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BRONZE

Mark Greene lives in Cleveland, UK. He was 59 when he was diagnosed on April 30, 2010. His initial PSA was 2.7 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was graded in terms of the new guidelines as 8 (3+4+5=8) - previously he would have had a Gleason Score of 7 and although he does not give a staging, it seems likely he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was RP (Radical Prostatectomy). Here is his story.

My brother was diagnosed at 53 and my other brother at 57. Both had their prostate glands removed with success. I suffered from depression for several years and my doctor was not diligent and I was not able to be my own advocate. I later learned I was in the top risk category.

I went to a urologist for a different matter and they sent me straight away for a biopsy. After the report on the biopsy I was scheduled for surgery five weeks later. The MRI was clear and the bone scan as well. The doctors predicted only doom and gloom. Because of the high grade of cancer, they chose to remove the lymph glands and the nerve bundle on the most infected side.

I am still at home recovering from surgery and I have just received the results over the phone and I was informed that there was no spread out of the prostate. I will need to go in for follow-up PSA levels regularly. I am told I could have ED.

I would like to share my story to give hope to others who have also had a very bad diagnosis [Although Mark's view is understandable, his diagnosis cannot really be regarded as a 'very bad' one in the absence of any other poor diagnostic features].

 

UPDATED

July 2011

 

 

It has been just over one year since my operation. My PSA levels have remained at 0.

The doctor left me with one nerve bundle, although the one he took was healthy. After surgery, I was placed on a low dosage of Viagra daily. [See Use It Or Lose It for some views on this approach.] The idea was to stimulate blood flow in the zone. It raised my blood pressure and it was either treat the blood pressure or stop the Viagra. I still suffer with ED and Viagra does nothing for me. I am pleased to know there are other ways to be intimate. However, I have not dealt with the whole issue as well as I could have.

I still suffer from depression and I gained 40 lbs. and I drink too much.

I am still happy to be alive.

Mark's e-mail address is: mark.alexander@live.co.uk