YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Ron D and Judy live in Texas, USA. He was 56 when he was diagnosed on August 20, 2007. His initial PSA was 4.2 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and although he says he was staged T2a, this seems to be his pathological staging. His clinical staging appears to have been T1c. His choice of treatment was Da Vinci Surgery. Here is his story.

I missed my PSA test in 2005. My earlier tests had run about 2.5. In July 2006 my PSA came back 4.2. This was followed by a biopsy in August 2006 that came back 5/12 cores positive both lobes involved, Gleason of 3+3. Had Da Vinci surgery at Herman Memorial Hospital on October 19, 2006.

Recovery was decent. Continence returned within 3 months: still no luck on the ED. Pathology came back Gleason 3+4, with a 2 cm positive margin. One month PSA came back at less than 0.1. Surgeon was not concerned with positive margin, but on searching medical publications, some studies said that this lowered the chances of being disease free after 5 yrs to ~60% rather that 90%. I didn't have surgery and the associated side effects for these kind of numbers.

I referred myself to MD Anderson and pushed for Adjuvant Radiation Therapy. Started the treatments in February of 2007. 32 treatments 64 Grey total, very few side effects. worst part was filling my bladder everyday. Worked the whole time.

My PSA as of last November was still less than 0.1 which is Non-detectable by the assay used. Not sure why they don't use the ultra sensitive assay. I will be nervous every three months until I get to the two year mark. I am going to inquire why my doctor doesn't use the more sensitive test.

 

UPDATED

March 2009

 

 

Two years after adjuvant radiation therapy and two and a half after surgery PSA is Not Detectable. Now am on the six month test.

No incontinence, seldom think about having had cancer.

Sexual function still not good, but enjoying life with spouse.

Just rode my motorcycle from Houston to Daytona Bike week.

Ron's e-mail address is: rondunbar@earthlink.