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BRONZE

Dennis Crowley and Kerrie live in Victoria, Australia. He was 60 when he was diagnosed on August 18, 2009. His initial PSA was 8.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and although he does not give his staging it seems from his narrative that he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was LR Surgery. Here is his story.

I visited my GP recently, and asked how long since I had blood tests. It had been 21 months. I had some concerns about symptoms that I had been experiencing that could have been related to Prostate issues.

My blood tests came back with a PSA of 8.8, compared with 3.4 twenty one months earlier. My GP referred me to a Urologist who performed a Biopsy, 10 samples taken 5 showing cancer. 4 cancerous samples taken from the left side having a Gleason score of 7.

My wife and I are leaning towards RALP (Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery) Surgery, I will make the final decision as soon as possible.

 

UPDATED

September 2009

 

 

After having all the preliminary tests and discussing options with my Urologist, I decided on RALP.

This procedure was performed on Friday 11th Sept 2009, I arrived home on Monday 14th. At this early stage I must say that the procedure has been everything that I had read about. Very speedy recovery and no pain.

I received a call from my Urologist this afternoon, the Pathology report has indicated that the Cancer was totally confined to the prostate. Great News!

This Friday I will be having the catheter removed, this will be the start of a new challenge, regaining my continency.

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

I am now 8 weeks post op. I am so glad that I selected the Robotic Radical Prostecomy as the recovery has been remarkable. At the time that I posted my intial story I was unware of what stage I had it turned out to be - T2c.

I have just had my first results of PSA testing which indicated a zero/undectible reading. My continence is now totally under control. I have been back at work for 4 weeks and have played 3 rounds of golf.

Everything is great!

 

UPDATED

February 2010

 

 

On the 17th Feburary I had my second post operative review with my Urologist. The result of my PSA was 0.07 I must admit that I my initial reaction to this was that of disapointment. I was very anxious leading up to the meeting today. This was mainly due to the bad reports a close friend of mine has been receieving following a similar procedure to mine. I suppose every case is different I now have to go through another 3 months wondering what my next reading wil be. I have total continence control.

I am on a "Trimix" program to assist with my erections. This is something way out there, my urologist suggest that is very important to promote some activity in this area during the period waiting for a natural reaction. I hope he is right!!

 

UPDATED

March 2011

 

 

It has been 18 months since my operation. Apart from one PSA test, which was 0.07, my tests have been "zero undectable".

My only side effect has been my ED. Without the help of a Trimix injection there would be nothing. My Urologist is certain that this situation will rectify itself. I occaisonally wear continence pads if I know that my expected acitivties will be strenuous.

Apart from these issues I am more than satisfied with the decission to have the RALP procedure.

Dennis' e-mail address is: dennis@beaverswimschool.com.au