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BRONZE

David F007 and Christine live in Minnesota, USA. He was 50 when he was diagnosed on March 19, 2010. His initial PSA was 2.6 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 4+3=7 and he was staged T2b. His choice of treatment was RALP=Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Here is his story.

I went to my Family Practice MD for a routine medication check. As a routine screening, we checked my PSA and he did a DRE (digital rectal exam), and found a nodule on the right side. My PSA was 2.6, with previous tests of 2.5 in 2006 and 2.7 in 2007. I have been taking Avodart 0.5 mg every other day to prevent male pattern hair loss. (This probably reduced the size of my prostate and lowered my PSA vs. those not on Avodart). My FP referred me to a urologist to further evaluate the prostate nodule. I am a health care professional (clinical pharmacist), and already knew some things about prostate cancer, but I began reading in earnest. The urologist confirmed the presence of a nodule and recommended a biopsy. I read that a nodule doesn't necessarily mean Prostate Ca, but the urologist stated that it was likely.

The biopsy was not painful, but the hematuria was a bit disconcerting. Waiting for the results call was a bit nerve wracking. I was told that the results were positive for prostate cancer - Gleason Score of 4 +3 = 7. There were 12 zones tested (4 positive - one 3+3, two 3+4, one 4+3). Needless to say, but I was somewhat shocked and concerned. I definitely went through all the stages of grieving (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). But I soon got to a place where a positive approach was going to be the best for me. The urologist discussed radiation, cryotherapy, but based on my age and the biopsy results recommended surgery and that I was a candidate for Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (RALP, Da Vinci). I continued to read, found the YANA website, and talked with several others that had prostate Ca. The side effects of incontinence and impotence can occur with radiation or cryotherapy, and I didn't want to leave the gland and the possibility of missing cancer cells. In addition, I was told you can use radiation after surgery, but surgery is not as good an option after radiation. I decided that the surgery was the best option for me. The surgeon had done over 250 robotic procedures and had a very good reputation, so I scheduled it as soon as I could (they suggest waiting 6- 8 weeks after biopsy) so I could get back to golf, softball and boating as soon as I could.

My surgery was done on May 13th and it went very well. I went home the next day. The pain was tolerable, less than I had expected. The catheter took some getting used to, but was less of a problem than I had expected. I was able to go places with the leg bag. Getting the catheter out was great. I wore a security pad for a few days, but was really continent within a week. I do need to go more often and think ahead so that I don't have urge incontinence (leaks), but overall it has been very good. Fortunately, my pathology report came back as no extra-capsular extension, surgical margins, seminal vesicles and lymph nodes were negative. In addition, my tumor was down graded to 3+4=7 (from 4+3) based on the clinical pathology. Therefore, no additional treatment was recommended at this time.

My post-operative recovery has been very good. I will now just wait and monitor my PSA every 3 months. I have enjoyed reading about the experiences and choices of others, and am willing to help others in any way I can.

 

UPDATED

September 2010

 

 

My three month post RALP PSA was less than 0.10. I am very happy the PSA test was undetectable, but I am looking into the benefit of the ultrasensitive PSA test for future monitoring.

I am very pleased with my post-op recovery. I am having no problems with incontinence, and sexual function is pretty good.

 

UPDATED

June 2011

 

 

Just had my one year post surgery exam and PSA test. All is good. PSA is less than 0.1 and exam was fine. No problems with incontinence.

I am enjoying life and working on accomplishing items on my "Bucket List". I travelled to California to drive on Highway 1 and see the Big Sur, the Monterey Peninsula and Pebble Beach.

My best to all!.

David's e-mail address is: David-Fuhs@MSN.Com