebMD
and the great people who responded to my cry for help, I started looking at all
of the other sights that were recomended to me, including YANA Prostate Cancer
Support and USToo. I started changing my thoughts on a lot of things. On my next
visit to the urologist I started getting all the facts and putting them together.
My PSA was 21.5, the Gleason score was 6(3+3=6), that both lobes had cancer -
one 40% the other 5%, and a staging of T2 later changed to T2c after MRI and bone
scan, which were both negative.
At
this time we tentatively set up an appointment for surgery in a little over 3
months. The urologist explained it would be best to take hormone treatment, this
would shrink the prostate and make it easier to operate on. At this time he gave
me a 4 month shoot of Lupron and prescribed Casodex. Within a couple of days I
lost the ability to have an erection and lost most sexual desire, which I am told
is normal (when on Hormone Therapy).
I
then started reading books on the subject, and ran across the Partin tables, and
discovered there is about an 80 to 85% chance the cancer is out of the prostate,
and this means it could be missed in surgery, or they would open me up and turn
right around and close.
Also
I read a lot on the side effects and the quality of life after surgery. I contacted
most of the major cancer centers that treat prostate cancer and have web sites.
This was about the time I ran across the information on the Radiotherapy Clinics
of Georgia (RCOG). I checked out their website, and sent for information. After
going over this information, putting all the rest I have learned together, we
cancelled the appointment for surgery, and pursued other treatment.
After
weighing all the facts, we came to the conclusion that we would get the best in
the field, with a proven peer reviewed track record. This is when I contacted
the Clinic and set up the times for treatment. At this time because of urination
problems and the fact I wasn’t emptying my bladder completely, my Doctor prescribed
Flomax. The Clinic being located in Decatur, Georgia about 2 ½ hours from my house,
was a little to far to drive, so my wife and I went over in our motor home on
the week of 11 December 2000. We had appointments to see the Urologist, the outpatient
clinic, and the Doctor at the Clinic. On the 12th December 2000 they took blood
for a PSA at the Urologists and at the Clinic.
On
the 14th December 2000 the prostate implant was performed. I had a catheter in
for one day, and because of convenience removed it myself on Friday, and we returned
home on Saturday. While there we met a couple who recommended staying at a Lodge
for cancer patients. So as my wife was not going to return with me we applied,
and were accepted. The following week I got the results of the blood test, and
my PSA was 0.1. At this point I am totally confused, and felt someone had made
a gross error. I contacted the radiotherapy clinic, and my Dr. got back to me
within about 30 minutes, and explained to me we were looking at the results of
the hormones. I later learned that it will be about a year before we know what
the true PSA is.
[Update
9 May 2001]
I
returned on 8 January 2001 for my 7 weeks of external beam radiation, which was
completed 23rd February 2001. This time I stayed in the Lodge, which was far better
than any motel. You have your own private quarters, a large dining area and kitchens
where you fix your own meals. Then in the evening you can sit around and visit
or play games with people who are going through the same treatment you are, or
worse. There were both men and women patients and their families, and a special
area for the transplant patients, so when you got down and felt bad, you just
had to look around and you would see people in a lot worse condition than you
were. This is one part that turned a nightmare into a rather pleasant experience.
I
went to the local hospital on 14 March 2001 for a PSA test, and it came back a
zero reading. I feel I need more accurate readings than that, so for my next PSA
I will return to the Radiotherapy Clinic, or find a more accurate lab. Over all
I am very happy with the treatment, as they did a lot more than just treat you.
They had open meetings in the evening with the Doctors. They had weekly support
meetings in the Clinic, training meetings on diet, and breakfast and supper meetings
separate but close by, conducted by a local minister who had gone through the
treatment quite a few years ago. They also had Doctors and other people to answer
any questions you may have. At present I am on Cardura and Flomax for urinary
problems. Have a very weak stream, virtually no leakage, and no night-time problems.
Have not regained the ability to maintain an erection, since the hormone shoot.
|
Update
11 October 2001 |
Current
Age = 62. Current PSA = 0.2. Current Treatment = Monitor and check PSA every 6
months. Initial treatment = Prostate Implant followed by External Beam Radiation.
One
year after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, with a PSA of 20.5 and a Gleason
score of 6, my PSA is now at 0.2. The last 2 readings I had was 0.0 in April and
0.2 in August of 2001. The first one was done locally, and I was not happy with
not being able to detect it under zero. So I had the next test done at RCOG, and
it was 0.2. Still taking Cardura, but not a problem, have weak urinary stream,
and have to get up once a night most nights. Still having some erectile problems,
but at present having unrelated heart rhythm problems. To be treated for this
in the immediate future then I will deal with the erectile problem.
|
Update
February 2003 |
Duncan
is now 64 and his PSA is 0.3. His Initial treatment was External Beam Radiation
and seed implant.
Two years after completing my treatment, my PSA was 0.3, and everything else is
fine. I believe I made the right choice for treatment for myself. Two of our friends
chose to go for different treatments, both decided on treatment at local hospitals
so they could be closer to home. One of them died a year later, and the other
one is starting with additional treatment just six months after his first treatment.
Both had about same PSA as me. Neither appeared to have a PSA that went up as
fast as mine.
|
Update
January 2004 |
Duncan
is now 65 and is still doing well after his radiation treatment. This is what
he has to say:
Last
PSA done in December of 2003 was 0.1. Having slight problem with urinating. Will
go back on Flowmax as soon as prescription received.
|
Update
January 2005 |
I
have a check up every 6 months to monitor my PSA and any other problems that me
be occuring do to my cancer, or the treatment I received. Last exam was conducted
in December of 2004. At that time my PSA was 0.1.
|
Update
April 2007 |
Had
PSA done in December 2006. Still having problem with erection, and emptying my
bladder. Take Flowmax on a regular basis, and seems to work fine.
Duncan's
e mail address is hawdun@charter.net
