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PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Tom Keating and Janis live in Lakewood, Colorado, USA. He was 58 when he was diagnosed in April, 2010. His initial PSA was 3.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.

My PSA score had been very stable (1.5) for years, however, the numbers jumped to 2.5 and then to 3.8 at my last two annual physicals. The doctor recommended a urologist who performed a 12 sample biopsy that showed 10 clear samples, one questionable and one with 30% cancer cells. I've subsequently spoken to a surgeon - who recommends surgery, a radiologist - who recommends radiology and Doctor Al Barqawi at the University of Colorado Health Science Center who says that we simply need more information before we consider any type of treatment (I like the way he thinks).

On June 15th I will undergo a 3-D mapping of my prostate, using a 50-sample biopsy, ultrasound, an MRI and sophisticated software, which will, hopefully, give us a very accurate picture of the size and location of my cancer cells. Once we have this information, we will discuss focal cryotherapy or focal laser treatment. Dr. Barqawi's focus is on preserving quality of life, while addressing the problem, which I agree with! I'll let you know what I find out and what we decide to do.

 

UPDATED

September 2010

 

 

I haven’t provided an update on my situation, or my course of treatment, because it’s still in flux.

I received my initial diagnosis in early April of this year; my test results from a 12 sample biopsy showed 10 clear samples, one precancerous sample and one sample with 30% cancer cells; my Gleason score was 6 (3+3); also, my prostate was measured at 45 grams.

In my follow up consultation with a noted urologist in Denver, we agreed that I could wait a few months before I made a treatment decision, however, I was directed to start taking Avodart. Looking for additional information, I went to a meeting of a local prostate cancer support group and during that meeting it was mentioned that Dr. Al Barqawi, at the University of Colorado Health Science Center, was doing some progressive work with prostate treatments (cryotherapy and laser) and perhaps I should meet with him.

At my first consult with Dr. Barqawi, he made it quite clear that we needed additional information before we made any treatment decisions and suggested that he perform a prostate “mapping” biopsy procedure, which incorporates a perineum-based biopsy, of up to 50 tissue samples, with the use of 3-D mapping software, which provides a comprehensive 3-D picture of the prostate. The results were astounding! In the three month time period that I had been taking Avodart, my prostate had shrunk from 45 grams, to 29 grams, a 36% reduction. The 37 sample biopsy and 3-D mapping showed 36 clear samples and one sample with a precancerous condition.

Dr. Barqawi stated that the remaining cancer cells in my prostate were “clinically insignificant” at this time and he could not justify performing any further treatment at this time, other than active surveillance, which will be comprised of a PSA exam and consult every three months for at least the next year.

Dr. Barqawi is in the process of doing additional research on the effectiveness of Avodart, since he has seen this type of positive result in a number of his patients. He told me that the Avodart appears to have the ability to shrink the prostate, as well as to have a positive effect on the elimination of some of the cancer cells. In my opinion, the Avodart is a super-drug and I would strongly recommend it for any guy who has received an initial diagnosis, and has yet to make a treatment decision. One of the side effects of Avodart, that you should be aware of, is it’s negative effect on your libido, but that’s a small price to pay, and besides, they’ve got little blue pills to help with that!

As I mentioned earlier, my situation is still in flux, so I’ll have to keep you posted, however, feel free to contact me if you need any additional information, or support.

Tom Keating

 

UPDATED

October 2010

 

 

It's been three months since I received the favorable results from my prostate mapping and I have continued to take Avodart as my only therapy, combined with active surveilance.

I had another PSA exam and consult with Dr. Barqawi this morning and my PSA is now down from 3.8 to 1.4. Dr. Barqawi states that no invasive treatment is necessary at this time and I'm to continue on the Avodart and have another PSA and possibly a second prostate mapping, in six months.

I continue to experience a low libido, but I take Cialis and Viagara to compensate. I'm pleased with the outcome so far and encourage anyone who would like additional information to contact me.

at Tkeating@SMACNAColorado.org. Tom Keating .

Tom's e-mail address is: Tkeating@SMACNAColorado.org