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Robert Peterson and Sara live in Michigan, USA. He was 60 when he was diagnosed on December 2, 2008. His initial PSA was 6.7 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment . Here is his story.

For the last three years my PSA has been gradually increasing. Each time after the PSA count I have had a biopsy. The first two biopsies showed some PIN (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia) cells. The last biopsy (12 needle) showed that one needle had 5%.

On December 10th my wife and I visited my urologist for a long conversation. In between the notice of the biopsy and my visit to the doctor I visited about 12.5 million web sites so that I could become as knowledgeable as possible about prostate cancer. This knowledge helped a lot when discussing my status with the doctor. My urologist performs radical Perineal Prostatectomy and has done so for many years. In his words I am a "Poster Child" for a cure. However, I know that once you look inside there can be all kinds of surprises.

He has set me up with a radiologist to discuss Brachytherapy later this month. I will discuss my cancer with my children and fellow employees later this month. My wife is a very positive and supporting woman, and I continue to find her love and support a great comfort.

What I have found during this process is that God gives comfort and peace, he always has and always will until the end - then it gets better. If you believe in payer, please pray for my healing and if not healing that I may handle this disease with grace. If you would like me to pray for you please let me know and it will be an honor.

I will keep ya all posted.

God Bless

 

UPDATED

January 2009

 

 

On January 12th I had a long visit with a radiation oncologist to review radiation options. I entered the discussion with the attitude that radiation is a very viable option. We discussed Image-guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) and Brachytherapy. I know the physician as he is a member of my church, and I was sure that he was going to be straight with me. I left the conference very impressed with the options available.

However, after discussing the options with Sara, it is our belief that based on my age, hopefully I have several years of life left in me, that it is best to removed that pesky little walnut shaped gland. So I have been scheduled for surgery on February 10th of this year.

My surgery will be preformed at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan. I had a knee replaced at the same hospital last year and I was well taken care of. The doctor handling my surgery has a lot of experience and has had very good success. It seems that Munson Medical Center concentrates on the type of surgery I will be having, which is Radical Perineal Prostatectomy. Hopefully when I get home and have some recuperating time I will be able to fill you all in the results. Remember God is good and he loves us all.

Again please let me know if I can pray for you.

I am at peace.

 

UPDATED

February 2009

 

 

Almost four full days after surgery.

Late Monday PM I started the required intestinal cleansing. This was to be completed the day before surgery. The solution they gave mixed to one half gallon and within two hours I was clean as a whistle. On Tuesday I headed to the hospital around noon and checked in. All the necessary paper work was completed and I went to pre-op. They gave me an enema to help reduce infection should the intestine be damaged during the surgery.

I then went to the pre-op room and laid in bed for about an hour as the surgery ahead of me was going slower then anticipated. I was wheeled off to surgery and all of the sudden the lights went out. I do not remember anything at all! I woke up in post-op and for the next few hours things are a little fuzzy. My doctor said surgery went as expected and that both nerves we saved. Time will tell.

I stayed in the hospital for twenty four hours and the nurses were great. The head nurse told me that her husband had the same surgery last month and as we talked she gave me some good hints for home care based on her husbands experience. If they offer you drugs for comfort take them, if they do not offer drugs for comfort ask for them.

At home my first problem was intestinal. Because they want a bowel movement soon I was given some stool softeners and for the first day I could not contain my bowels. It was best for me to clean up in the shower with a shower head that has a hose with it. Intestinal gas was another immediate issue and I would suggest bringing home some medication to treat it. I will suggest this to my doctor.

Because of the location of the incision, near the rectum, the area has to be cleaned regularly to help prevent infection, again this is done best in the shower. I am also on a urethral catheter. This does not cause any discomfort but it is a real "in the way thing". Keep it clean. Standing, walking and lying down work, sitting is still a sore spot. Also keep the catheter location where it enters the penis clean. There is a lot more to share and I will provide more information next week as I am scheduled to visit the doctor thirteen days after surgery. He will provide me the result of the biopsy after the gland was removed and hopefully the catheter will be removed. Sara, my wife has been very helpful in monitoring the incision site for infection.

If you have any direct questions please feel free to communicate with me.

God continues to be good.

 

UPDATED

March 2009

 

 

This Monday was a big day...I had the Foley Catheter removed. Whew, I'm glad that thing is gone. Now working on controlling urinary functions. Seems to be going pretty good. Doctor wants total control so I have been doing Kegel exercises regularly.

No exercise yet for an erection. I will wait a while. Doctor did give me several sample of various ED meds.

I had a problem with jock itch that for a while made things a little more uncomfortable then I would have liked. But I believe I got rid of it in a couple of days. I am still a little sore when I sit down for to long time, although the doctors assistant said the sutures were healing well. She said it would be another couple of weeks before I was totally comfortable.

I need to watch PSA numbers now to make sure all the cancer was removed. For those of you who have offered prayers, I thank you very much. Our Lord hears and responds.

Bob Peterson

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

It has been seven weeks since surgery.

Largely due to a good physical therapist and regular exercise I am now 95% in control of my bladder functions. Sometimes I have stress incontinence but it is very limited and I do not need to wear any pads.

My first blood test came back today and my PSA level registered at <0.1 which is great news. Doc told me that I need to start using the tool for which it is intended and he gave me several ED sample perscriptions. If they do not work soon, he suggested get injections. Sounds scary to me. Any one tried them? What is you experience?

So.....all things considered I am very comfortable for the moment. I will need to go back for another PSA test in a few months. For all who have prayed and written me, I thank you very much.

God Bless you all, and I pray that you all get well.

 

UPDATED

August 2009

 

 

Original surgery date was February 2009. My second blood test, August 2009, came out good. No sign of cancer. I will go back in 6 months for another check up.

I am 99.9% in control of my bladder. Coughing spells can be a little troublesome. Once again, the exercise program worked great.

Tried some oral pills to put lead back in the pencil. The only thing that worked was Levitra, and then about 30% erection. This visit to the doc. he showed me now to inject "Trimix". A little scary at first but its really no problem. That stuff works! He also gave me a prescription of Sudafed in the event lead stayed in the pencil for longer then it should.

I am truly thankful for all you guys that have the courage to post, I have learned a lot from you all.

God bless all of you.

 

UPDATED

February 2010

 

 

February 17, 2010. I had my one year check up today. My PSA showed up less then 0.10.

Incontinence is not an issue. I am still dealing with ED. Injections work, but not convenient.

Next check up in 6 months. I am thankful for all who have prayed for me. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to share. God is good.

 

UPDATED

September 2010

 

 

August 2010 is my 18 month checkup. Result PSA <0.1, DRE negative, no incontinent problems.

ED still an issue. Injections work but not convenient. Pills no help. This is not a big issue for me and my wife.

So grateful that I am doing well. My earnest prayers to all of you that you will get well, and if that cannot be, then I pray that you are all at peace. Praise God.

 

UPDATED

March 2011

 

 

Two year check up in February 2011. PSA less then 0.1, DRE negative, no incontinence problems, ED still present.

All things considered I am well and have adjusted to my new life. My beautiful wife by my side and God is leading the way.

Best wishes to all. Please contact me if you have anything you would like to chat about.

Robert's e-mail address is: peterson7482@sbcglobal.net