YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Scott G and Michele live in Maryland United States. He was 45 when he was diagnosed in March, 2008. His initial PSA was 4.3 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Laparoscopic RP. Here is his story.

After getting hit by the prostate cancer bus, I worked to dust myself off and begin the journey with the rest of you here. My first thoughts were like most "how long" but after educating myself its now "what's the best approach for me to beat this." It can be beaten.

At 45, I was not experiencing any symptoms other than an elevated PSA from 43 yr old of 2.5 to 45 year old of 3.1 biopsy and follow-up test 3-months later to 4.3. I have to thank my wife and the doctor she suggested for me to see because the doctor tests for all things great and small including PSA. A co-worker of mine after talking with me asked his doctor specifically for a PSA test, he is 46 and the doctor told him "No you do not need it yet." Nice when someone else decides to take a chance on your life huh? Spread the word all tell everyone you know get the PSA test with your blood work! You never know whose life you may save.

Well lucky for me I found this site that included a write-up by someone suggesting Dr. Walsh's Book "Surviving Prostate Cancer." Literally a life-saver. Educating yourself on this subject is the best thing you can do. Doing this ensures your decisions are your own and you are secure in knowing what is going on and when..

I have elected to go to John's Hopkins for the procedure on June 2. I feel very fortunate that it is 20 minutes North of my house.

Anyway, the doctor will use the Laparoscopic RP procedure. He still prefers feeling as he works while using camera and light benefits of robotic. While he does robotic and lap he felt lap in my position was best.

Becoming more nervous as the procedure is getting close. Remember educating yourself and making your own decision for yourself is very important and no one decision is right for everyone. Will keep you all informed. Good luck to all and remember people diagnosed today have the best chance for treatment/cure ever

The numbers keep getting better each day.

 

UPDATED

June 2008

 

Laparoscopic Surgery performed at Johns Hopkins on June 2, 2008. Surgery began at 11:30 was waking up at 3 pm. Sore like being punched in the stomach. Doctor says all went well. On visual inspection prostate looked good no apparent extensions, no hard spots or extra soft spots noticed mostly unremarkable ..I like being unremarkable here.

Anyway a little pain first day walked a lot to get the gas out. That was the most pain day 3 off pain meds Motrin only. Definitely an easier procedure and comeback then my mind led me to believe. Tomorrow June 11, catheter comes out and I get my pathology report - hopefully reporting more unremarkable news later!

Later: June 12th Well catheter came out without incident and all looked good. The water retention process prior to removal was strange but not painful. Appeared all connections tight and nurse says OK lets take out the catheter. Deflates the balloon and in one motion strange feeling slips it out. Control at that point not great! Good thing they said bring your Depends. This process is not really an issue but they gave me results from pathology same day so had to stay focused on that.

Well in summary. Gleason remained a 6 and organ confined! Recovery coming along well UC is the next goal. Progress is being made but it's slow as expected. Six weeks after surgery first PSA test. After that without incident will begin regular PSA testing.

Good luck to all. Will keep updating as new warrents.

 

UPDATED

August 2008

 

 

Well I am very happy to let everyone know that my PSA test at 6 weeks came back <0.1. A call to the lab revealed that's as low as they report. I cannot say enough to all of you out there considering options, feeling lost and nervous that being able to get to where your life appears fairly normal again is attainable. Thanks to my family and friends ..especially my wife for putting up with many nights of concern. She was and is my rock.

Not sure what my future holds it terms of PSA numbers but I do know that this site with its many members that came before me helped me through one of the hardest processes I have ever been through. I cannot thank you all enough. I remain available to discuss with anyone needing to talk.

I suspect my first doctor's appointment since surgery (in three weeks) will begin with smiles being exchanged ...what a difference 2 months can make.

Hang in there guys you can do it too.

 

UPDATED

October 2008

 

 

I asked Terry why some guys seem to stop posting and others post with long periods of time in between updates. Terry said he thought sometimes maybe some guys do not like to come back because it reminds them of a tough time or they simply go on with life or lose track of timelines for their updates.

I now know for me it has been because once my treatment was completed and I received thank God the powerful and prayed for news that my PSA level was <0.1, I began living my life again that I thought post diagnosis was lost. I am committing to going back to my life and will continue updating.

First doctor's appointment since PSA test was a wonderful time. We discussed the hoped for perfect results of my 6-week test (<0.1) and he stated that in his opinion I should not worry daily and just keep track of things with regular 3-month PSA tests. He thought that all things considered, things should work out well.

Currently my UC issues are down to barely a drip occasionally (think doctor thought by 3 months should have been dry but was happy about progress). The ED on a 1-10 is a 5-6 so progress is going along.

Good luck all wherever you are on your path.

Scott's e-mail address is: mickandjada1@yahoo.com