YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

SILVER

 Trueman Seamans and Fran live in Maine USA. Trueman was 59 when he was diagnosed on 13 December 1999. His initial PSA was 4,212 ng/mg, his Gleason Score was 4+3= 7 and he was staged D2 (this is the equivalent to T4). His treatment of choice was Hormone Therapy. Here is his story:

My prostate cancer was discovered during an upper G.I. Barium Swallow I was undergoing for a stomach problem. The radiologist noted the bone lesions. I then had CT scans of chest, abdomen and pelvis. Aside from the bone lesions no other metastases were noted.

I was started on Lupron and Casodex. The first month my PSA dropped to 120 ng/ml, by the fifth month it had dropped to 0.07 ng/ml. During the next year it went up to 14.9 ng/ml and I stopped the Casodex, which quickly brought it down to under 1.00 ng/ml.

Since then I have continued on either Lupron or Zoladex but have changed from Casodex to Ketoconazole. Since June, 2004, my PSA has been between 0.03 ng/ml and 0.06 ng/ml. I am presently going to Dr Charles "Snuffy" Myers. He individualizes his treatment for each man and I have the utmost confidence in him.

This has been a journey for myself and my wife that has had many hills and valleys. While we are both very greatful that I am healthy appearing and am able to play golf and almost do anything else I want, I am plagued with over-whelming fatigue at times and I also am on an emotional roller-coaster. I seem to be angry and resentful at inappropriate times and places. I have irrational thoughts and am not easy to get along with. My prayer is that I could be rid of this particular side effect of the Zoladex. It causes great unhappiness for my wife and for me as well. I had hoped that over time these side effects would lessen but it has been over five years and it has not happen yet.

 

UPDATED

March 2008

 

It was reported, incorrectly, i am pleased to say, that Trueman passed on December 18, 2006 from lung cancer. Here is his update.

Thank you for the opportunity to update our latest events on this journey.

First let me say, as someone has said before me, "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." Although there have been times when I was sure my time had come. My bone mets has returned with a vengence and my PSA spiked to 594.0 ng/ml but I have done well on the DES (diethylstilbestrol) under the care of Dr. Oliver Sartor and now Dr. William Oh both of Dana Farber in Boston.

My health began to unravel upon the suicide of our youngest son, a very promising young neurologist, who got into difficulties which he thought were insurmountable. Our lives will never be the same but we make a major effort to be "normal" for our other two children who have stood by us like rocks. This organization is so wonderful and I thank you for it. I have only heard from one patient since I became a mentor. Perhaps because of the changes around here along with a couple of email address changes. I don't know how long I have but The Good Lord has blessed me this far so I will be willing to help out where I can.

Again, My Thanks to you.

Kindest regards,

Trueman L Seamans

.Trueman's e-mail address is : tlseamans@verizon.net.