Robert
and Patti Goodwin live in NewYork, USA. Robert
was 47 when he was diagnosed in May 2003. His PSA was 6.4 ng/ml and his Gleason
was 7. His treatment choice was Laproscopic Robotic Radical Prostatectomy.
Here
is his story:
A
routine physical in April of 2003 included my first ever PSA. An elevated PSA(6.4)
resulted in a referral to a urologist, subsequent biopsies, and confirmed prostate
cancer on 5/20/03.
I
have no known family history and was not experiencing any significant symptoms
(frequent urination and urgency to urinate was about it)prior to the physical.
My urologist recommended surgery (2nd opinion confirmed)and encouraged a robotic
laparoscopic prostatectomy(for its advanced nerve sparing capabilities and less
invasive procedures) and referred me to the Henry Ford Health system in Detroit,
Michigan and Dr. Mani Menon.
After
a little research and a few battles with the insurance company, surgery was scheduled
for July 1, 2003. It was all pretty overwhelming. At times the support from my
wife, children, and other family and friends moved me to tears.
The
surgical procedure went very well.The cancer was confined within the prostate
(both lobes). Surgery was on 7/1 and I was released on 7/2. The catheter was in
from Tuesday 7/1 and removed the following Monday (the catheter was a very humbling
experience).
3
month psa was .03. Continence is great. I haven't worn a pad since the 4th month.
Sexual functioning is showing some signs of life (inconsistent) Viagara helps
a little. Tough to deal with at times - but I remain hopeful. Physically I feel
great.I ran a 5 mile turkey trot race on Thanksgiving. It feels good to write
about it. Having that physical done was a real life saver. It was my first visit
to a new Doctor.
My
Dad passed away on August 1st of 2003 - so it has been a pretty emotional year.I
would be happy to discuss my procedure and experiences.
PSA
level as of 2/16/04 remains negligible (less than 0.10 ng/ml). Overall health
is good. As of the New Year I really made a committment to eating better and exercising
more (and I have pretty much stuck to it).
Continence
remains very good (no pad). Sexual potency has improved with the help of Viagra.
I am capable of intercourse on most occasions. No spontaneous erections. Though
I feel I am making great strides, the change in sexual functioning is depressing
at times.
I
attended a prostate support group meeting (US TOO). After talking with some of
the guys I am very happy that I had the opportunity to select the robotic procedure.
I hope this becomes more available to others. Continued great support from my
wife.
I
returned for follow up one year to the date of my surgery (July 1)and was very
pleased to get the news that my PSA remains negligible at less than 0.1.
I
have lost some weight over the past year from eating a healthier diet and exercising
more. I have found Viagra and Levitra effective and necessary at this point. I
must admit that emotionally the need for medication for sexual functioning for
a youngster like myself bothers me at times - but I know that I am very very fortunate.
It
seems like there is so much more written about prostate cancer now. Keep informed
men, and spread the word. I have spoken to a couple of other men that had good
experiences and results at the Henry Ford Clinic with Dr. Menon. I think often
of others going through this experience. There is much good living after prostate
cancer. I have learned much from others who have dealt with tougher outcomes than
mine.
Follow
up appointment today at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo New York. PSA
remains less than .01.
I
feel well and exercise regularly. I have lost 20 lbs since my surgery last July
(from exercising and watching my diet). I had the opportunity through work to
speak to a group and closed my talk with a few words on the importance of early
detection/PSA's etc.. Aferwards a man approached me and said he had just been
diagnosed with prostate cancer. He seemed so relieved to be able to talk about
it with someone who had been through it. You never know who you can reach and
help.
As
in the past reports, sexual functioning remains the same. With Viagra potency
is good. I remain hopeful of returning to pre surgery form (no pills needed),
but it is what it is and I am thankful for that. Many have been through much worse
than I.
Add
Roswell Park memorial Institute in Buffalo to a site now doing the Robotic procedure.
They have purchased the da Vinci system and are now doing the nerve sparing techniques.
I strongly encourage anyone who is choosing surgery as the treatment of choice
to seek out a robotic procedure. It has advantages even over the more widely used
laparoscopic.
The
New Year started off well with another undetectable PSA test. We are very thankful
for that news.
The
family is well and our three teenage sons keep us busy. I talk more to them now
about healthy choices in diet and lifestyle - but teenage boys (and their father)
don't always make perfect choices. We are however much more conscious of healthy
meals and all of us remain pretty active with execise. A cold beer and a few glasses
of wine now and then continue to find there way into my diet. Still in need of
Viagra for potency - but remain ever grateful to the developers of that medication.
I
have heard from a few men and wives who have been hit with the news that prostate
cancer has found its way into their bodies and homes. I feel the emotion in the
e-mails they write. Please keep in mind that there can be so much good living
left after this diagnosis. Do your homework and start the healing process! Be
open to the support of family and friends. Men -don't be afraid to talk about
this disease. You may reach someone who has never had a PSA. My wife remains my
best friend. Work together as you face this.
As
always write if you have any questions and hang tough friends.
