YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Tom Sullivan lives in Massachusetts, USA. He was 55 when he was diagnosed on October 2, 2007. His initial PSA was 10.5 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Retropubic radical prostatectomy. Here is his story.

Hi,

I first started going to my urologist in October 2003 with a PSA of 4.8. In June of 2004 my PSA was up to 5.8 when I had my first biopsy which came back negative. My PSA stayed around 6.0 for all of 2005 with blood tests every six months. I June of 2006 PSA was up to 8.2 when i had my second biopsy which also was negative. February of 2007 it was 8.6 and in October it rose to 10.5.

I had my third biopsy in October of last year and was diagnosed in early November. Initially my urologist suggested the watchful waiting approach. I agreed with him at first but after reading several articles on the internet (as I'm sure everyone does) and considering my age (55) I decided to go for a second opinion in Mass General in Boston.

After meeting with a surgeon, oncologist and a radiologist they all suggested removal. Seed radiation was out due to an enlarged prostate. Beam radiation was an option but i have been taking Flomax for a urine output problem for three years. They said the radiation may take care of the cancer but the urine problem and taking Flomax possibly wouldn't go away. The favored the two for one opportunity of getting rid of an obstructing prostate as well as the tumor.

My surgery is scheduled for April 14th at Mass General hospital.

Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've been told practicing the Kegel exercise is very important. I guess my biggest fear is being catheterized.

 

UPDATED

April 2008

 

 

I arrived at MGH at 6 Monday, was in surgery by 8, recovery by 12:30 and released Tues around 2. I was very fortunate to have a nurse friend that works in the recovery room and was with me every step of the process which was very comforting. Dr. McGovern was a wonderful surgeon and very thorough and his staff were all terrific. My anestheologist was Roger White who was a great guy and gave me comfort before the surgery. They all stopped by to see me after the surgery and the next day.

I'm doing great after the surgery. Walking is recommended for a quick recovery so i've been up and around most of the day today. I have some discomfort with gas but was able to pass quite a bit last night and was able to move to light foods like soups, oatmeal etc. for a couple of days until my bowels get back to normal. The catheter was the biggest of my worries and it's really not bad at all and I think I can deal with it for two weeks when I have my followup appointment with Dr. Mcgovern. He told me there was no lymph node involvement and was able to spare the nerves so i'm a very lucky man at this point. Time will tell and hopefully i'll be as good as new.

I also wanted to thank all you guys for the tips etc. leading up to my surgery as well as after.

Please feel free to ask any questions and i'll be more than happy to answer them.

 

UPDATED

August 2008

 

 

Went in and had the catheter removed on April 29th and also had the pathologist readout. Catheter came out pretty easy with no pain at all. I even saved one of my percocets for that day but don't think i really needed it. Pathologist reports showed negative (0%) margins which I am thankful for.

Incontinence was a little bit of a problem in the beginning after catheter removal. Usually used two ultra thin pads a day. By the end of June I no longer needed them.

ED is improving and my Dr. has given me a perscription for Cialis 1/4 tablet a day to get things moving.

I had an appointment this week August 12th for PSA reading which came back as undetectable. I have to have another blood test in 6 months and if that's the same i won't have to see my Dr. for another Year.

I'm feeling great now and just want to thank everyone again for your support and help..

Tom's e-mail address is: sullzip1-pc@yahoo.com