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Richard Brock and Sherry live in Florida, USA. He was 57 when he was diagnosed in October 2003. His initial PSA was 4.8 ng/ml and his Gleason Score was 3+4=7. Although he gives his staging as T3a N1, this is in fact a pathological, post operative staging. It seems likely that his initial diagnostic staging would have been T1c. The treatment he chose was Radical Prostatectomy. Here is his story :

THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2010 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

At 57 and in excellent health, I choose radical prostatectomy as a 4.8 ng/ml PSA indicated good chances of a confined tumor.

During the surgery, the quick lymph node exam indicated negative, however after surgery, my lymph nodes proved positive (N1) although my margins were free. My Gleason Grade was also said to be 4+4=8.

I consulted three different doctors and the consensus was to not radiate, start Zoladex, and watch my PSA.

After 20 months of undetectable PSA, my PSA reading in August 2005 was 0.7 ng/ml. I was started on Casodex and 3 months later my PSA was 0.6 ng/ml. Three (3) months later, though, my PSA reading was 1.7 ng/ml.

The two doctors I rely on the most each recommended I start Taxotere chemotherapy - which I start March 3, 2006.

I am very anxious and on-edge as my PSAV indicates tumor growth, however my readings are still very low.

 

UPDATED

April 2006

 

I have been through 5 treatments of Taxotere and my PSA is remaining level. The treatments are somewhat disruptive, but do not prohibit me from leading a relatively normal life - I am still working full time during this treatment. Although it is very early in the treatment, I'm optimistic that I can control my PC and anxious to get through the remaining treatments.

 

UPDATED

June 2006

 

 

I have now been through 12 Taxotere treatments and my PSA has gone from 1.70 ng/ml to 0.30 ng/ml. I have become more tolerant of the Taxotere as I had some discomforts in the beginning (even though it was not bad). My doctor has given me an extra week off on two occasions – the prescribed regimen is and I have had twice. I have six more treatments scheduled then the plan is to watch my PSA. Depending on how fast it rises, will restart Taxotere (if it is reasonable slow) or switch to a mixture of chemotherapies (if it rises fast). I remain on hormone shots.

 

I would be interested in any others with diagnosed metastasized PC.

 

UPDATED

February 2008

 

 

I finished Taxotere in July, 2006 - one treatment short of the plan. My PSA was down to 0.2 ng/ml and there was no reason to continue at that level. Over the next 7 months, my PSA slowly rose to 1.6 and the Doc decided to add Casodex to the Zoladex that I had been taking.

This time the Casodex seemed to get a reaction. The last time I was on Casodex, there was a very small drop followed by another slow gain. From March, 2007 to now (11 months), my PSA dropped to 0.8 and rose back to 1.4. During these last 2 years since stopping Taxotere, I had a knee replacement, lost 38 pounds, and have enjoyed living in Florida.

I'm not sure what the future holds, but I'm living life and feeling good.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

After finishing Taxotere in July 2006, I have been on a slow incline in PSA to 3.7 as of March 2009. My Oncologist is extremely pleased with my results. Our strategy at the moment is to utilize Taxotere when my PSA shows signs of jumping or the doubling time decreases significantly. If the first round of Taxotere is an indication, it seems to work with my chemistry.

Some of my concerns are that the ADT is slowly reducing my QOL as I have noticed some decline in energy and some fatigue. I am still very active and working at my job about 50 to 55 hours a week. I plan to keep my positive attitude and to stay active.

Best wishes to everyone reading this.

Richard