YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Wes Hardin and Jane live in Texas, USA. He was 50 when he was diagnosed In April, 2007. His initial PSA was 6.4 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T2c. His choice of treatment was Surgery. Here is his story

I had been having a low volume urine stream for some time. While pondering this I received news that a first cousin, age 49 had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Told my GP I thought a PSA was in order and it came back as 6.4.

Off to the urologist who did the DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) in less than one second. I could tell from the way he rolled back his chair that I had a problem. Ultrasound and biopsy confirmed it. I was given a bone scan which was negative. Because of my age, I decided to have the surgery, which was performed on July 11, 2007. One set of nerves was spared. The pathology report staged the cancer at T3a, Gleason 7, with negative margins (barely).

The only problems have been impotence, penis reduction, and incontinence (the usual). I went off the pads on Oct 22, 2007. I still have to use one when bench pressing, but that's about it. Penis reduction aspects of the prostatectomy left me with a full "foreskin", which I didn't have before. As of January 2008, still no erection. The first two 90 day PSAs have been "undetectable."

Since I have a high likelihood of recurrence, I have taken up bodybuilding while I still have the testosterone to do it.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

22 months out from surgery. PSA remains "undetectable."

Erections resumed at 19 months with Levitra, but length and girth are laughable, down from 7.5" to approx 5". Peyronie's is now a factor. At present, erections can be achieved without drugs, but it's tough to keep them. Also, tough to control climax. This would all probably be better, if I had not lost the left nerve bundle.

I have continence, even when lifting heavy. Some dripping during sexual activity, but that's a given.

Food wise, I'm having my 8 oz of pomegranate juice daily, plenty of Omega 3 fish oil daily, 1.25 oz of dark chocolate every 3rd day, 5 oz of Pinot Noir most nights. I plan to start reservitrol supplementation. Otherwise, no change.

For exercise, I began engaging in High Intensity Training (HIT) four months after the RRP. I was at 233 lbs. with 34% body fat in the beginning. I am now at 220 lbs with 26% body fat. Workouts are once a week with a 15 minute duration. Goal is 200 lbs @ 8% body fat.

Wes' e-mail address is: voxstack@hotmail.com