YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Kenneth Horn lives in New Hampshire, U. S.A. He was 59 when he was diagnosed on January 23, 2009. His initial PSA was 53.0 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+4 = 7 and although he says he was staged T3, this appears to be the pathological staging, not the clinical staging which would likely have been T1c. His choice of treatment was Radiation IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy). Here is his story.

Like many others I started to notice issues discomfort when urinating and frequent late night wake ups. Since I had prostatitis in my 30's I knew it was an issue.

Went to Doctor in early December 2008 and he performed DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) as well as PSA test. Result came back and my PSA was 53.0 ng/ml.

Scheduled visit to Urologist where after he examined and talked he felt biopsy needed. Biopsy was performed early January 2009 - 8 cores taken. On January 23, 2009 doctor informed me I had cancer. 6 of 8 samples showed with a Gleason score of 7. Stated that it was 3 + 4 and with PSA level was staged at T3. [The PSA level is not part of the staging process which is described here. It seems that this notional stage may have been from the Partin's Tables.] I then had complete Bone scan and Pelvic MRI with die injection. Both came back negative.

I then had to decide on treatment. Believe me no easy thing. Saw Radiologist and Surgeon. Surgeon wanted to perform complete removal. Radiologist would perform IMRT treatment over 8 weeks along with Hormone treatment. Bought Walsh's book and read. Read some online and talk with someone who had gone through surgery. On February 23 met with Urologist and decided on radiation with hormone. Started treatment the next week March 1st 2009.

Can give more on how treatment went if like.

Thanks

 

UPDATED

September 2009

 

 

After finishing my radiation treatment at end of May I completed one more month on Lupron. Scheduled to visit doctor at end of August.

I would have to say the radiation treatment for me was not all that bad. After first 3 weeks experienced some bowel issues but was minor. Toward the end I was noticing more fatigue.

The hormone treatments consisted of one shot each month for three months beginning in April. Minor side effects I experienced were hot flashes and some aching discomfort. Not sure if I would stay on this if needed for long term.

My urinary problems are minor now. Flow is good still have the wake up calls at night but only once or twice at most.

Lab work was performed first week of September. Report came back with a PSA of 1.57. Doctor would like to have seen zero, of course so would I, but for now will do watch and wait till end of November when I will retest for PSA.

Here's hoping for good results then.

 

UPDATED

December 2009

 

 

Has been six months since last radiation treatment and Lupron injection. Visit to doctor this week in December and was pleased to find my PSA was 0.3. and doctor said prostrate felt normal.

His words "you beat the odds". It may be what this is all about. I am scheduled for another check-up in March along with a full bladder scan. Sounds like fun.

Do I believe I am cured? Don't believe they have found a cure, I am just beating the odds : ) Well here's hoping for a great Spring visit.

Keep beating those odds my fellow YANA members!

 

UPDATED

November 2010

 

 

Well has almost been two years since I first received my diagnosis. It has been quite a ride.

In February of this year I came down with Diverticulitis. I was taken to hospital and had surgery to remove a portion of my lower intestine and a temporary colostomy (reconnected in July). I wondered and asked if this was from the treatment of my prostrate cancer was told it was not. Something for all to think about.

I had never had a colonoscopy I probably should have. Did the biopsy, marker implants, and radiation aggravate my colon? Ask your doctor about it may save yourself some headaches.

Okay back to my main issue prostate. I have seen my PSA increase over the last year. I just finished latest reading at 1.47. The Doctor says I have doubled since last time and wants to look at castration.[Presumably this would be 'chemical castration' - intermittent ADT rather than physical castration or orchidectomy.] He believes that this will buy time. For me I will read more and try to weigh and understand options. [The so called radiation "bump" occcurs in many men who have chosen radiation treatment in this type of time frame. In those csses the PSA rises (possibly due to radiation proctitis) and reaches a plateau before desending or stabilising.]

Hopefully I can post more on this journey as time goes. For now stay happy, enjoy life and get that Colon checked : )

Kenneth's e-mail address is: horn50@comcast.net