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Lloyd L and Kim live in Washington, USA. Lloyd was 61when he was diagnosed on 27 May 2005. His initial PSA was 1.4 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T2b. He is undecided as to his treatment choice at this stage. Here is his story:

 

DRE during physical earlier this year by family doctor indicated a hard spot on one side, recomended to get a biopsy by urologist in May, which found Gleason of 3+3=6, adenocarcinoma in both prostatic lobes. There was a 1 mm focus in one of four cores in the left lobe, and a 1.5 mm focus in one of four cores on the right. PSA was 1.4 and gland is 18.2 gms in size.. Staged at T2b PCa.

Options were Radical Prostatectomy, radiation therapy by external beam or seed implant, cyrotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy as well as watchful waiting.

 

I went to another urologist in the Seattle area who is supposed to be the first in the area to utilize the Da Vinci Robotic, talked about the surgery with the Robotic and watchful waiting. So for the time being, I haven't made the commitment for surgery yet but will probably do so.

I am inclined to do some watchful waiting with my low PSA and relatively small carcinomas.

Would like to hear from anyone with experience or knowledge of someone's experience getting the Robotic surgery in the Seattle area.

 

UPDATED

October 2006

 

Lloyd's PSA is 2.0 ng/ml. Here is his update:

Currently happy that I did not go through with any of the doctor recommended treatments.

I am watching my diet real close with a minimum of red meats and animal fats and processed foods. taking vitamins, saw palmetto, fish oil, pomegranite juice, was taking a concentrated soy bean extract for while, exercising, walk a couple miles or more, most days, which I have done for years. Cut way down on the hard liquor, drink red wine at evening meal time along with a fresh salad most days.

I really appreciate all the info I have gleaned off of this website, it definitely saved me from a big mistake with unnecessary doctor recomended surgery/ treatment, with some very negative possible side effects.

Regards Lloyd

 

 

UPDATED

December 2007

 

November 2007, still continuing with the careful diet and exercise as described last year.

Two PSA tests over the last year indicated a sight rise to 2.1 ng/ml and 2.3 ng/ml.

Visit with a different specialist, recommended I do another biopsy which I refused, I plan to continue with WW until I see at least a 4.0 ng/ml on the PSA, or have other symptoms.

Regards LL Seattle .

 

 

UPDATED

January 2009

 

 

Had two more PSA tests earlier last year, 2008, both in the range of 2.2 I figured I was doing pretty good, so I kind of fell away from my healthy diet, more red meat, fast food etc. not much pomegranate juice, missed a lot of saw palmetto supplements, didn't take my vitamins or saw palmetto's for over a month just before last PSA test this Jan 2009 - plenty of red wine though.

DRE was normal, however PSA test, came back at 3.2. Current family doctor really alarmed about a 50% increase - recommending that I go back to Uro doc. I already know first thing he will want is another biopsy, so I have an appointment in late April.

However I am going back on a more stringent diet, lots of broccoli and tomatoes, taking vitamins and saw palmettos, going to get another PSA in April, right before I go back to Uro doc, and if PSA is coming back down, I will cancel the Uro doc, hopefully.

UPDATED

July 2010

Not much to add, got another PSA check Nov 2009, from a volunteer public survey done by Seattle Prostate Institute, not from regular doc, came back at 3.4. As far as I am concerned that is just fine, my regular doc would probably want me to do a needle biopsy, which I am not going to do unless psa is >4.0 and I can't bring it down with diet.

Other than that, I am a little pissed at all the consternation they put me thru back in 2004, the unecessary biopsy, damage and possible contamination from reused sanitary? needles, my crotch still itches sometimes from where they inserted needles. Only good thing is it probably made me clean up my diet to the healthy side.

Special thanks to the people running this website, all info very much appreciated.

 

UPDATED

January 2012

 

Quick update.

I am more glad than ever that I did not opt for the recommended surgery or seeds and follow on treatment, radiation etc.

Although PSA about 3 months was elevated up to 4.2, I think it was from not following a good diet, not taking the saw palmetto regularly, and generally not watching my overall health. My present doctor was "very concerned" about rate of increase and wanted me to go to specialist again, but the first thing he will want is another biopsy which I really am not up for.

So I am rolling the dice and taking my chances, I'll get another PSA when I get a chance, but as for now, I think I should be pissed at the doctors who wanted to perform their "treatment" and get me on their treadmill. They have caused me a lot unnecessary mental turmoil. Thinking about how I probably would be wearing a diaper like my neighbour who had the surgery.

Best Regards

Lloyd Lytle .

Lloyd's e-mail address is: lloydlytle37@msn.com