YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Al Calkins and Betty live in Colorado, USA. He was 76 when he was diagnosed on July 30, 2008. His initial PSA was 1.4 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 10 and although he does not state his staging, it seems he would have been staged T2. He is indecided as to his choice of treatment . Here is his story.

I was just diagnosed last Wednesday July 30, 2008. Had DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) by my GP physician late April 2008, PSA result of 1.4 ng/ml. GP referred me to a urologist because did not like feel of prostate. I put it off because of the low PSA.

First part of July discovered blood in semen and made appointment to see urologist. Urologist did DRE and recommended biopsies. That was done and got results last Wednesday. Gleason 10 one side. No classification T wise.

I am scheduled for CT scans this morning and consultation with Radiation Oncologist this Wednesday. Will not get results of CT scans until August 20, 2008.

So that is where I am right now. Initially, as I am very sceptical concerning radiation, I feel that I will not go that route. At present if I elect to do anything it will probably be Cryosurgery.

I will keep you informed as things progress.

 

UPDATED

November 2008

 

 

After much deliberation, study and having second opinion on slides from University of Colorado Anshutz Cancer Center, lots of help from Dan Jory in particular I decided to proceed with Neoadjuvant hormonal and radiation treatment.

Started one month Zoladex October 1, 2008. Wanted to see what side effects would be for me before using the three month implant. A few hot flashes but no depression, fatigue or night sweats.

After 28 days DRE revealed observable reduction of prostate size. Currently in 25th day of three month Zoladex implant. Still only significant side effect is hot flashes. Perhaps more often than during the first month.

I will be starting 9 weeks of IMRT December 4, 2008, (44 sessions) here in Durango Colorado.

Al's e-mail address is: al.calkins@gmail.com