YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Steve Pittelman and Elise live in New York, USA. He was 61 when he was diagnosed on June 24, 2008. His initial PSA was 4.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+3 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Brachytherapy (Seed Implant). Here is his story.

I had a rising PSA since the summer of 2007. I am a bike rider and thought the reading was high because of my riding. In fact I did notice that my PSA was very high when I had blood work done the day after a 35 mile bike ride. Ten days later it had dropped back to 4.1.

When my PSA went to 4.4 after the winter of not riding I finally decided to go for a biopsy. Mine came back with one needle out of 12, with a 20% involved reading. I was really stunned as I had never been sick and there has been no cancer in my family.

I spent a few months going to three different urologists and doing some reading and joining a PC support group where I live before making a decision. A word of caution, most urologists are trained surgeons, and seem to have a bias toward surgery.

I finally met with a urologist in Latham, NY who has done over 1,500 seed implants and the radiation oncologist who has done over 2,500 implants and decided these were going to be my doctors. My wife had been with me for EVERY doctors appointment. It is extremely beneficial to have someone with you for these appointments. Often, things were said that I did not remember.

I had my seeds done this past Monday, November 24, 2008 and I am very pleased so far. With the exception of the catheter for 24 hours the entire procedure was pretty painless. I was back at work in 48 hours. I will update you on future PSA readings.

 

UPDATED

May 2009

 

 

Steve reports his PSA as 2.37 ng/ml

 

UPDATED

September 2010

 

 

It is almost two years since getting my seed implants. I am pleased that I chose the seeds. Side effects have been minimal and basically temporary. Everything works fine with no ED or urinary problems.

My PSA had dropped to 1.2 by Jan 2010 but went back up in July 2010 to 2.1 By doctor said that is not unusual and it was not a problem.

So far so good. I feel fine.

Steve's e-mail address is: stevepitt2@yahoo.com