THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2015 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

Not much to tell at this point - loads of questions. I'm working on a list to take to my next visit with the urologist.

It's now May, about 6 months since I was diagnosed. I've seen my urologist again and he's supportive but a little leary since one of my cores showed 20-40% cancer. He felt that this is a little high for active surveillance but agreed we could hold off at least until it's time to do another biopsy (one year after the first). He's doing a bunch of blood tests to supplement the information we now have.

I'm feeling very good and, in my mind, making plans for the treatment if it turns out that I'll need that. I hope the signs point us to maintaining active surveillance.

Several months ago, on a repeat exam, my PSA went up to 5. My urologist wasn't happy and sent me for some additional blood work and another biopsy.

The Gleason was up to 3+4=7, 8 out of 10 positive cores, all in the left lobe. It was time to do some active treatment and he referred me to a radiation oncologist. I spoke to 3 or 4 of them and settled on one - the only doctor in this country using gold implants. I got my implants, then 2 weeks later I did the simulation. Then, last week, came the call to start treatments, 81 in all.

I began last Wed (May 13). Parallel to this, I was diagnosed with hyper-parathyroidism and had a diagnostic battery. Everything is in place for surgery soon after the radiotherapy is completed. And just for fun...I began root canal work on the day I began radiotherapy!

I'm feeling fine, if a bit tired (which can also be related to the daily trip). I'm having some rectal pain- and have cream to lighten it.

I'm feeling very positive and feel that I've chosen the treatment and center that are best for me. Good luck to all of us!

In response to a reminder, Phil said:

Hi- thanks for the reminder...I did have it in mind I'm travelling now but will try to get to this when I return next week.

Phil

After several consultations, I elected to have IMRT. I chose the center that was doing most treatments of this type and the only radiologist in the country who is implanting gold markers for better precision of the radiation.

I'm totally satisfied with my treatment. My radiologist is teriffic, the center offers a broad array of support services- and the outcomes are great. I had no side effects during the treatment nor have I had any since completing them (in July 2009).

PSA 3 months post-treatmenat was 0.90; at 6 months post treatment it was 0.60. My radiologist asked me to return in one year for follow-up. He also said to have a PSA every 3 months and call him immediately if there's a rise.

From my experience, and looking at the stats, I would say IMRT is treatment of choice for early stage PCa.

It's now almost 3 years since I've completed my treatment. There have been no detectable side effects. I did a one month course of daily low-dose cialis and the ed has improved greatly. I'm considering doing another month of the medication. Apparently, the more active one's sex life is, the better the results- so if it's not sex with a partner, daily masturbation is strongly recommended.

I have a PSA; test every six months but do not need to see my oncologist on a regular basis, just fax him the test results. He'll be immediately available if there should be any change.

Good luck to everyone here!

I'm 4 years post-treatment (IMRD). I had no problems during the treatment period- it seemed to go easily. I had no side effects (The ed showed up initially when I was dealing with diabetes and high blood pressure). I've tried cialis daily and it has been helpful. I can get almost hard but not enough to fuck. I'm happy as long as I am the one who decides who's doing what to whom... and I've always enjoyed jerking off so I welcome the excuse to do so daily.

My partner's very understanding and easy going. We were married 2-1/2 years ago in MA while on a visit to the US.

I'm very pleased with the radiation alternative and glad that I met an oncologist who thinks it's a good choice.

Five years post-treatment (IMRT) and my PSA; has not budged. At the first post-treatment exam it was 0.4 and we're still there. My oncologist says from here on a PSA; test is needed only once every 2 years.

I really want to put in a plug for the Israeli National Health Insurance Program. It has worked efficiently and seamlessly for me, from before my diagnosis until now. Staff members were supportive, attention was paid to many details so that the treatment process was as comfortable as possible. I can only wish that you in the US will have a system of equal quality and low cost.

Phil's e-mail address is: philzyz AT yahoo.com (replace "AT" with "@")

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