YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Ron J and RW live in Arizona, USA. He was 41 when he was diagnosed on August 2, 2007. His initial PSA was 4.1 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Surgery. Here is his story.

As a guy who exercises almost daily and eats only the healthiest things, PC was a shock beyond anything I've ever faced.

It started with a regular physical with a new doctor in January. Everything was great except my PSA was 2.0 ng/ml. He told me it's likely nothing, but you need to come back in three months and have it tested again.
No big deal, I go back for another PSA test and it comes back 3.0 ng/ml. Now he becomes serious and sends me to a urologist. The second DRE shows nothing, so he gives me 30 days of Cipro and says come back for a total PSA test.

The next test shows PSA 4.1 ng/ml, but free PSA of 65%. He says that is a good sign, but said I needed a biopsy. Biopsy showed 2 of 12 cores positive 3% on one side, 15% on the other side. Gleeson 3+3. I was devastated, for the next three days I read hundreds of medical research reports online and lost a total of 12 pounds.

I quickly realized that the stress was going to kill me long before the cancer at the rate I was going. So after much research a nd talking to several doctors, I decided surgery is my best shot and have it scheduled for Oct.16th.

I'm very fortunate to have Dr. Larry Bans close by as one of the best prostate cancer surgeons in AZ. (My opinion from my research and talking to his other patients). His site has good general information on treatment options (Much like this site and others).

I'm nervous about the surgery and it's long term effects on my life, but I'm sure it is the right option for me. Cancer has made me enjoy the sunsets and my friends so much more than before. After my diagnosis, my father and brother were tested and short story, my father has PC, and will have surgery as well Nov.1st.

I'll update after my surgery.

 

UPDATED

October 2007

 

 

Surgery went far better than hoped. I received the pathology report today showing that the prostate was removed with no surgical margins and there was no sign of spread to the 6 Lymph nodes removed also. I'm glad I chose surgery, as there turned out to be 4 tumors growing and at 41, I'm thrilled they are out of me. The sense of it being done is an amazing feeling.

Also, I'm extremely lucky in that I have no incontinence. I did not dribble even once and have complete control on day nine after the catheter came out. My doctor has started me on low dose Viagra and he thinks that it should help me recover erectile function.

My first PSA test won't be for 5 more weeks, I'll update then, wishing all good luck.

 

UPDATED

December 2007

 

 

Just received results of my first post-surgery PSA test. <.01! What a Christmas present that is. Continence not as good as earlier reported. About 15 days after catheter came out, I started requiring pads. My doctor said swelling from the surgery gave me control right away and when the swelling went down- leaks in the afternoon and evening. Still happy as one pad can usually take care of things and I have no problem at night or in the mornings.

Also, Viagra having some effect, so I'm very hopeful for a full recovery. Looking forward to a cancer free 2008!

 

UPDATED

June 2008

 

 

Just a quick update, my third PSA test in June 2008 came back <.01.

Incontinence was gone completely by month 6 and I have some erectile function.

All in all, I'm very lucky and believe that I will never have to worry about Prostate Cancer again. I've changed my diet to include far less meat, more soy and nuts, and a little red wine everyday. (I feel better and am about 10 pounds lighter than before the surgery)

Good luck to all dealing with this, feel free to e-mail me anytime if you have any questions.

Ron J

 

UPDATED

September 2009

 

 

Today I received the results of my latest PSA test. Undetectable. It's been almost 2 years now since my surgery and things are looking good. I know I'm lucky to have very few side effects from the RP surgery and am doing my best to enjoy life to the fullest and keep a positive attitude. Fortunately, I've had the chance to travel some this year and am enjoying every day. I have changed some things- very little red meat and a glass of red wine each day! (Good for the body in many ways)

I get e-mails from people with questions from time to time who read my story here, and am very happy to answer any question or just listen. A number of people on this site helped me as I was going through the mental hell of deciding on a course of action after my diagnosis and I'm very happy to return the favor to anyone. A relative of mine almost died of Colon Cancer 15+ years ago and she always refers to it as the best thing that happened to her. Her outlook on life changed, she cherishes everyday, and spends weeks each year as a volunteer at a camp for kids with cancer. It's a path I hope to stay on also!

Ron's e-mail address is: rdj1230@yahoo.com