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SILVER

Scotty Allen and Elaine live in Ontario, Canada. He was 50 when he was diagnosed in June 2005. His initial PSA was 15.77 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and he was staged T2b. His choice of treatment was surgery. Here is his story.

Doctor found a "lump" during a routing DRE during my annual physical in June 2005. A biopsy (8 samples) confirmed the diagnosis on July 25, 2005. I don't have the lab report from the biopsy. Surgery was booked for August 24, 2005. Bone and CAT scans before surgery confirmed no METS. Surgery was uneventful, two nights in the hospital then home with a catheter for two weeks. The catheter removal was by far the worst part of the ordeal. I felt like most of my internal organs were being pulled out with the catheter as I watched. I have previously been bitten by a venomous snake and broken three ribs but never experienced pain like that. Technician who removed the catheter advised that "sometimes the balloon does not deflate completely ... and she knew how I felt" ???

PSA did drop considerably but Urologist thought it could be driven down lower so I did 8 weeks of daily radiation therapy.

Now on Zoladex for nearly two years with a "below readable" level. Latest PSA test was last week, results today "below readable".

I have an appointment to see my Urologist next week. After doing a lot of reading on this site and others, I am going to see about going off the Zoladex, at least for a trial period. I had previously understood that it would be lifetime.

Hot flashes, fatigue, ED, lack of libido ... all these side effects, my wife and I can live with. However, I don't like the muscle loss, especially with summer coming. One of greatest pleasures is walking, it is getting uncomfortable with my flabby thighs rubbing together.

I attribute my survival to good medical care and my positive attitude. Most of my family had trouble even accepting that I was sick, due the the fact that I looked at everything just as a bump in the road that would either get better or not. It got better. I look forward to every day and am enjoying each one of them thoroughly.

I would be happy and honoured to act as a mentor.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

I have been thinking about trying to go off the Zoladex for awhile. After a chat with my Urologist this week and discussions with my family, I'm staying on the stuff for awhile. Possible effects of going of the ADT which is working fine at this point are just not worth the gamble.

I'd be happy to discuss this further.

 

UPDATED

June 2010

 

 

Still going for my Zoladex injection every three months. I've pretty much gotten a handle on the fatigue and occasional bouts of unexplained depression.

Got laid off from my job of 28 years back in October. One daughter married and doing fine, the other just graduated from Teacher's College and already working in her field. My wife and I are eagerly awaiting the birth of our first grandchild in December.

All is well. I'm attributing my "recovery" to a positive outlook, good medical care and the un-wavering support of my family and friends who have all been willing and able to give me a kick in the ass when needed.

 

UPDATED

July 2011

 

 

Not much more to tell. Thoroughly enjoying life and our grandchildren. Now semi-retired, working at a local, part time job to fill in a couple of days a week. I feel better lately than I have for a long time.

Keep your heads up folks and keep fighting. You can beat this.

Scotty's e-mail address is : scotty.allen@sympatico.ca