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BRONZE

Jim Driver and Y live in Edinburgh, Scotland . He was 62 when he was diagnosed on 30 August 2007. His initial PSA was 3.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c . He is undecided as to his choice of treatment - Here is his story.

Having agreed to take part in the ProtecT study several months ago where my PSA was initially recorded as 3.0 ng/ml and then 2,8 ng/ml when I wished it checked. And having today visited the Urology department regarding Peyronie's disease, I was asked to meet the consultant who provided me with the results of my biopsy.

He advised there were signs of cancer and three options. (1) Radical prostatectomy (2) active monitoring (3) Radical radiotherapy.

I've just returned home and as you can imagine very confused and upset. I need to break this news to my beloved and dread doing so. Our goal is to move to the meditation and stay there. - Shit happens.

Will need to consider options. Glass of wine at present.

Thanks for tripping across your site.

I'll keep you posted.

 

UPDATED

FEBRUARY 2008

 

 

I have another appointment with my consultant next month and will update you then. I have decided not to go for Brachytherapy as I have had Ulcerative Colitus previously.

My PSA is rising slowly and at my last meeting there was no talk of surgery. Had a recent discussion on the Da Vinci robotic surgery but unfortunately the hospital in Edinburgh doesn't have this capability, although they are pushing for the machine. Difficultly I believe is not the initial outlay but the running costs. As you can see I am of the mind at present to have my prostrate removed later this year, however depends on my condition. Key hole surgery.

I am beginning to live with this although it does play on my mind. I also got married a week past Friday after 18 years together - just in case to ensure things are tied up properly.

 

UPDATED

July 2008

 

 

My appointment in June showed a drop in my PSA to 2.8 (pleased). Maybe due to taking a selenium tablet or brazil/hazelnuts and processes tomatoes (various). When possible trying food with chilli in it now also.

My consultant wants another biopsy in September. I was concerned as an engineer that this may have the effect of potentially spreading the cancer. However was assured this would not be the case. If anyone has any knowledge of this and my concern I would be pleased to hear from them. [This was discussed on the Forum on APRIL 26, 2008]

I'll continue with the wait and see.

 

UPDATED

October 2008

 

 

Just to let you know that my second biopsy was exacty the same as the first one. However I have decided to have the prostate removed and hopefully this will be done in December. I believe that being pretty fit and not having any major problems there will be more of a chance of complete recovery much sooner rather than waiting to something really needs to be done.

I'll keep you posted

Best wishes...Jim

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

19-December-2008 Prostatectomy operation. Four day stay. Readmitted after one day. Royal & Western General. Potential Heart condition and stomach pain. Paramedic call out. Royal Overnight OK the Western general for 3 days OK.

29-December-2008 Cystogram - No leak

11-February-2009 Hospital appointment 6 to 8 pads per day. 2 pills (Viagra and Solifenacin) and specialist Physio

13-May-2009 Hospital appointment (HP). Average 3 pads per day. Use tissue as barrier. Viagra cancelled and now Cialis and MUSE pellets

16-September-2009 HP. Average 1 to 2 pads per day and tissue barrier. Cialis and Muse no effect. Must remember to do Pelvic Floor Exercise.

18-November-2009 Doctor. All blood samples OK, Blood count 16.9. Try Muse 500. 3 pads per day. Pills/Muse don't work. Continue to be tired and exercise is a problem. Lack strength.

I addition I need to get some excercise to keep the weight off - frustrating that I feel lethargic. No strength - maybe my age - 64. The only problem is that I tend to leak whilst exercising. Starting to use the Wii Fit so should help However things have improved in that area. With regard to erectile dysfunction, I'm starting to realise that that is something I may have to live with. Still it's away ahead to the other choice in my book.

 

UPDATED

April 2011

 

I was to have my PSA checked last week but had to cancel. I was waiting to have these results prior to getting in touch. I will have the blood test next week and it should be a couple of weeks thereafter.

However everything is going OK. Still a bit incontinent and the erectile dysfunction is something I will have to live with. Tried all the now remedies for this that I can without success..

Jim's e-mail address is: jim.driver@btinternet.com