Andy
C lives in New York USA. He was 48 when he was diagnosed in January 2012. His
initial PSA was 4.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T2b. He is
undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.
Well here we
go... I guess it's my turn. First I'd like to thank the people who participate
in this website and those who run it. I have been lurking here for months reading
everyone's stories. I've scoured the internet reading everything I possibly can
about prostate cancer. In the end, I always end up back here as my primary source
of first hand accounts from men who are going through this as I am.
Here
is my story, so far:
I am 48 years old and received my first biopsy results
about a week ago. Both my father and older brother have had prostate removal.
Dad via open, brother via robotic. I don't know what their PSA or Gleason numbers
were at the time, but I do know that neither one of them waited long before having
surgery. They are both still alive and have PSA levels that are not measurable.
I was told that I have four cores out of 12 positive for PCa, all rated
as a Gleason (3+3)=6, plus one HGPIN. My staging is T2b. My most recent PSA, taken
two months before my biopsy was 4.0. My historical PSA tests are as follows:
Age : PSA
42 : 3.02
45 : 3.45
46 : 3.64
47 : 4.10
47 : 4.60
47 : 4.00
Prior to the most recent PSA test, I refrained
from ejaculation for a week, which may explain the lower number. I also had a
PCA3 genetic test. These results came back negative.
My first ever DRE
(Digital Rectal Examination) was 'suspicious' with a firmness felt on one side
in late 2010. A biopsy was suggested, but I could not bring myself to have one
until early 2012 after two additional doctors gave me the same opinion on my DRE.
So
here I am faced with the choice that many of you have faced or are facing now
along with me.
Much like I waited over a year to have my biopsy, my inclination
is to perform some active surveillance for a while and monitor my PSA levels every
three months and take this step by step. I am not ready or mentally prepared to
undergo any type of treatment right now.
The urologist who performed my
biopsy is strongly suggesting that I seek treatment quickly and has recommended
robotic surgery or possibly brachytherapy. I asked him if he would be willing
to participate in an active surveillance protocol with me, and he flat out refused.
I guess it's time to find a new doctor. Frankly, this was rather upsetting as
I feel this doctor has abandoned me as a patient.
That brings my story
up to date. My purpose in joining this forum is to both share my experience and
hopefully gain advice and guidance from others who participate here. Please feel
free to contact me via email with your comments. I'd be happy to hear from you.
Andy's e-mail address is: andyc63@juno.com
