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Steve Oswalt and Kathy live in Texas, USA. He was 54 when he was diagnosed on April 14, 2009. His initial PSA was 6.1 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3=6 and although he does not state his staging it seems likely he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

I had my annual physical in November 2008. My primary physician diagnosed me with an infection of the prostate and prescribed antibiotics. My PSA was 8 and attributed to the infection. A month later my PSA had dropped to 6. My Dr. had me go in again in February for another PSA test which was 6.1.

My primary physician the referred me to a urologist who indicated my DRE did not reveal anything unusual still recommended a biopsy. On April 6, I had a biopsy and got the results on April 14. Biopsy showed 3 of 12 samples had cancer. Gleason score was 3+3.

Doctor sent me home and asked that I return with my wife to discuss options. That return appointment is not until May 14, so I have a lot of time to mull over all of this. I am also scheduling an appointment with another urologist for another opinion.

Now I am reading a lot about this disease and treatments. Also, changing my diet and exercising.

 

UPDATED

June 2009

 

 

After consulting with numerous physicians, I have decided to go ahead and have a robotic prostatectomy. The doctors did not actually convince me. I have visited with others who have had the surgery and even though their post surgical complications vary, they are all cancer free now. I guess that is what made up my mind for me.

Surgery is scheduled for July 29. I'll let you know how things go.

 

UPDATED

October 2009

 

 

Surgery was performed on July 29. I checked in early on the 29th and was released mid morning on the 30th. Foley catheter was somewhat disconcerting, but I had very little pain. After a week, the catheter was removed and the doctor informed me that lymph nodes were clear and he believed all the cancer was removed.

I have been going to a physical therapist for incontinence, and use 1-2 pads a day and 1 at night. ED is still a problem, but improving slowly.

I went for my 8 week follow up Dr. appt. and he told me that my latest PSA was undetectable. He told me to continue with PT and seemed to think I was right on schedule as far as incontinence and ED improvement.

Another PSA test in 6 months.

 

UPDATED

March 2011

 

 

Since my surgery, I've had my PSA checked every 6 months and it has been non-detectable.

About six or seven months after the surgery, I was able to acheive an erection without any ED drug.

However, I became more and more incontinent. I was almost completely continent at one point, so my doctor and I were not sure what happened. In December of 2010, I had an artificial urinary sphincter placed on my urethra and have not had hardly any more incontinence. I still lose a few drops when I sneeze or do any strenuous activity, but I can deal with that.

Still going in every six months to get my PSA checked, but that will end in July of 2012 if no more cancer shows up!

Steve's e-mail address is : steos01@gmail.com