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Pat Inglese and Dorothy live in Georgia USA. He was 65 when he was diagnosed on January 15, 2009. His initial PSA was 4.9 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and although he does not know his staging it seems likely he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer January of 2009. I initially decided to go the HIFU route but changed my mind because I had read some articles on the Internet regarding rectal issues. I have had rectal problems for the past 10 years and worried that HIFU could possibly make it worse.

I have consulted with two Urologist and wasn't satisfied with their recommendations. I now have an appointment with an Oncologist to get an unbiased opinion. I'm in good health and want to make sure I make the right decision, but hope that I haven't taken too much time to decide.

 

UPDATED

August 2009

 

 

It has been seven months since I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

I have been to seven different doctors and as we all know was advised to take each one of each doctor's special treatment.

I started out thinking about HIFU and went a complete 380 degrees back to HIFU. I know it is not FDA approved but with seven months of study under my belt I think it is the way to go. Since radiation keeps on giving and surgery according what I have read is a lot more risky because of infection and it seems that incontinence and impotence are a higher factor then with HIFU.

The only question I have regarding HIFU is how does the uretha regenerate it's self..after basically being destroyed by the heat from the ultrasound?

I will probably schedule my HIFU for sometime in September. Since I am a Gleason 7 I don't think I should wait to much longer.

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

After nine months of watchful waiting and studying the various procedures. I decide to go with what I considered the best procedure for me. I went to Nassau on October 30, 2009 and had the HIFU procedure done by Dr. Scionti. It pretty much went flawless no real pain just a suprapubic catheter which is somewhat annoying but worth the results. It has been one week since the procedure and I am doing just fine. Dr. Scionti was great through the whole process. He was always available either by cell or e-mail which made me feel good about being in Atlanta with my Doctor in New York.

I will continue to update as the months go on. I will now anxiously wait (3) months to see the results of my first PSA.

 

UPDATED

February 2010

 

 

I had my HIFU procedure on October 31, 2009 in Nassau the Bahamas. I had my first PSA on January 26, 2010 and the really good news is - it was undetectable! Needless to say I'm very happy that I decided to go with HIFU. I am pretty much back to normal and can't believe looking back why HIFU hasn't been FDA approved. Maybe I'm being too optimistic after only 3 ½ months, but I sure am excited with the results so far.

 

UPDATED

June 2011

 

 

It is now over 1 year and 8 months since my HIFU procedure in Nassau. I am feeling fine for my age and continue to feel that HIFU was the way to go. Even though one of the after effects was a stricture at the bladder neck. I consulted with my Doctor and we both agreed that the scaring is not sufficient to warrant the procedure to cut away the scar tissue.

I have a weak stream so it takes a little longer but it doesn't affect my quality of life.

Pat's e-mail address is: inglesep@bellsouth.net