Bob
Macomber lives in Virginia, USA. He was 54 when he was diagnosed in May 2007.
His initial PSA was 4.5 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c.
His choice of treatment was Focal Cryosurgery. Here is his story.
My Dad
passed away from prostate cancer. in October 2004. In August 2004, Dad recommended
I start getting an annual PSA and DRE (Digital Rectal Examination).
From
August 2004 to May 2007, the DREs were normal, but my PSA increased from 2.5 to
4.5. In June 2007, I had a biopsy that revealed cancer in 1 of 12 samples. Stage
T1c. Gleason Score 3 + 3 = 6.
After discussions with my urologist, I initially
decided on brachytherapy. He referred me to a radiologist/oncologist who recommended
at least three months of ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) and EBRT (External
Beam Radiation Treatment) before brachytherapy. He told me to take some time to
decide.
I went to four different specialists, and did some research (i.e.,
books and the internet). I finally decided on focal cryosurgery.
The consult,
pre-op mapping biopsy, and surgery were all pretty expensive. My Mom paid the
cost. My medical insurance would not have covered very much of that cost. But,
the insurance did cover the one-day hospital stay, plus some ancillary expenses.
In
August 2007, my PSA was 4.7. In early October 2007, the mapping biopsy revealed
cancer in 4 of 52 samples. Still T1c.
The focal cryosurgery in late October
2007 went well. Catheter for about a week. My initial post-op PSA, in January
2008, was 0.4. I have my PSA checked every three to six months. Most subsequent
readings have been around 0.9 to 1.0.
Periodically, I do have bouts of
prostatitis and some urgency at night. I try to control my diet, and exercise
regularly. I am currently looking for a dietary supplement to promote prostate
health.
Good luck to all.
Bob's e-mail address is: bobbybee73@yahoo.com
