Bob
Arthur and Sharon live in Ohio, USA. He was 63 when he was diagnosed on August
7, 2008. His initial PSA was 6.83 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3 + 3=6 and he
was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment . Here is his story.
My
journey toward diagnosis began with an acceleration of PSA increase beyond safe
guidelines. My urologist prescribed an antibiotic for a month to make sure this
wasn't due to infection of which I've had a history. After a new PSA he determined
I should undergo a biopsy. The results came back with one core of ten showing
cancer involving 15% of the core. My Gleason score was determined to be 3 + 3.
We had a consultation in which, even though he's a surgeon, he persuaded me
I should take the brachytherapy route. He arranged an appointment with a radiation
oncologist for the sonographic "mapping" in anticipation of seed implants. As
it turns out, I have a very large prostate (98 cc.). The amount of seeds required
to irradiate the entire gland would probably do too much damage to surrounding,
healthy tissue. The radiation oncologist said that external-beam-radiation-therapy
(EBRT) was still an option, but I should probably consult with my "u-doc"
Just
a while ago I made an appointment with the original urologist to get guidance.
After considerable research I'm leaning much more now toward "watchful waiting".
When I discussed this option originally with my u-doc, he didn't recommend it.
He said that I was young and healthy enough that I was much more likely to recover
well from early treatment than if I waited. Also, he said that if the cancer became
aggressive it had a much better chance of being the cause of a very unpleasant
demise, because I would likely survive for 20 years, or more.
Anyway, that's
where I stand as of September 25, 08. I'm really into "watchful waiting", now,
but unfortunately, I'm very susceptible to persuasion by experts. I'm hoping the
info I gather on the next u-doc visit (October 7, 08) will reinforce my leanings.
My main question is how does an overly-large prostate factor into the various
options of treatment. I'll post things progress.
THANKS TO ALL IN YANA!!
Later:
Well, I had my appointment with my urologist after learning seed-implants
were out of the question due to my oversized prostate. Thinking I preferred immediate
treatment he suggested external beam radiation therapy. When I asked if he'd supervise
a program of active surveillance he said he had no problem with it, at all, if
I was diligent about adhering to his program of tests and visits. That's what
I selected.
My
first new PSA sample and DRE will be in January! I'll keep you posted.
Thanks
again, YANA!!!
Bob's e-mail address is rarthur1@columbus.rr.com
