YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

BRONZE

Jeffrey Jackson and Teresa live in Newport, Virginia, USA. He was 43 when he was diagnosed on June 2, 2008. His initial PSA was 3.2 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.

Well I guess you all can imagine, or have a very good idea as to what I am going through.

It all happened during my annual physical with my family doctor. For the past 4-5yrs I would actually have two physicals the other with my employer. I know you are thinking - PSA of 3.2 what is this guy's doctor thinking? Well what happened was my PSA for the previous year was a 2.2, so as a precaution when he noticed the increase he referred my to a Urologist.

The Urologist checked me out and he himself looked at my numbers, read my chart saw that I was having no difficulties with my ability to urinate, no ED, nothing to indicate an issue except the PSA. So he did the normal drop your pants bend over the table routine checked my prostate and actually said " you have the prostate the size of a 25yr old. Ok so what does this mean too me? Well since your PSA levels have increased let's have a biopsy set up.

No need to go into detail here. He sent me next door to another urologist who did a 12 section Biopsy, out of 12, 3 came back positive 2 abnormal whatever that means. All of this occurred in a 4 week span. So I of course had the bone scan, CAT scan and all came back negative. Which from the way the Oncologist told me meant that it has not spread beyond the WALNUT. My visit to the oncologist was actually before I've seen my urologist "whom I am suppose to see on JULY 7", so the oncologist is the one who told me my results on thE aforementioned scans.

The Oncologist was very pleasant in his explanation of the seed implant therapy he mentioned a new type seed called Caesium 131 with a faster decay rate than the iodine pellets. I am still not sure which way to go I have yet too speak with the Radical Prostatectomy surgeon yet they do not have any openings until the end of August the 29th to be exact and that kinda has me wondering what is going on with this monster inside of me.

I'm trying my hardest to be upbeat and continue on with my life but the waiting is overwhelming, I really want to get which ever procedure I choose to take, over with.
This site has really been my biggest support, just reading a lot of the post have been very helpful and have given me knowledge and hope.

So until next time PEACE!

 

UPDATED

August 2008

 

 

Well my wife and I have spoken with both an Oncologist (Radiation) and a Urologist (Da Vinci Surgeon) and I've decided to go with the surgery. As most of you who have had the procedure of your choice you know that it is important to include your significant other. I'm really not feeling any anxiety yet, I know it's gonna happen in a couple of weeks, (the anxiety that is) leading up to the surgery which is scheduled for September 2, 2008.

My wife and I would like to thank all of you for your support and encouraging words. This site really helped me put a lot of fears behind me and has allowed me to continue to enjoy the now. So with that being said, I will keep you all informed as to my progress and fill you all in on how everything went.

God Bless all of you!!

 

UPDATED

September 2008

 

 

Had My Da Vinci Robotic Laparoscopic surgery on Tues. Sept 2nd.

For those of you who have experienced this probably very familiar with what I am about to go over. My wife and I arrived at Sentara Norfolk General at 0530 that morning, If you have kids you also know that that was the first day of school depending on where your from so it was a little chaotic for us, and on top of that my wife is in the middle of academy training so she had to leave me there as I got prepped for surgery. No big deal I consider myself a big boy. I got undressed everything except a nice comfy pair of footies that they gave me to keep my feet warm. Next I had to take a antibiotic type enema, all I can say is wow and I asked the nurse did they think they needed to weigh me again after releasing that. I spoke with the anesthesiologist and she gave my all the details, next thing I know she got beside the bed rolled me down to the O R with the assistance of others in the O R transferred me to the operating table, I looked from left to right, then they were waking me up telling me that it was over.

I spoke with the doctor's assistant and was given the word that everything went great. Dr. Fabrizio (the surgeon) was very pleased. Now comes the waiting part. I am scheduled to visit the Doctor on the 11th to have the Foley removed and I pretty sure I will get the Path report at that time.

I'm home walking around a little too keep from getting sore from sitting to long. Still bloated, able to pass a little gas however yet to have a BM. I've prepared for that by taking stool softeners and still nothing yet. I know once I have that first BM I will feel much better. Not to say that I feel bad now, just a little discomfort every now and again.

So until my next visits to the doctor God Bless.

Later: Had my follow appointment with Dr. Fabrizio. Now for the good news catheter was removed thank goodness for that, that thing is a nuisance, always in the way. Got results from path report, Urethral margins negative, tumor present in 14 of 31 slides <10% of total surface area, Invasion contained to prostate, Gleason 3+3=6, Histologic grade 3+3=6, Margins negative of resection, seminal vesicle no invasion, perineural invasion present in 3 slides. I forgot what the perineural region is but will ask during my 6 week PSA post op follow up.

Taking the catheter out was painless but weird, of course I leaked all over the place but that was expected so no surprise there. Instructed to do Kegels to retain my control of bladder.

Doc put me on Cialis, just a waiting process and praying for the best. Will report back after PSA check unless I have some good news to pass on prior to that. Until next time, keep the faith and all will work out!

 

UPDATED

October 2008

 

 

Hello all hope things are going well for each of you.

I've just received my PSA results they came back undetectable <.01!

My leakage has pretty much stopped with the exception of stress leaks. I am continuing my kegel excercises daily in the range of 45-60, and they have helped me tremendously.

I have some improvement in the ED department but nothing to rally the troops about yet. Went to consultation for the pump it works pretty good but I have yet to decide if I will purchase it or not. It sucks because my insurance does not cover it and it cost about $500.00.

I'm scheduled to do follow up PSA every three months for the first year and then 6 months after that, and gradually decreasing.

It's one hurdle at a time this recovery is definitely a long process. However the recovery time varies with each individual. Nontheless I am here the beast is gone thus far and I feel really good about things. So to all keep your head don't give up hope thank GOD and remember you are not alone!!

Jeffrey's e-mail address is: jjackson86@cox.net