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SILVER

Tony Crispino and Ruth live in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He was 44 when he was diagnosed on October 3, 2006. His initial PSA was 19.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Laparascopic Robotic Surgery. Here is his story.

Ruthie and I lost a baby and were trying to right the ship. We were not able to re-conceive and a doctors visit was appropriate.

My PSA was run and it came back at 19.8. Another test 18.9. It was a false sense that the drop indicated perhaps infection, but 50% of the cores came back as high as 90% involved.

I selected surgery at City of Hope in February 2007. Post Op pathology was poor. pT3b and 4+3=7. My surgeon told me this will most likely come back as an aggressive grade 4.

I used up the adjuvant therapy choices. ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) started in May - Lupron and Casodex at 50mg. Started IMRT (Intensity- Modulated Radiation Therapy) in June, completed August 3. No side effects from Radiation Therapy. ADT does carry the usual side effects but for the most part they are mild.

Cancer has done something very positive for me in that I am more spiritual and grateful for each day. This morning, it's time for my 4 mile walk. God Bless you all.

I am looking for pT3b post op patients. How have you progressed?

Tony.

 

UPDATED

June 2008

 

 

I am doing well. Just had good results again on a PSA and a CTC scan. Still in remission. I took another blast from the Lupron harpoon in May so flashes still there. But I live in Las Vegas. I kid some saying I just have early frequent personal summers. Once the summer kicks in then everybody has a three month hot flash and I look normal. LOL.

I also have a blog if anyone is interested in reading more detail.

 

UPDATED

January 2009

 

 

Hi folks. I am sorry for not updating more often.

I have taken my last Lupron shot before we run some tests and begin the intermittent stage of IHT. I have been lucky and I carry an undetectable PSA. The fact is I never thought we would hold a remission. While I still have some doubts when we stop ADT, I am ready for the break.

I spend a great deal of time in cancer awareness groups, advocacies and the like. I moderate and coach at a busy prostate cancer online forum at HealingWell and refer many to Yana. I have had the privilege of an online friendship with Terry and many others in this mess. For the record, my official title is Survivor! My faith is as strong as ever as is my love for my beautiful wife...

My PSA History...

October 3, 2006 19.8

October 10, 2006 18.9

November 27, 2006 13.9

Surgery February 16, 2007

February 28, 2007 0.9

March 12, 2007 0.1

March 23, 2007 <0.1

May 16, 2007 <0.1

July 18, 2007 <0.1

September 19, 2007 <0.1

January 29, 2008 <0.1

May 9, 2008 <0.1

September 17, 2008 <0.1

January 13, 2009 <0.1

 

UPDATED

June 2009

 

As of May 13, 2009 I still have an undetectable PSA.

Our original plan was to be on ADT for two years. At my two year mark on ADT I was told by my oncologist that he has since come into belief that a longer stint on ADT would be better. Still he understood my desire to start my ADT vacation. But not without asking me to take another dose to think on it. So on May 13, I had another Lupron shot, and refreshed my Casodex Rx. I have a follow up with my RO in July that will be very uneventful. And my next visit with my oncologist is in October, one month after my next Lupron should have taken place. We will monitor my T levels, and of course my PSA.

With help from above, I will be able to enjoy a long break. After all that has been, I have very active in prostate cancer advocacy here in the States. I will continue this work as it is very rewarding to meet you folks. This silver lining is one incredible experience.

Thank you for your support and love. Peace to all.

Tony Crispino

 

UPDATED

January 2010

 

 

My website was updated with my current news but here is the gist of it:

Still in remission...October 7, 2009 <0.1 T=21 PAP=0.3

January 4, 2010 <0.1 T=128 PAP=0.4

Please allow me to count my Blessings out loud!

 

UPDATED

August 2010

 

 

Well it’s time for an update and I only have good news.

My last PSA test was undetectable. I have recovered from ADT and now have my testosterone back. This is very clear by looking at my body hair, which had depleted to pretty much no dark hair, to now having a dark hair on my legs and chest. I also have recovered my sexual desire and have normal erections without ED drugs.

