YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Tony Crispino and Ruth live in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He was 44 when he was diagnosed on October 3, 2006. His initial PSA was 19.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and he was staged T2a. His choice of treatment was Laparascopic Robotic Surgery. Here is his story.

Ruthie and I lost a baby and were trying to right the ship. We were not able to re-conceive and a doctors visit was appropriate.

My PSA was run and it came back at 19.8. Another test 18.9. It was a false sense that the drop indicated perhaps infection, but 50% of the cores came back as high as 90% involved.

I selected surgery at City of Hope in February 2007. Post Op pathology was poor. pT3b and 4+3=7. My surgeon told me this will most likely come back as an aggressive grade 4.

I used up the adjuvant therapy choices. ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) started in May - Lupron and Casodex at 50mg. Started IMRT (Intensity- Modulated Radiation Therapy) in June, completed August 3. No side effects from Radiation Therapy. ADT does carry the usual side effects but for the most part they are mild.

Cancer has done something very positive for me in that I am more spiritual and grateful for each day. This morning, it's time for my 4 mile walk. God Bless you all.

I am looking for pT3b post op patients. How have you progressed?

Tony.

 

UPDATED

June 2008

 

 

I am doing well. Just had good results again on a PSA and a CTC scan. Still in remission. I took another blast from the Lupron harpoon in May so flashes still there. But I live in Las Vegas. I kid some saying I just have early frequent personal summers. Once the summer kicks in then everybody has a three month hot flash and I look normal. LOL.

I also have a blog if anyone is interested in reading more detail.

 

UPDATED

January 2009

 

 

Hi folks. I am sorry for not updating more often.

I have taken my last Lupron shot before we run some tests and begin the intermittent stage of IHT. I have been lucky and I carry an undetectable PSA. The fact is I never thought we would hold a remission. While I still have some doubts when we stop ADT, I am ready for the break.

I spend a great deal of time in cancer awareness groups, advocacies and the like. I moderate and coach at a busy prostate cancer online forum at HealingWell and refer many to Yana. I have had the privilege of an online friendship with Terry and many others in this mess. For the record, my official title is Survivor! My faith is as strong as ever as is my love for my beautiful wife...

My PSA History...

October 3, 2006 19.8

October 10, 2006 18.9

November 27, 2006 13.9

Surgery February 16, 2007

February 28, 2007 0.9

March 12, 2007 0.1

March 23, 2007 <0.1

May 16, 2007 <0.1

July 18, 2007 <0.1

September 19, 2007 <0.1

January 29, 2008 <0.1

May 9, 2008 <0.1

September 17, 2008 <0.1

January 13, 2009 <0.1

 

UPDATED

June 2009

 

As of May 13, 2009 I still have an undetectable PSA.

Our original plan was to be on ADT for two years. At my two year mark on ADT I was told by my oncologist that he has since come into belief that a longer stint on ADT would be better. Still he understood my desire to start my ADT vacation. But not without asking me to take another dose to think on it. So on May 13, I had another Lupron shot, and refreshed my Casodex Rx. I have a follow up with my RO in July that will be very uneventful. And my next visit with my oncologist is in October, one month after my next Lupron should have taken place. We will monitor my T levels, and of course my PSA.

With help from above, I will be able to enjoy a long break. After all that has been, I have very active in prostate cancer advocacy here in the States. I will continue this work as it is very rewarding to meet you folks. This silver lining is one incredible experience.

Thank you for your support and love. Peace to all.

Tony Crispino

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

My website was updated with my current news but here is the gist of it:

Still in remission...October 7, 2009 <0.1 T=21 PAP=0.3

January 4, 2010 <0.1 T=128 PAP=0.4

Please allow me to count my Blessings out loud!

Tony's e-mail address is: tcneclv@aol.com