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PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Jim R and Lois live in Ohio, USA. He was 37 when he was diagnosed on June 30, 2009. His initial PSA was 0.72 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and he was staged T2c. His choice of treatment was Robotic surgery. Here is his story.

I started having problems eight years ago with prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis. My symptoms were left testicle pain, left groin pain and blood in my semen.

I underwent many tests including DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), prostate massages, CT scans, cystoscopy, MRI with endorectal coil, and ultrasound. The only test that showed anything was the prostate massage that had pus in it. I had taken large doses of Cipro, Bactrim, and Leviquin. I responded to the meds and my symptoms got better.

I started to leave on vacation in May 2009 when I started again with blood in my semen but this time it was worse. My urologist and I decided to do a biopsy. On June 22, 2009 I had a prostate biopsy at Ohio State Medical Center. On June 30, 2009 I was told that three of the 12 cores were positive for cancer.

I chose to have a robotic prostatectomy. My surgery was August 7,2009 at the OSU'S James Cancer Hospital. I spent four days in the hospital and had the catheter for ten days.

It is now three months since surgery and my PSA on September 28th was 0! I am still having some leakage, but can get an erection with meds. I would like to speak with others my age.

Thank You,
Jim R

 

UPDATED

March 2011

 

 

Since surgery I have just been monitoring my PSA. First it was every three months but now I was moved to every six months. It has always been undetectable!

I have very little incontinence but I am still self-conscious about it. I only wear a pad when I go out somewhere fancy!

The ED clinic at Ohio State has been very helpful. With meds I can usually get 85% erect. I used a vacuum pump on a regular basis for the first 12 months or let the meds, which insurance only paid for three a month, work.

I will still get depressed from time to time but the different support groups and other survivors have helped me through!

Jim's e-mail address is: jimrap2003@aol.com