It
has been awhile since I have written and I am happy to report that I received
another good PSA report today. I am moving in on the 3 year post surgery mark
and things continue to go well. My two older sons are home from college and my
high school guy is playing lacrosse so the house is pretty active. Lots of sweaty
clothes (including my own) as I will be running a 1/2 marathon in two weeks. It
is great to have the house active.
I
worry once in awhile about the boys' chances of geting this disease at an early
age, but hopefully we will continue to progress in how we prevent prostate cancer.
My wife remains my best friend.
Physically
things remain pretty much as last year. Minimal leakage, sexual function is very
good with medication. The urologist I see is doing a study related to vitamin
D levels and prostate cancer. When he first checked mine last year it was barely
normal. I continue to take 1200mg of vitamin D and a multi vitamin daily. The
D level was up a bit this year but considered low normal.
Through
insurance (20 % copay) I purchased a VED (Vacuum Erection Device) a couple of
months ago. Just looking to see if there is any long term benefit to more frequent
erections. I practice with it a few times a week and it does produce a decent
erection. It is a pretty strange device when you first see it - but it works.
One
piece of advice I would give someone facing any treatment decisions - ask when
and how they will address erectile dysfunction. Though I am pretty fortunate I
often think that if I had started earlier I would be further along ( or further
long - bad pun). My Doctor at the time didn't give a lot of advice in that area.
Ask questions.
I
wish all of you the best and offer prayers on occaision for all men and families
facing this. Please write with any questions or concerns. As always hang tough
and remember there is much good living after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Surprised
a few months back to learn that my PSA level was on the rise after 3 years of
it being undectectable. It went from 0.10 ng/ml to 0.20 ng/ml and again a 0.20
ng/ml rise over a 6 month period. After consultation with a radiation oncologist
and a peer review of my case by the Buffalo Niagara Prostate Cancer Consortium
it was decided that a course of 3D Conformal External Beam Radiation Therapy to
the Surgical Bed was needed. 37 treatments in all. As of this writing I have 29
down with 8 to go.
I
am receiving treatment at The Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. I have
a daily appointment(Monday - Friday) at 4:10. They have a great system at RPCI.
From the time I park my car get my treatment and get back to the car less than
30 minutes have passed. As the treatments are quick they have a separate parking
lot right near the treatment bldg. Side effects have been minimal,(little more
gas, urgency to urinate), some mild fatigue (may be more a factor of starting
work earlier so I can leave earlier to get to the treatment, and driving through
the cold and snow over the last couple of weeks).
During
this time had a friend who went to work feeling fine and by the end of the day
is in a hospital being told he has a tumor on his brain. Putting in all in perspective
I am doing fine. Very hopeful that this round of radiation is all that will be
needed to put this thing to rest. Still exercising a bit. Treatment ends March
1st, then I will be at the Shamrock Run on the 3rd running and having a couple
of beers with friends. The NP told me the other day they like to wait about 3
months before checking the PSA. I will update then. Celebrated 25 years of marriage
on Jan. 30th). Who gets married in Jan. in Buffalo? - we were in love is all we
can come up with now - and we still are.
Keep
the faith, hang tough, write if you have any questions.
Sorry for the gap in updates.
All
good news since the radiation treatments. PSA has been undetectable at all readings.
The last being just a couple of days ago. My urologist is a big proponent of vitamin
D and mine was very low when first checked a couple of years ago. I have been
taking increasing amounts and it wasn't until last September that that it moved
into the normal range (and it was there again when it was tested last week). I
take 6000 iu of D per day. I can't say I feel any different but I survived the
winter in Buffalo, NY without a cold or Flu. Coincidence perhaps, but some research
says the D can have a positive impact on the immune system.
Everything else is about the same. Functioning in all areas is good. Minimal to
no leaking, and medication for that other stuff we like to do is still effective.
Trying to keep fit, running etc. Still enjoy some beer and wine with friends and
family.
Stay
well, stay strong, stay hopeful.
Happy
Mothers Day to all the wonderfu l women reading this who want to help their husbands.
It is an emotional ride at times, but life can be and is very good.
Life
is good. Thankfully I remain in good health, as is everyone else in my family.
PSAs have been undetectable.
I
continue to try and lead a healthy lifestyle with a moderate amount of exercise,
semi- healthy diet, and occasional alcohol consumption. I am a pretty normal guy
who has been blessed with a wonderful family, steady employment, and a good recovery
through this point in my life. To those beginning this journey do not abandon
hope. Do your homework, seek second opinions- you deserve and need as much information
as you can get to make the decision that is the best for you and your loved ones.
I
remain pretty dependent on the pills for peak performance, but have had some surprises
without.
I
have met many people who have struggled more than I did with a variety of illness
and I am always amazed at their grace and courage- they handle things better than
I think I would- you are amazing. As always try to live each day confidently and
courageously. If you falter a bit on some days - that is ok, there is always tomorrow.
Hang
tough.
Bob.
Robert's
e-mail is robert.goodwin@adelphia.net
