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PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Mike Bass and Valerie live in Colorado, USA. He was 48 when he was diagnosed on September 4, 2008. His initial PSA was 5.2 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 7 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Laparoscopic Surgery (Da Vinci). Here is his story.

First - thanks to all who have shared their stories. I have read many that fit my profile and the knowledge I've gained has helped me dramatically when it comes to prep for surgeon meetings and developing confidence in facing the mental stress. At age 45 I had my first PSA and DRE with no indication of any problems. I have been getting complete blood workups for several years as a result of having ITP (don't make me remember what it stands for!)[Terry: That's Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, I think], a blood disorder that results in a lower platelet count.

Three years later, my PSA hit 7.2 during a routine physical, so off to the Urologist for another test. This time it was 5.2, triggering the need for the biopsy. I was used to having instruments in my nether regions from haemorrhoid staple surgery two years prior, so it wasn't too bad (until the doctor nicked a staple on the fifth needle shot, requiring a quick call to the colorectal surgeon). A week later and I got the pathology news - 3 out of 12 samples show cancer, one of the three had 3's and 4's, giving me a Gleason 7 (3+4), staged as T1c.

I began my research project in earnest. Started with my urologist, Dr. Brad Bell (I want to name names in this report since one of my challenges was getting good referrals). Dr. Bell was very thorough and took all the time we needed to answer our initial questions. Lots of internet research on various treatments including proton beams as recommended by a work associate. I visited with one of the top radiation oncologists in the country, Dr. David Schreiber (also in Denver) to learn about radiation treatment options. Then I met with two surgeons skilled in the Da Vinci laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Paul Maroni of the University Hospital who learned under Dr. Crawford, and Dr. James Fagelson. Both surgeons have strong credentials, compassion, and willingness to spend the time to help the patient understand what lies ahead. I decided to go with surgery for the peace of mind benefits and longer term statistical success rates. The radiation advocates are clear that the science/statistics don't support a clear choice for surgery, but their data generally stops at 15 years. I've chosen Dr. Fagelson based upon his experience (both volume and quality) and am scheduled for surgery on December 16th.

I have already developed a knowledge base of pre-surgery experiences that I won't elaborate on here, but can share if anyone is interested. These have to do with things like MRI recommendation from the radiation oncologist, locating surgeons in your area with experience, communicating with family members and work associates to increase awareness but minimize stress (as many already know, it can be stressful to have to repeat the story over and over). Also, you'll find friends, and friends of friends who will come out of the woodwork with prostate cancer stories once you spread the word around. Take advantage of their experience.

I'm looking forward to successful surgery with quick recovery. Thanks again to all who participate in this forum.

 

UPDATED

December 2008

 

 

Today is December 22nd, I had my surgery 6 days ago. According to my surgeon, my procedure was textbook and he didn't have to remove any additional tissue. I opted to hold off on the pre-surgery sedative, so I was awake and aware (and actually calm) as I was brought into the surgery room. Saw the machine and asked them to make sure it stayed plugged in. Next thing I was in the recovery room, groggy, but able to talk with the nurse about pain, holiday plans, children. Ended up spending two nights in the hospital for two reasons - first was that my surgery was at noon on Tuesday, and second was that my IV ended up leaking and I missed one dose of morphine and anti-inflammatory. As any of you who've had surgery know, pain management requires consistent delivery of medication, and if you miss one, you regress substantially.

Spending 48 hours in a hospital reminds you of the importance of quality nursing care, and the challenges of that profession. I can only imagine the nightmare of going through a process like this in an undeveloped country. I've been home for four days and still moving a bit slow. Hoping to get my catheter out tomorrow (one week post-op), and praying for good news out of the pathology report.

This experience is demonstrating clearly to me the depth of love and support I've got from my wife Valerie, my children, and all of our friends. The calls, the cooking, the offers of help, the concern - I get overwhelmed sometimes thinking about it - it means so much.

I'll finish for now with a funny anecdote - we have two wheaton terriers, and they've been following me around the house constantly because they think my catheter tube is a leash and that I'm going to take them for a walk!

I'll write again with results when I get them - thanks again for all who have reached out to me.

Mike's e-mail address is mikebass02@comcast.net