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David Wallsly and M live in North Carolina, USA. He was 64 when he was diagnosed in January, 2010. His initial PSA was 5.60 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6, and he was staged T1c. His initial treatment choice was Surgery (Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy) and his current treatment choice is None. Here is his story.

THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2016 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

PSA at yearly check-up two years ago was 4.6; normal DRE (Digital Rectal Examination).

I went in for a cold virus (Jan 2010) and GP decided to check PSA again. PSA was 5.6. One week later I was in Urologist office with another PSA showing 7.0 with 10% combined [not sure what David means here - maybe reference to a free PSA percentage - see PSA 101.] DRE was normal. One week later we had a Biopsy 12 cores. Results show 11 normal cores and one Right Mid with 5% total volume cancer Gleason 3+3.

My brother a diplomate Cardiologist was consulted and he checked with Urologist friends who recommended robotic prostatectomy by a Urologist in Celebration Florida. Wow I thought, my urologist originally during biopsy said my age used radioactive pellets. After biopsy he said since tumor was so small and appears to be isolated he said HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), Watchful Waiting/Active Surveillance, or Localized Cryotherapy after doing another 20 biopsy plugs to check for any chance of spread. Did I mention biopsy don't hurt much but you have red (initial) to brown semen for over a month now (Not much mention of this in side effects literature).

He was against robotic removal but OK with regular removal (He did that procedure himself). He gave me a sheet saying robotic had twice as much salvage afterward. The urologists in Miami that my brother knew said that robotic with Doctors that have done many procedures is what they would recommend. To add to the confusion I now have read that Biopsy can spread the disease. I called the robotic doctors recommended and they told me to set up an appointment after eight weeks from biopsy and to have a stress test before procedure.

UPDATED

June 2010

In early February after my urologist suggested Watchful Waiting - Active Surveillance or Pellet implants - Brachytherapy ; I did my research on the internet and decided that the Da Vinci Robotics sounded good to me.

I called my brother who was a diplomate physician and told him about my condition. He called me back in a few days and told me he had spoken to a number of his friends that were Urologist and they all said go to Dr Vic Patel at the Global Robotic Institute in Celebration, Florida. He had done over 3,000 procedures which included cases that other surgeons had avoided. It was strange that he gave me that information for I had just that day spoken to Dr. Palmer at the Global Robotic Institute and he was sending me information on the procedures and tests that I needed to have done.

Prior to surgery I lost 40 pounds and did Kegels. My surgery was scheduled for late May and I met Dr. Patel one day prior to surgery. I was in for surgery at 7:30 AM and walking in the recovery room by 10:21 AM. I left the hospital 8:30 AM the following morning. I had walked in the hospital most of the night (Nurse testing keeps you awake) and had breakfast. Minor pain but no medication was needed. Catheter removed day 4 and home Day 5.

Pathology showed a new 5mm tumor undetected by biopsy which found a 2mm tumor. Gleason changed from 6(3+3) to 7(3+4) T1c to T2c, 20% organ involvement, negative margins, lymph,and nerves. Cancer was Organ contained.

Continence so far is only minor problem (one thin pad per day) with slight leakage late in afternoon or after eating all the stuff you should not eat. (Caffeine, wine with dinner). Erectile function has not returned so far. Erectile exercise for blood flow is daily pump and Viagra 50mg every other day.

The only surprise was a bit of mental depression for a few days after surgery. Walking 2 miles a day solved that problem. I am now back at work and feel 75% of what I did before surgery. Instructions are to avoid lifting for 4 to 6 weeks.

UPDATED

August 2010

One month PSA check and 3 Month PSA check came back at less than 0.01 or undetectable by test. Continency back to normal but ED is still a problem.

Physically I am back to 99% of pre-surgery strength and energy level. Normal activities and regular excercise now being done.

UPDATED

March 2011

Nine month post robotic surgery PSA test came in today with good news that PSA remains undetectable at 0.01 ng.

ED is still an issue but some improvement appears to be beginning with 100mg Viagra dosage. No effects with Cialis or MUSE.

No continence problems since end of first month.

General health is back to normal with improvements since I have been dieting and lost 50 pounds in the past year. Good PSA results sure help mental aspects of this disease.

UPDATED

April 2012

ED is still improving thanks to Trimix (real rocket fuel for 3 hours) injections which have improved the results of Viagra when the injection method is not used.

UPDATED

July 2012

PSA 0.00 Two years and 3 months since Robotic Prostectomy with Dr. Vipul Patel at Robotic Institute in Orlando Florida. ED now responds to Viagra 100mg since I started to use Trimix injections at least once a week. Trimix with an injector device is a Godsend. No pain or problems after you get dose correct and store it in dark refrigerated package. Trimix properly stored lasts 3 months and is much less expense and much more effective than Viagra.

UPDATED

November 2013

PSA remains at '0' and Erectile function has improved. Cialis works very well and Trimix for special occasions puts you back into teenager mode.With improved (low normal) cholesterol and blood pressure numbers using Niaspan, simvastin and quinipril and exercise; my health has improved greatly.

UPDATED

December 2014

The fact that erectile function has taken such a long time to return since the robotic prostectomy procedure has been informative. The return to function has been gradual during the past 4 years. Viagra dosage is now down to 50mg and at times not need at all. At age 69 I am better than before the prostectomy. The fact that my cardiologist did a Berkley Blood test and developed medication for hypertension and colesterol control has aided in my recovery along with a regular (3 times a week exercise program). Today my doctor is removing one of my Blood pressure medicines since weight loss has lowered my pressure. I am 100% satisfied with my treatment choice and progress.

David's e-mail address is: wellsd AT tds.net (replace "AT" with "@")

NOTE: David has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.


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