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Phil Katz and Bev live in Florida, USA. He was 62 when he was diagnosed on February 1, 2009. His initial PSA was 6.7 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy). Here is his story.

Basically, as others have said it before me, getting the diagnosis of prostate cancer is a tough pill to swallow. I think at first, we say there must be a mistake. Once the shock wears off we start thinking of what, where and why.

The first thing I did was run to my laptop and start reading all I could about the subject. There is no way possible for someone to read what is on the internet that is PCa related. Thus we have the first problem, what is the best thing to do. When there are experts, all over the net, telling us their opinion on what is best, it becomes overwhelming and very confusing.

My Urologist explained all the various treatments available and the stats on the side effects. His opinion was to do seed implant (Brachytherapy). I thought this strange because he was a urology surgeon. I had been told he would probably recommend removal, so I was definitely puzzled that he was willing to refer me to a radiation oncologist. I went to the rad oncologist (Dr John Barrett MD, PHD in Lakeland, Fl.) and he initially recommended the seed implant also. At the time my prostate was 68 cm which was too large to implant. I was given a shot of Lupron and a script of Avodart and told to come back after 3 months.

What happened next somewhat pisses me off. After 3 months my prostate size had diminished enough but during a CAT scan, they said my pelvic bone, was such, that it made a implant procedure, somewhat doubtful. My pubic bone opening was not conducive to reaching the total volume of the gland with seeds. It was at this time that the oncologist recommended IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy). He said I would get 43 treatments over an 8 1/2 week period. After some reluctance on my part and a lot of research and testimonials, I agreed.

This website helped me a great deal in making the decision to get IGRT. To make a long story short, I have had 31 treatments up to today September 29, 2009 with just 12 more to go. Side effects have not been too bad up to this point. Frequency to urinate, additional bowel movements per day( good way to lose weight), and some minor fatigue. The worst part so far has been the inconvenience of having to go everyday except Saturdays and Sundays. I work for the Florida Dept. of Transportation and these treatments have not caused me to miss any time from work. My treatments are at 5:30 pm and only take about 15 minutes. The cancer center I get treated at is 25 miles from my house, so the 50 mile ride after work can be slightly a pain in the butt.

Another way this website helped me, is I found another member who is also getting the same type of treatments as me in Fort Worth Texas. His name is Gary I, and he doesn't know how much his emails have meant to me during the last 1 1/2 months. It's been so comforting to have someone else going through the same experience and being able to let each other know how we are doing or what we are experiencing. Him and I may never meet face to face but I really feel like we will always be friends.

I don't know the final outcome of these treatments, but at this time, I would have to say, if I had to make the decision again, I would choose IGRT. I hope, I do not have to ever, decide what to do again. I will continue to follow up to show my progress as time goes by.

If Gary I ever reads my story, I truly want to say thanks for all the help you gave me.

 

UPDATED

November 2009

 

 

Well I just had my first post treatment checkup with the radiation oncologist and I am overjoyed that my PSA went from 6.7 prior to treatment to less than point 1 (0.10). I was hoping for a drop, but not this dramatic. Even though I am elated with this result, based on all I have read in the past year or so, I know there is a good likelihood that the PSA can start climbing again. As the testoterone starts reproducing the PSA can start to rise.

My next appointment is in six months so I hope my update will be as satisfying as this one. The side effects have pretty much diminished to where I was as treatments began. Prior to treatments I used to take Flomax once per day due to a weak stream. I still continue to take this but the stream seems to be getting stronger so I will be weaning myself of the Flomax soon (I hope).

I can't thank the people at The Cancer Care Center in Lakeland Florida for all they did for me. Doctor John Barrett and his nurse Maryjane, the technologists Renee, Virginia, Jennifer and several others were very professional and caring for my battle against this dreaded disease.

Final score: Phil 1 Prostate Cancer 0

 

UPDATED

March 2010

 

 

As an update, it is now 4 months since completing 43 treatments of IMRT and I feel pretty good.

My strength is slowly coming back and I look forward to living cancer free for the next 100 years.LOL

 

UPDATED

June 2010

 

 

Just had my 6 month exam. PSA is 0.40 and DRE was normal.

Based on this news I am understandably very elated and relieved. Will be having follow up in 6 months so all I can say is, best of luck to you, and I hope you have the same result.

 

UPDATED

July 2011

 

 

Really not to much to report. Since treatment ended in Oct. 2009 I see my Radiation Oncologist every six months and get checked.

So far I am happy to report my PSA is at 0.5 and no real after effects.

I am having a colonoscopy tomorrow morning to see if the radiation had any affect in that area as well as getting the usual checkup.

So far so good.

Phil's e-mail address is: pkatz3@tampabay.rr.com