YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Red Nighthawk and Jadnil live in Rhode Island, USA. He was 61 when he was diagnosed on July 8, 2009. His initial PSA was 4.1 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 (3+4) and he was staged T1c Nx Mx. His choice of treatment was Da Vinci Robotic Radical Prostatectomy. Here is his story.

2007--had my first urologist DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) and PSA test.

March 4, 2008--PSA 2.7

2009--PSA 4.1 and urologist insisted on biopsy

July 1, 2009 Biopsy done, 12 samples.

July 8, 2009 Urologist called to say there was evidence of a tumor.

July 10, 2009 Pathology report indicated there were cancer cells in three samples. Gleason score 7 (4+3). Urologist suggested radical prostatectomy with robotic assistance. I asked for a second pathology opinion and it came back a 7 (3+4). My urologist admitted to having only done 40 Da Vinci surgeries.

After much research, study, and prayer I decided on Da Vinci Robotic radical prostatectomy, but with a surgeon who had done over 1,100.

The cancer was confined to the prostate. Gleason grade 3+4 = 7. No lymphatic/vascular invasion. Seminal vesicles and extraprostatic soft tissue free of tumor. Inked margins free of tumor.

Used one pad per day for six weeks. Presently off pads and using two underpants to be safe. Four week post surgery ultra sensitive PSA was 0.04 - next PSA check in January. No Viagra therapy yet. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) present.

 

UPDATED

March 2011

 

 

PSAs since surgery have been 0.03, 0.02., 0.05, and the latest 0.02.

Totally continent and ED has been greatly reduced. I am back to where I was pre-diagnose and surgery. Slight ED that is corrected with generic Viagra.

So far, so good--thanks be to God and a great surgeon. It took one year and five months for the ED problem to be healed. The nerves take a while to mend I suppose..

Red's e-mail address is: JohnM141@cox.net