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Scott B lives in Washington, USA. He was 55 when he was diagnosed in October, 2012. His initial PSA was 5.10 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 9, and he was staged T2b. His initial treatment choice was Surgery (Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy) and his current treatment choice is None. Here is his story.

Got a PSA of 5.1 at a general physical. Referred to Urologist and he noted a mass on my right side. Ordered the biopsy. Came back with 5 of 6 samples with cancer. The highest being 4+5=9

Had my bone scan 2 days after getting the biopsy results and shows negative. CT scan the next day shows negative.

Had my meeting with the Urologist 2 days ago. He recommends the robotic prostatectomy with unilateral nerve sparing. I'm looking to get a second opinion and then decide on my surgeon. Expecting that I'll have the surgery in early December.

It's been a roller coaster of emotions. Reading here and doing research has eased my anxiety. Getting the negative results on the scans has helped, of course. I'm feeling a little lucky that it was actually found. Thinking of this as a new adventure in my life.

UPDATED

January 2014

I had my surgery on Dec. 11, 2012. I have been very fortunate with the outcome. The tests of my prostate after the surgery confirmed the biopsy. My Gleason score was a 9. The surgical margins were all clear.

My erectile function returned to normal almost immediately. I do have to urinate slightly more frequently but my doctor says that should go away as I practice holding it longer. The bladder capacity will increase. My PSA has been from 0.01, up to 0.02 and now back down to 0.01 ng/ml. I had been having it tested every 3 months but I will now be tested every 6 months. I chose the surgery because I am fairly young, in otherwise good health and still had a good sex life.

I was very happy with the results of my surgery and the outcome so far. I'm expecting that my cancer will not return. The nurse said they now consider me a cancer survivor. This past November I decided to grow in my beard for Movember. I think I'll keep it as a reminder of my successful battle with cancer this past year.

UPDATED

June 2014

It's been 18 months since my surgery. I had a very fast recovery and regained all my functions. My PSA has been between was 0.01 then 0.02 then back down to 0.01. My test today came back as 0.03 ng/dl. My doctor said it could just be "noise" but he's scheduled me for a retest of the PSA in 3 months. Then another test and visit in 3 more months. If my PSA continues to rise then we will look at other treatments. I'm feeling it's nothing but we need to keep an eye on it. With my Gleason score of 9 it is possible that some cells "leaked" out. But my biopsy showed nothing on the margins. Keeping a positive attitude and going forward feeling strong. Just want to tell everyone out there that life goes on and things can work out even when it looks dark at the beginning.

UPDATED

September 2014

Got my 18 month results back. My PSA is back down to 0.01 ng/ml. Great news. Looking forward to my 2 year anniversary on Dec. 12.

UPDATED

September 2014

Made a mistake on my previous update. I should have said it was my PSA check after 21 months.

UPDATED

June 2015

Got my latest PSA and it's staying steady at 0.02 ng/ml. Everything is still working great.

UPDATED

February 2016

Still doing great. Had my last PSA test in December 3, 2015. It was 0.03 ng/ml. Staying constant. No real side-effects. Maybe need to urinate more frequently but nothing that is bothersome.

UPDATED

December 2016

My current PSA is 0.03 ng/dl. It had gone up to 0.04 ng/ml last June but I forgot to record it. So it looks like I'm staying steady. I'll continue to be tested evey 6 months.

Considering that my Gleason score was 9, I'm feeling very fortunate and believe I made the right choice in treatment.

UPDATED

May 2018

My PSA has risen a little. After being 0.04 for over a year I'm now at 0.05.

UPDATED

June 2019

My PSA is holding steady. Need to pee frequently but I'm not doing my Kegel exercise like I should.

All is good.

UPDATED

August 2020

My PSA is holding steady. I have no side-effects other than my urge to urinate is more frequent.

UPDATED

March 2021

My last PSA was 0.08 ng/dl. I am seeing a GP only but looking for a new urologist. I have moved to Seattle and getting my PSA tests at a new lab. I think it is a different method of testing at this lab so I'm not confident in the comparison with my earlier scores. It us up but still below the 0.1 ng/ml threshold that is considered OK post-operative. I have not required any additional treatment.

I've met a wonderful new woman in Seattle and life is great at 63 years old. I'm slowing down a bit but I think my new Plant-Based oil free diet and increased exercise will continue to serve me well.

Remember, it is possible to have a long wonderful life after prostate cancer. I'm enjoying everything life has to offer.

UPDATED

January 2023

I'm now a GOLD! Ten years cancer free. I'm remarried and living in Tacoma WA.

UPDATED

October 2023

I think I'm almost 12 years post diagnosi.

My PSA is up to 0.18 ng/dl. Last year it was 0.8. But it was at a different lab using a different test.

Not sure if I should be concerned.

Scott's e-mail address is: scottbeld AT gmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")


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