YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Steve Shepherd and Becky live in Arkansas, USA . He was 56 when he was diagnosed on May 29, 2008. His initial PSA was 3.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Robotic Radical Prostatectomy . Here is his story.

In Feb 2008, I experienced a problem with passing pure blood in my urine. I was diagnosed with a bacterial infection and underwent antibiotics (2 rounds). The doctor also checked my PSA. In March 2007 it was 1.3. In Feb 2008 it was 2.5. By April when I saw the first urologist, it was 3.8. A biopsy was ordered and 1 of 12 showed positive, with the Gleason of 6 (3+3) and stage T1c. I consulted with 2 radiation oncologists, 2 more urologists, had another lab check the results and finally decided on the robotic surgery, which will be done Aug 6, 2008.

 

UPDATED

October 2008

 

 

Had Da Vinci robotic surgery on August 6. Had follow-up with urologist on September 11. PSA was a marvelous 0.0! Glad that I can look through those big glasses and say that I will anxiously await round 2 check-up in December.

Still have a bit of incontinence, but it is improving. Erectile function is returning as well!

 

UPDATED

February 2009

 

 

My last report in December was great. Everything was where it was supposed to be with PSA of 0.0 and normal kidney function. Had a bit of a setback with a urinary tract infection that affected the ED.

If all goes well in March, I will not go back for 6 months.

 

UPDATED

April 2009

 

 

After surgery in August '08, have been at 0.0 on my PSA, including most recent in March '09. Doctor has me on a 6 month schedule now.

Had testosterone level checked. It was 266 ng/ml. Normal is 175-781 ng/ml. While a bit low, uro says not to worry. It is only 7 months post-op and I am on or ahead of the curve.

Still have occasional incontinence. No erectile function, but it is starting to respond.

 

UPDATED

October 2009

 

 

I am now 16 months post-op. I still have a bit of incontinence and no erectile function. VED (Vacuum Erectile Device) therapy has been the actual temporary solution.

Latest test results were perfect: PSA was 0.0 and creatinine level was 0.8 (normal is 0.7-1.5). Am active with the man-to-man group in Little Rock.

Willing to share and assist anyone with questions.

Steve's e-mail address is : sshep72@excite.com