YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

SILVER

Gym Hog-it lives in Idaho, USA. He was 54 when he was diagnosed in June 2004. His initial PSA was 5.02 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 9 and he was staged T3NOMX. His choice of treatment was retro radical prostatectomy. Here is his story.

For several years I'd had decreased urinary function and strange, severe cramps in my anal area. My doctor said that my prostate was slightly enlarged but nothing to worry about.

In 2003 I retired at moved to Idaho. The move delayed my annual exam by about six months. During my first digital exam with the new doctor he said "Oh - that has to come out!" He felt a rough lump on my prostate indicating that the cancer had broken out of the capsule. My urologist agreed. I had a biopsy (24 samples, 20 of which were malignant with Gleason of 9), a bone scan (clear), a CT scan (unremarkable) and a test called ProstaScint (unremarkable.) I took Casodex and Lupron before surgery. The doctor said that nerve-sparing would not be recommended. Had the surgery on Sept 14, 2004.

Volume of the prostate was 34.7cc with a positive apical margin and multi-focal capsular penetration. Seminal vesicles and lymph nodes were clear.

I had external radiation treatment after healing, ending on Feb 28, 2005 with treatment on 39 out of 55 days and a total dose of 7020 cGY.

I am happy with my mild incontinence - I cut a "man guard" pad in half and it lasts all day. The radiation affected my bowel habits - two to five bms per day with loose stools and very little "lead time".

PSA stayed below 0.1 for 40 months and then began to rise. I am six months into an eight month regimen of Lupron. I think it is making me fat and lazy. My PSA is back down below 0.01.

I have total erectile dysfunction. Tried oral pills (nothing), the pump (gross), Muse (a pill you stick up the urethra, painful.) What does the trick is something call "Trimix" - you inject 100mm directly into the side of the penis. Sounds terrible, but it works.

Life is good.

 

UPDATED

February 2011

 

 

Completed my second round of ADT of Lupron and Casodex about two months ago. In addition, a prostate cancer expert at University of Washington Med Ctr recommended I take Avodart 365 days per year. Even though there is no clinical proof that it will help (I have no prostate), he said it makes sense.

Took Avodart for a year and have noticed that ADT side effects persist - breasts are still sore and no sex drive. Have decided to give Avodart a rest and see if I can get back some interest in sex at the request of my wife. Also noticed that testicles feel like mush.

Gym's e-mail address is: weliveintwinfalls@juno.com