YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Joe Mc and Norma live in Florida, USA. He was 78 when he was diagnosed in March, 2009. His initial PSA was 23.4 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 9 and although he does not give a staging it seems likely that he was staged T1c . His choice of treatment was Eligard Hormone Treatment. Here is his story.

I had biopsy in Feb/Mar 2009, with resultant aggressive prostate cancer in all twelve biopsy samples. Had immediate hormone treatment with anticipated radiation therapy to begin in six to eight weeks. MRI of bones proved to be negative for any spread to the bones, however bladder tests to determine condition of OAB (over active bladder), caused by past spinal injury, proved poor and the doctor decided against proposed radiation therapy or surgery because of this poor condition indicating that it would decrease quality of life due to severe incontinence.

My PSA has returned to 1.4 and a CAT scan was performed a few days ago, which I have not yet had results. I would appreciate any input from anyone with a condition similar to mine and what their feelings regarding how to approach the situation. Is watchful waiting (using hormone injections) the only option for me since my severe bladder condition plays a role in my treatment?

My overall physical condition remains fairly stable, but the Eligard hormone treatment has left me with severe lack of energy. I continue however, to go the "Y" daily to exercise and have been able to keep my weight somewhat stable.

Also, a second thought...has anyone tried acupuncture for treatment of severe OAB?

Thanks for any info you can give me!

 

UPDATED

October 2010

 

 

Since writing you last I have seen a lot of changes in my lifestyle.

In November 2009, I had my bladder and prostate removed. My bladder was not cancerous, but was non-functioning and I now have a urostomy. This has been very difficult to adjust since I contacted an infection in hospital and had a wound VAC (vacuum assisted closure) attached until February. After the wound VAC was removed I had a series of infections that required hospitalization five times since March. Stents were placed in my urethras just recently hoping to stem these infections due to urine back-flowing into the kidneys.

My prostate cancer has taken a back seat to this situation, but my PSA levels are practically non-existent and I am still on Eligard. This is a plus!

I would love to speak with anyone out there that has a similar situation as mine, as I understand we are not alone in our predicaments, however, mine is an unusual case. Positive thinking can sometimes be overshadowed by daily struggles, but I persevere.

Joe

Joe's e-mail address is: nmcculliss@hotmail.com