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Richard M and Cathy live in Reno, Nevada, USA. He was 63 when he was diagnosed on February 13, 2007. His initial PSA was 5.5 ng/ml, His Gleason Score was 3+3= 6 and he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to what treatment he should have. Here is his (brief) story.

I'm overwhelmed with information at this point, tending towards daVinci surgery at City of Hope.

"Doctors tell you to do what they do. Other patients tell you to do what they did."

UPDATED

March 17, 2007

 

After reading, listening and thinking for several weeks, I've finally decided on proton beam therapy at Loma Linda. The best source of information was other patients, especially this site.

"What you conclude is best for you, will be the best treatment for you."

"The proton compares to other forms of radiation like a rifle compares to a shotgun."

UPDATED

April, 2007

 

I am scheduled to start at Loma Linda May 7, 2007.

UPDATED

June, 2007

 

Arrived at Loma Linda May 7 Treatment started May 14, my 64 birthday It has been an AWESOME experience- medical folks are very professional; fellow patients are very supportive I have 3 treatments done, 44 remaining.

 

UPDATED

December 2007

 

Completed treatment July 17. I learned a lot about the concepts of curing and healing. Curing involved the treatments and the protons. Healing is about getting your head back together. The environment at Loma Linda was very conducive to healing. I met some wonderful people and never felt alone.

I've continued my healing process by joining a local all-cancer support group that meets each Monday. Had my first urologist visit and PSA Nov 16.

Only side effect has been frequent urination (3X or more nightly)

 

UPDATED

December 2008

 

Life is great! Proton was clearly the best choice for me.

Richard has a video which contains some good information for anyone who is touched by prostate cancer: personally, a family member or a friend on his site. The reporter had the same treatment at the same facility as the reporter, one year after Richard. This is not medical advice, merely a "feel good" piece about a "feel bad" situation.

 

UPDATED

March 2010

 

Richard's current PSA is 0.17 and he says:

Although I consider myself cured, healing is work in progress. Curing is what the doctors and technology does. Healing comes from faith, friends and your attitude to the disease. Look at this site for a great piece on curing vs. healing

 

UPDATED

March 2011

 

 

Richard's current PSA is 0.19 and he says:

Looking forward to the big five year anniversary in just over a year!

I've talked to many others diagnosed with prostate cancer. I've made it a point to focus on biases:

1. doctors tend to be biased about what they do

2. patients are even more biased about what they've done

Your cancer, your choice.

Richard's e-mail address is: uscga65@gmail.com