THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2014 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.
I missed my PSA test in 2005. My earlier tests had run about 2.5. In July 2006 my PSA came back 4.2. This was followed by a biopsy in August 2006 that came back 5/12 cores positive both lobes involved, Gleason of 3+3. Had Da Vinci surgery at Herman Memorial Hospital on October 19, 2006.
Recovery was decent. Continence returned within 3 months: still no luck on the ED. Pathology came back Gleason 3+4, with a 2 cm positive margin. One month PSA came back at less than 0.1. Surgeon was not concerned with positive margin, but on searching medical publications, some studies said that this lowered the chances of being disease free after 5 yrs to ~60% rather that 90%. I didn't have surgery and the associated side effects for these kind of numbers.
I referred myself to MD Anderson and pushed for Adjuvant Radiation Therapy. Started the treatments in February of 2007. 32 treatments 64 Grey total, very few side effects. worst part was filling my bladder everyday. Worked the whole time.
My PSA as of last November was still less than 0.1 which is Non-detectable by the assay used. Not sure why they don't use the ultra sensitive assay. I will be nervous every three months until I get to the two year mark. I am going to inquire why my doctor doesn't use the more sensitive test.
Two years after adjuvant radiation therapy and two and a half after surgery PSA is Not Detectable. Now am on the six month test.
No incontinence, seldom think about having had cancer.
Sexual function still not good, but enjoying life with spouse.
Just rode my motorcycle from Houston to Daytona Bike week.
I am now about three and a half years from robotic surgery and slightly over three from RT.
PSA still not detectable and I am now on a 6 month test and 1 year physical exam.
I still run though not as much and work. Sexual function is not existent but it has not been a major item of concern. I have not tried pumps, injections, ect because they do appeal to me or my wife.
90% or more urinary continence (only a problem occasionally if I lift something suddenly without thinking and then only a drip)
Very seldom dwell on the treatment, but I do actively encourage anyone 50 or above to do the PSA and exam. If I can save one person it will be worth it. I am glad I was treated at a good hospital (MD Anderson) and would encourage anyone in a smaller town to go to a recognized treatment center.
I am currently five years out from surgery and followup radiation, my PSA is less than 0.05 as of last July. I will go for my next test this next month.
I do crossfit every morning and am otherwise healthy no real side affects other than sexual function has not returned( but I have not gone to extremes to recover it).
Six years past treatment (surgery and followup radiation). Still very limited sexual function but have not made an all out effort(no shots,ect). I have found out you can be intimate anyway, I guess it depends on spouse. I am very active physically and overall enjoying life.
Ron's e-mail address is: rondunbar AT earthlink.net (replace "AT" with "@")
NOTE: Ron has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.
