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BRONZE

David Hawkins lives in Colorado USA. He was 53 when he was diagnosed on January 16, 2008. His initial PSA was 6.7 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 4+3=7 and although he says he was staged T2c, this seems to be his pathological staging: his clinical staging was likely T1c. His choice of treatment was Hormone - ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) plus EBRT (External Beam Radiation Treatment) . Here is his story.

 THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2011 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

What surprises me is the slow nature of the medical community. First PSA test in November of 2007 showed 6.7. Had to wait a month, and the second was 6.7. Then a month to get into the urologist for DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), etc. Biopsy followed a week later, with Gleason of 4+3=7 and 12 out of 12 samples being positive. First Lupron shot was January 29. My radiation should begin mid-April. All in all, five months from the initial poor results to the radiation.

I have a 14 year old daughter and my own business. These are the reasons I push forward and fight. I found out about the cancer only nine months after a nasty divorce, and am convinced stress played a major part. This is the woman who, upon finding out I had prostate cancer, said that she was taking me back to court for more money (this was the day after receiving the biopsy results). and that she hoped my penis FELL OFF! Now, my daughter rejects me and the notion I have cancer. This is the tough part of the disease for me. Definitely a time for reassessing the important things in life. And, yes, a little depressing.

Lupron has interesting side effects beyond impotence, but they have been bearable. The muscle pain is probably the worst side effect I've experienced, followed by the fatigue. I do find myself with a severe case of apathy, but caring friends help out of this problem.

Am ready for the CT simulation on April 4th, although there is little time for this because of my schedule as a CPA.

 

UPDATED

April 2008

 

 

April 4th was the CT Sim. Simply put, they position the body on the machine so that the radiation can be accurately aimed. The catheter was painful - they use it to inject dye into the bladder. Also, the tatoos at the end (particularly the one right over the prostate) are a little painful. But, it's over, and I'm that much closer to getting to radiation! The radiation oncologist reaffirmed that the 12/12 biopsy results with average cancer coverage of 60% make radiation the only choice. I sure hope he's right!!!

One good thing emotionally is that my daughter called several times while I was still on the CT machine, asking how I was doing. Perhaps the reality is setting in a little for her.

Lupron is still leaving my lower end weak, but am fighting that with three vigorous strength training sessions a week.

 

UPDATED

August 2008

 

 

I finished radiation (43 treatments) July 3rd. Doctors then advised I'd need Lupron for 2 years. Was way depressed over that. At that point, I had to go to to the bathroom about every 5 minutes, even with Flow Max.

In mid-July, even with the Lupron, things down below started working - I was no longer impotent. That was a turning point of major magnitude. Now, 6 weeks later, I only get up 2 or 3 times a night to urinate, and things still work! The doctors are very surprised, but can't figure out why.

I have lost 35 pounds since this was diagnosed in January, and work out with a personal trainer 3 days per week. Also, I now eat right most of the time. Things are much, much better, and the only significant problems I have are hot flashes and some depression. The exercise program, in my opinion, is the key, since I seldom have significant muscle pain.

The bottom line is that I am looking much better, and overall feel better than I've felt in years - thanks to diet and exercise.

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

My PSA remains at 0. One more Lupron shot December 23, and then I go to 6 month visits. Hot flashes are greatly reduced- 4 or 5 a week. Tried going off the Flow Max, but had to go right back on, even though Doctor says my prostate is now normal sized. But, flow is normal with Flow Max, so no big deal.

Still basically impotent because of Lupron, but sometimes things work, so I think sex life will be ok once off the Lupron. Still emotional at times - can't wait to be off the Lupron.

Otherwise, all is well-thank goodness I have the best medical care!

Good luck to everyone!