As Terry Herbert says, I have been to A Strange Place...

Speaking of Terry, he and Anthea made it out to Las Vegas and we had a wonderful get together with my wife Ruth. I am one of the few here who has met in person the wonderful man who keeps this site up for us all. Ruth and I will cherish their visit and the friendship we share.

 

I have been working with Mike Scott and Arnon Krongrad the owners of Prostate Cancer International from time to time. Prostate Cancer International is the parent company of The "New" Prostate Cancer Infolink. I consider this site the very best news and information website on the internet. Mike and Arnon have called on me to work at booths at major medical industry trade shows and that has paid off handsomely. Starting last November I was named the President of the Nevada UsTOO chapter of UsTOO International. UsTOO Las Vegas is 300 members strong and we are fortunate to be at a location that prominent guest speakers like to go. Couple that with the medical professionals I have met at the trade shows, we have a strong group for UsTOO to get excellent meetings going. For information on our chapter you can find us on Facebook Anyone is welcome to join.

Like Terry, though to a lesser degree, I have become extensively knowledgeable on prostate cancer and support groups. But my business sense has allowed me to have great names in the prostate cancer world to join our group and it is my vision that this sight, while dedicated to our Las Vegas chapter is open to anyone looking for great information and interesting tidbits about prostate cancer. I continue to write a blog which I have focussed on my Christian Faith and living with prostate cancer. That site is available on this page as well. I also have my Facebook page Please join me there, at the UsTOO las Vegas website or at HealingWell

Peace to all of you. Tony

PSA history:

October 3, 2006 19.8

October 10, 2006 18.9

November 27, 2006 13.9 Surgery 16, 2007

February 28, 2007 0.9

March 12, 2007 0.1

March 23, 2007 <0.1

May 16, 2007 <0.1

July 18, 2007 <0.1

September 19, 2007 <0.1

January 29, 2008 <0.1

May 9, 2008 <0.1

September 17, 2008 <0.1

January 13, 2009 <0.1

May 11, 2009 <0.1 T=50

October 7, 2009 <0.1 T=21 PAP=0.3

January 4, 2010 <0.1 T=128 PAP=0.4

May 8th, 2010 <0.1 T=230 PAP=0.4

Next tests in November 2010!

 

UPDATED

November 2010

 

 

Well I just got home from seeing my oncologist and wouldn't you know it - I am still in remission! This will bring us to the next tests in April 2011.

We did make a discovery however. Before I went on hormone therapy three and a half years ago, Dr. V checked my testosterone levels. My T level BEFORE therapy was only 218. This is a condition known as hypogonadism and I did not know that I suffered from it. Testosterone levels for my father are over 400 and that's normal. 218 is very low and there is family history of it in my family.

I never knew what that was until I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Many of the guys had that issue and I learned a lot about it that way. Side effects are fatigue, lack of libido, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis and depression. Basically symptoms that you would suffer while on hormone therapy. This is a nasty condition that I had only one clue on - ED was why I went to the doctor that discovered my elevated PSA levels. Very Ironic. I went to the doctor to get that pill, and ended up with a physical that just may have saved my life. I know the good Lord must be watching over me!

Dr. V said that I still have the condition but he does not want it treated right now. I'm in a catch 22 with it. Testosterone feeds prostate cancer. Low testosterone means I will continue to have the fatigue and other symptoms. The typical treatment for hypogonadism is testosterone replacement therapy using shots or Androgel. Dr. V said that he would prescribe it if my T levels dip below 250 and it is affecting my quality of life. But he said that it would be a risky move. He cautioned me that taking testosterone replacement therapy I could awaken the cancer. So it is...A piece of bad news that probably saves my life that now I have to live with because fixing it could kill me. Ugh! It's all good...I really can't complain...

 

UPDATED

November 2011

 

Well just got off the phone with my doc. PSA is undetectable.

My T level is as high as I have ever recorded it at 310. I typically have low T levels. My BP was high at the appointment at 154/102 but I am back on the meds for it and it looks good at 120/82.

All in all, very good day (Even for a Monday).

Tony's e-mail address is: tcneclv@aol.com