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Ken E and Jean live in Maryland, USA. He was 64 when he was diagnosed in July 2009. His initial PSA was 6.8 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.

I am still in the initial PC stage since it has been approximately 2 ½ months since I first learned that I had prostate cancer. My first indication was when my PSA went from the mid 3's to 6.8. My primary care doctor sent me to an urologist (who is also a surgeon). The first thing the urologist did was to set me up for a biopsy which revealed that 3 of the 12 samples had cancer. I then had a full body bone scan and a pelvic cat scan.

These reveal that the cancer had not spread and is confined to the prostate.. Only one of the quadrants had cancer. I've had a Trelstar injection and was on Bicalutamide (just finished 30 days) with no noticeable ill effects (other than a few hot flashes). In a few days I see a radiation oncologist to discuss seeding, radiation, and/or a combination. My urologist, who does not feel that my cancer requires surgery, assures me that this person is a "superstar".. Time will tell. My urologist also says that I must decide my course of action.

My reaction to the fact that I have prostate cancer has been minimal. The one thing that my wife and I have done is to cancel a contract we put on a new home.. The thought of moving after 28 years in our current home and having to deal with the prostate cancer was just too much for me. Maybe I am using the cancer as an excuse of getting out of the chore of cleaning out our current home.

Today, I found YANA... Never too late. Tomorrow I go to my first support group meeting (US TOO). My urologist really did not give me much guidance other than telling me that I had three treatment options and asking what I had found on the internet. So, I have been doing a lot of surfing!!

 

UPDATED

December 2009

 

 

Since my initial submission to YANA, I decided on brachytherapy for my treatment. I really felt that this was the best for me. I wanted my treatment near home and found a radiation oncologist who has been doing this since 1996 (approx 2,000 procedures performed). My procedure was done 12/7/2009 and required 107 palladium-107 seeds. I will be following up with both the urologist and radiation oncologist the first week of January. If cold spots are found, additional seeds may be required.

Why did I chose this course of action? In my mind, there were two main paths, watchful waiting or treatment. Watchful waiting was just not for me.. I could never have kept up with the continual monitoring and was concerned of my PC getting worse... I had to be proactive and attack this beast now.

The sucess rate was about the same for all the treatments. Surgery was not for me -- the surgeon may sneeze or get the hiccups as he/she was going about their business on me...I say this sort of "tongue in cheek" but....

Radiation beams treatment take too long (40+ treatments) and may damage neighboring organs..

That left brachytherapy. I am comfortable with the treatment I chose. I know there are pros and cons to any choice ---- it is up to the individual as to what path is best for them...

 

UPDATED

March 2010

 

 

Looking at what I had previously written I see that I made a slight error --- I had 103 Palladium-103 seeds, not the 7s.

I saw my radiation oncologist. My pelvic scan showed that the seed placements are perfect. From his viewpoint, everything looks good and my next appointment will be in 6 months. I just heard from the urologist. My first PSA reading 3 months after the seeding is 0.9 -- down from 6.8 in the summer of 2009.. All I can say is WOW!! Needless to say, I am very happy. Time will tell if it stays this way -- got my fingers crossed.

The only issues that I am having is that I still pee a lot. I get up 2-3 times at night but this is probably due to the fact that I have too much to drink (NON-ALCOHOLIC) at night. Also, I still have pee urges. I try to walk 2 (+/-) miles a day. Seems that my life now centers around where the nearest toilet is! I understand that this issue will go away.

My urologist has asked that I begin taking THERALOGIX PROSTATE 2.3, a nutritional supplement.[Note that this product has not been evaluated by the FDA and there is no evidence on the website as to what, if any studies have been carried out on the product.] My vitamin D levels are low. This also contains other stuff for a strong prostate.

My next appointment with the urologist is in June and with the radiation oncologist is in October.

 

UPDATED

March 2011

 

 

Since my last update I have had no side effects related to my prostate cancer, other than the urge to pee which has greatly diminished. A while back I was able to to a 3 mile walk without searching for the loo.

My bowels have been normal - I do take metamucil most days but this is something that I should probably taken prior to the PCa event.

Until three months ago my PSA remained at 0.9. Then it jumped to 1.9. I have read that the PSA may bounce so at this point I am not too concerned. Today I had blood drawn for the PSA test and will see my urologist next week to see how things stand.

I will try to update with my PSA results next week.. Take care...

 

UPDATED

April 2011

 

 

Early this month (April) I had my PSA checked and saw my urologist.

My PSA was 3.0 up from 1.9 in Dec/Jan. My urologist advises I am in the "PSA Bounce" and not to worry.

My next PSA check will be in July.

 

UPDATED

July 2011

 

 

PSA is improving. My PSA test results was 1.5 - down from 3.0 three months ago. Still seeing my urologist every three months. Next appointment will be in October 2011. My urologist advised that we will probably be spreading my appointments out, like to six months or a year.

Hope everyone has a good summer, Ken.

Ken's e-mail address is: wkeisterjr@hotmail.com