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Jeff Novak and Kay live in California,USA. He was 52 when he was diagnosed November 17, 2009. His initial PSA was 4.41 g/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and although he does not give his staging, it seems he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

PSA was found to be 4.41 during a routine physical. DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) did not detect any abnormalities in the gland. Ultrasound followed which showed a 'darker area' of tissue on the prostate. Proceeded to biopsy; 18 cores of which 1 was malignant; 2 samples suspect.

I have consulted with urologist and oncologist with another consult scheduled with urologist on January 28, 2010. I am about 70% on having surgery; 30% watchful waiting.

If I decide to go with surgery it will be at Loma Linda Medical Center with Da Vinci robot. Still considering watchful waiting but mostly just want to rid myself of the cancer entirely. Per physician surgery will yield a 90% long-term cure rate.

More later.

 

UPDATED

February 2010

 

 

Yes I was T1c....didn't know what that meant initially....

Well as I travel along in my journey I have come to a few different conclusions based on new discoveries. I initially was leaning towards my urologists' recommendation of robotic surgery...after all he is the MD, right? I was in the mode of 'let's just get rid of this thing' ASAP so I don't have to think about it anymore. The finality of surgery is both good and bad; GOOD - cancer probably gone. BAD - side effects are somewhat permanent after surgery, no matter the skill of the surgeons and the highly technical nature of the equipment. It just didn't set well with me to have surgery. I felt there has to be something better and less invasive.

I was fortunate to be presented with a new resource. A book written by Robert J. Marckini entitled You Can Beat Prostate Cancer and You Don't Need Surgery to Do It. A MUST read. I cannot stress to anyone who has been newly diagnosed the importance of thoroughly exploring your options [you can start by going through the options at Choices of Treatment which include Proton Beam] ; talk to specialists in every treatment discipline, more importantly talk to others who have undergone the various treatments and make the decision that will work FOR YOU......it's surprising and a bit providential, I believe, that you'll stumble upon other guys who have been diagnosed as you do your due diligence. Occasionally it'll be someone who you've previously crossed paths with in some form or fashion. Ask questions; talk to them.......most are more than willing to spend some time discussing their experiences.

I am now comfortable and settled in my decision to undergo proton treatment at Loma Linda University Med Center sometime in the next few months.

More to follow later.

 

UPDATED

April 2011

 

After 16 months of 'watchful waiting' I am ready to rid myself of this disease. Do not wish to think about it any longer so I will begin proton treatment at Loma Linda later this month. Part of the reason for moving forward is a lovely three year old Granddaughter that my wife and I have been given the responsibility to raise. Whether this is temporary or permanent only time will tell.

Surprisingly my PSA levels have declined but I do not want to be lulled into a false sense of security and as stated it's time to move on.

 

UPDATED

June 2011

 

 

Elected to undergo proton therapy after watchful waiting for twelve months. Personally needed some resolution to the disease so felt it was time to act.

I am now 17 (of 45) treatments into the process. The only noticeable side effect so far can be solved with some dietary changes. Seems veggies and fruits are NOT a good idea while undergoing treatment.

More later.

Jeff's e-mail address is: wooftwice@yahoo.com