H Raulston and Carik live in Kentucky, USA. He was 66 when he was diagnosed
in April 2005. His initial PSA was 2.14 ng/ml and his Gleason Score was 3
+ 3 = 6. He was staged T1c and has elected Watchful Waiting as his treatment of
choice. Here is his story:
In March 2005 I had a DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) - the doctor found
a hard place - and PSA test (I am 66). My urologist called to say I had prostate
cancer and he would set up a couple of tests to see if it has spread before deciding
how to proceed (after doing a lot of research I strongly question whether those
tests were a waste of money).
Both
the CT scan and bone scan were negative. When I met with the urologist he was
ready to do surgery but said I was also a candidate for brachytherapy.
After
doing much more reading and study I decided to go for another opinion, gathered
all my records and sent them to another doctor, who called me and recommended
on the basis of my tests (PSA only 2.14, only 1 of 12 biopsies positive, etc.)
that I wait until Fall and have another bioposy and decide how to proceed then.
So, I'm waiting and will update this in the Fall when that is done.
Thanks
to everyone who has shared on this site. I think I've read them all and the information
gained has been invaluable.
I
had another PSA in October '05 (1.7 ng/ml) and March '06 (2.05 ng/ml). Since my
PSA has remained low my urologist agreed we could wait until October, have another
PSA and then consider whether to do another biopsy.
I
continue active surveillance or watchful waiting, whichever it is called. My general
doctor (and now my urologist) both agree with my decision to keep on this path
for now. I go every six months to have a DRE (digital rectal exam) and PSA. In
April '07 the PSA was 2.1 so it is staying very level.
I
am just so glad I didn't jump in and immediately have surgery (or the other option
he recommended--seeding) when the biopsy showed malignancy (only in 1 of 12 samples
and only 5% of that sample).
October
2007--Had a checkup with urologist. My PSA is up from 2.1 in the Spring to 2.5
in October. I will continue Active Surveillance and go back to the urologist in
the Spring. If the PSA has risen again I may have to think about other options.
I
went back to my urologist in October for my semi-annual check. My PSA continues
to remain stable, this time being 2.2. It has stayed between 2 and 3 since diagnosis.
My urologist who first urged me to have surgery or consider radiation seeding,
now seems comfortable with the waiting.
H's
e-mail address is: carolraulston123@gmail.com
