YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Ronnie Cassell and Jody live in North Carolina, USA. He was 61 when he was diagnosed on May 22, 2008. His initial PSA was 6.1 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3 + 4 = 7 and although he dose not state his staging, it seems he was staged T2a. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment . Here is his story.

When my PSA increased from 4.7 to 6.1 in one year, my GP recommended I see a urologist. On my first visit to the urologist, he and an associate felt something abnormal during the DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) and scheduled a biopsy. To my complete surprise (shock) the biopsy came back positive for PCa. Of the 12 samples, three were negative for PCa, one was Gleason of 3-4, and eight were 3-3. My urologist, Dr. Moul at Duke Medical Center, said he would recommend surgery, and I think he said he could most likely remove all the cancer. I was so much in shock that I didn't do a good job of asking questions, and strongly recommend anyone in my situation take another person along for an additional set of ears.

I have since seen a radiation oncologist who said she felt the cancer WAS outside the prostate based on her DRE and that if I chose surgery I should certainly count on radiation follow up. Again stunned, my wife and I are confused about the inconsistent information we've received. I completed a bone scan yesterday (June 6, 2008) and will wait and worry until the results are back. What a ROLLER COASTER!!!

Later:

Since my last post I have received the results from an MRI and bone scan which thankfully, show no evidence that cancer has gone beyond my prostate. I have also gotten the results of a recent PSA test which shows PSA has reduced from 6.1 to 5.7. I'm not sure what to make of that reduction although it sure beats going the other way. I have made pretty radical changes in my diet and exercise routine since suspecting cancer in March 2008 so maybe that has helped.

There is disagreement between the radiation oncologist and the urological surgeon about whether I am T2c or T3 and I hope to get that cleared up at my appointment with the surgeon next week. I am also going ahead with scheduling a visit to M.D. Anderson for a second opinion. I am leaning towards open surgery followed by radiation if necessary.

It has been less than 30 days since my diagnosis but it seems like months.

Later: June 26, 2008: My wife went along with me today to my third appointment with Dr. Moul at Duke.

After looking over all the tests completed since he last saw me and doing another DRE he feels my staging is T1c and that surgery will have a good chance of getting all the cancer out. He answered our many questions and did a great job in plain language of explaining how the surgery works and what to expect regarding incontinence and sexual function post surgery.

Based on the research I've done, along with a strong dose of intuition, we chose Dr. Moul to do the surgery and are scheduled for July 16, 2008. I feel a great relief and know that I've have made the right decision for me. Duke Hospital is all of twelve minutes away for us, a huge advantage I think, and our experience there has been great.

 

UPDATED

July 2008

 

 

My surgery went well, although I did have unexpected blood loss and took two units. I had surgery early Wednesday morning on July 16th and went home Friday. The care at Duke was excellent and for me, open surgery was the best. I have now received the pathology report and heard the wonderful words "organ confined" and no cancer in lymph nodes or the bladder neck. Dr. Moul also said that the "protrusion" felt by a radiation oncologist was not where cancer had broken through, but just a slight abnormality in my prostrate gland.

I'm moving around well, climbing stairs gingerly, and able to begin some routine things like paying bills and getting my own food and water to give my wonderful wife a break. I was unprepared for the loss of appetite for several days after surgery, forced myself to eat, and am now back to enjoying some foods. We're still moving towards eating vegetarian although one day I ate bacon because that was all I could eat.

I get the catheter out next Tuesday and am looking forward/nervous about learning to pee again.

Thanks so much to all from the YANA website that have contacted me - it has really made a difference to know other men have been through the same stuff.

 

UPDATED

November 2008

 

 

I am recovering quite well, am 99% continent, and have no soreness from the surgery.

I just learned yesterday, Nov 4, 2008, that my post surgery PSA count is less than 0.1. What a relief!! I will go back for a follow up visit in February and in the meantime I plan to enjoy life one day at a time.

Thanks again to those that share their experience on this website.

Ronnie Cassell.

 

UPDATED

March 2009

 

 

February 27, 2009: Another big sigh of relief after my PSA test this week. I am about 7 months past surgery with PSA still <0.1. I am grateful most every day, realizing that I was very lucky to have such a good outcome.

I still have some stress incontinence but not enough to complain about. Still no erection, but a little more "interest" shown by the retreating turtle called penis. I am also exploring which food or drink is a bladder irritant for me: Citrus juice for sure, maybe coffee (not giving that up!), and various spicy foods. It's such a weird feeling when a bladder irritant causes leakage - no warning, no control. Still, no complaints - just investigating.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

May 25, 2009: Had my three month PSA test Tuesday and got the uplifting call reporting my PSA is still undetectable, or <0.1. I don't think I'll ever get accustomed to the waiting and suspense. I fully expected good results but you never know.

I have slight incontinence when lifting or hiking strenously, but nothing I can't deal with. No further progress on sexual function but I'm still hoping.

Overall, I consider myself very fortunate, and try to maintain my gratitude for each day.

 

UPDATED

March 2010

 

 

March 4, 2010: I continue to have <0.1 results of PSA screenings, the last done two months ago. My health is good, other than the stuff that comes with being 63, and I rarely even think about prostate cancer.

I decided to do this update because of reading this morning about the new guidelines from The American Cancer Society about screening for prostate cancer. They now recommend education rather than an automatic yearly PSA test and DRE. [This is not correct. The relevant item says Screening should be conducted yearly for men whose PSA level is 2.5 ng/mL or greater. For men whose PSA is less than 2.5 ng/mL, screening intervals can be extended to every 2 years. To read the full guideline and the thinking behind it, rather than biased media reports go to American Cancer Society Guideline for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: Update 2010]

Based on my experience I strongly disagree since catching the cancer early has made a huge difference in my recovery. It may be that statistically my outcome is rare, but I think that if even a small number of men can be spared the misery of treating advanced prostate cancer, it's certainly worth the discomfort of the DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) and a blood test. I do respect the work of The American Cancer Society but will continue to strongly recommend an annual screening to men I know. Many thanks to the operators and members of this forum.

Ronnie's e-mail address is: rcassell@nc.rr.com