Steve
C and Cindy live in Idaho, USA. He was 53 when he was diagnosed on June 26, 2010.
His initial PSA was 2.69 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and he was staged
T1c. His choice of treatment was RALP (Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy).
Here is his story.
I was 53 when diagnosed with PCa. My father (a retired
surgeon) had PCa in his 70s. He was treated with external beam radiation and died
of something else at 92. His younger brother also had it and chose external beam
radiation. He was also in his 70s and is fine 4 years later. My older brother
had a RP at age 57, 6 years ago. Because the cancer had escaped the prostate he
was also later treated with external beam radiation. He just celebrated his 64th
birthday and lives a full life, but does have to deal with some aspects of the
radiation.
Because of my family history I was faithful with regular check
ups with a urologist. When my PSA jumped from 1.89 to 2.69 in a year, he suggested
a biopsy. He did not feel anything particular with the DRE (Digital Rectal Examination).
On June 26, 2010 I was given the news that 2 of 12 biopsies had cancer
in approximately 10% of the specimen. It was rated a Gleason 3+3=6. My urologist
simply said that given the results and my age and family history that I should
have it treated.
I made an appointment at the Huntsman Cancer Institute with
Dr. Robert Stephenson. I had their lab look at my biopsy slides. They confirmed
the findings of the first lab.
All treatment options were explained to
me at Huntsman. They were careful not to push any particular option and even said
(when I asked) I could start an active watch program with them.
I spoke
to several PCa survivors and did a lot of research. The stories on this site were
tremendously helpful.
The bottom line, I chose robot assisted LRP. My
age and current good health weighed heavy in the decision. I could have waited
for awhile with little additional risk but concluded treatment in my future was
inevitable and I wanted the best chance for a cure and surmised the younger and
healthier I am at the time of treatment will only help in healing and in dealing
with the side effects. In addition, I chose to "pay now" on the issue of side
effects and have a fighting chance for improvement over time instead of potentially
having increasing problems with continence and potency over time with radiation.
This was a personal choice and I recognize everyone will weigh the numerous factors
differently.
I am four days post surgery. The surgery went well. I have
not heard the pathology yet. The doctor felt good and believes the disease was
organ confined. I guess we'll see. He did a bilateral nerve sparing surgery.
I
was released from the hospital 36 hours after surgery. We stayed in a nearby hotel
one night and drove the 3 hours home the next day. I feel stronger each day and
just completed my second half mile walk of the day.
The catheter is a
pain in the butt, but is manageable. Don't forget to take the stool softener.
I followed the advice of others on this site and am grateful.
I will update
down the road.
I
am 18 months post surgery. Last week I had a follow up with the urologist. My
PSA is undetectable. I have no urinary leakage. My health is good. I don't have
to go back for another year. I will continue to check my PSA every 6 months for
awhile.
By
the way. My initial biopsy Gleason score was 3+3, 6. The pathology of my resected
prostate was a 3+4, 7. All in all I'm pleased I chose surgery when I did. My relatively
young age and good health made a huge difference in my recovery.
The
surgery was nerve sparing. It worked. I actually experienced a night erection
with the catheter still in place. But, the experience is decidedly different post
surgery. For awhile things have been a bit "hit and miss." I believe the emotional
and mental roller coaster has played as big a role in my ability to have an erection
when desired as did the surgery. Things have continued to improve over the 18
months post surgery. Today my performance is about 95% of pre-surgery.
I
suspect there is no way to ever know if waiting and seeking alternative treatment
would have been a "better" approach. For me, emotionally speaking, a conservative
watchful waiting approach wasn't a good option. I have moved on. I am healthy
and happy.
Steve.
Steve's
e-mail address is: scarr@prodigy.net
