Richard
Smith and his partner Lois Emily Steele live in Canada. Richard was 62 when he
was diagnosed in November 2001. His iniital PSA was 6.9 ng/ml, his Gleason Score
3+3=6 and he was staged as T1c. He
made no immediate decision about treatment. Here is his story:
I was advised on Tuesday, November 6th, 2001 that I had prostate cancer. Two of
six biopsy samples proved positive.
Your
web site is removing that sinking feeling and making me realize that I have a
hidden underlying anger about my situation. It is nice to know I'm not alone.
Nor is it the end of the world. I read through some of your Mentors' stories yesterday
and felt bouyed up. Angry at myself for not doing my homework before the appointment
with the urologist.
All
this to say that I find your topics very enlightening and they give me encouragement
to go on and keep digging for the most optimum treatment for my cancer. Many thanks.
[Update
10 April 2002]
There are moments when I feel like Francis Chichester facing the elements. Based
on my last PSA results (4.93) down from 5.35, I felt confident enough to opt out
of the brachytherapy option. I advised the oncologist office on Monday. I also
said that if I felt I was getting into trouble or seeing high (PSA) readings,
I would contact him and ask to be placed back on the list.
Lifestyle
and dietary changes are in effect. Doing 3.35 miles per day on the treadmill.
Taking HMS90 each morning and am also taking Mitake mushroom capsules with Vit
C. Doctor says that if the PSA does not drop as quickly as desired he would opt
for a Vitamin C therapy, ie 50 grams in solution taken intravenously.
The spring rains are here, so the world is getting refreshed and will soon be
green and glorious again. Richard.
[Update
8 July 2002] Must say
I had a bit of a scare as the results of my PSA test at the end of May slipped
up from 4.89 to 5.35. At that point I decided to drastically change my regime
and opted for PC-Spes. My last PSA test results at the end of June were 3.37.
In addition to PC-Spes I take 50mg of Mega Zinc with meals as well as two 1000IU
of Vitamin D3. Was also taking 2 -300mg caps of Saw Palmetto concentrate twice
a day in addition to my other vitamins. Was also advised to take three 500mg caps
of MCP (Modified Citrus Pectin) four times a day. The MCP was recommended because
of the biopsy.
It
was explained to me that the biopsy led to bleeding by which the cancer can get
outside the prostate and float around looking for places to lodge. The MCP is
taken because it converts cancer cells to normal cells and thus enable my immune
system to wipe them out. The reason I`m not taking the Saw Palmetto concentrate
is because of my high blood pressure. Saw Palmetto in small quantities can raise
blood pressure levels. So, for the moment I`m cutting it out of the program to
see if my blood pressure lowers.
I
am on Ramipril so my blood pressure should not be high. Have also increased my
Magnesium intake and am about to do the same with my Potassium intake. Must get
the blood pressure down. Other than that, my meatless, sugarless, alcohol free,
coffee free diet has thinned me down a bit.Get concerned looks from relatives
and friends but must say I feel very good and have no trouble doing my three miles
each day on the treadmill.
If
I have learned anything to date it is this: avoid biopsies. If you have prostate
cancer the last thing you need is internal bleeding. The best approach is to have
an MRI. The machines appear to be in short supply but I would personally pay to
have one done in lieu of a biopsy. Hope this note finds you all well and in good
spirits. Take care.
This
past year('03) was troublesome. Suffered from angina pectoris. Artery 95% blocked.
Underwent bypass surgery end of April. Sort of set me back. Full recovery from
surgery. Moved into bungalow. Wife had arthrascopic surgery on her knee. On the
treadmill for three miles each day.
PSA
test results have been in the high fives and sixes for the last while despite
BC Specs. Doctor has me starting Lipoic Acid and some other anti-oxidants. Will
have another PSA test this coming Monday.
Richard
is now 65. He investigated Brachytherapy and opted out of that. He has been using
Chinese Herbals and BC Spes but is a little concerned about his PSA. Here is his
update:
PSA
History for Year 2004.
Jan
12 = 6.51; Feb 26 6.71; April 26 8.04; June 15 8.07; Aug 18 7.79; Oct 7 6.64;
Dec 9 7.70, Dec 19 8.6
As
you can see from the PSA readings 2004 has been a bit of a yoyo year.
I
underwent a total blood work up and analysis and found that the BC Specs was working
as my testosterone level was that of a seven year old. [BC Specs can be purchased
from Kripps Pharmacy in Vancouver, British Columbia (604 687-2564) BC Specs costs
99.99 for 100 320 mg capsules. Take 4 four times a day. ]
The
blood analysis revealed that I was low on iron. This was because I avoided vitamins
containing iron and I also avoided red meat. I did this because I knew that prostate
cancer fed off iron. It was explained to me that my system was going to feed off
my muscle group for iron and that I would have to trade off and take an iron supplement
to maintain my health. I must point out that I'm not exercising. I stopped in
June 2004. Have also opted for a daily late afternoon shot of rum.
I
feel I have developed a good relationship with my alternative medicine Physician.
We both realize that my PSA is rising and he has said that he may have to turn
me over to an urologist. Based on what I`ve seen and heard over the last three
years I am inclined to opt for radical prostectomy. Radiation be it regular or
brachy seems to have too many after effects. I know men who are dealing with them
very well but I would like to avoid as many outcomes as I can.
My
next PSA test is slated for Jan 11 `05. Will advise you of the results and my
decision shortly thereafter..
Latest
PSA read 8.87 ng/ml. Based on the latest results I shall continue doing what I'm
doing. Therefore, no knife or other drastic means.
Peter
J. Hyde has written a book: Sunlight, Vitamin D,& Prostate Cancer Risk. Text comes
recommended by my doctor and my urologist,Christopher Morash. ISBN: 1-4010-8258-0
Lots of good info.
On
the personal front I saw my urologist last month. Despite the fact that my PSA
has been inching up over the past 4 years he says I'm on the right track and that
my cancer does not appear to be an aggressive one. Said I could go 10 to 14 years.
Suggested
I undergo another biopsy to establish a new baseline. Did a DRE and said my prostate
was still soft and that there were no nodules. Will undergo biopsy Feb.23rd, 2006.
Had
been taking 1600IU of Vit D three times a day and a whey supplement that included
an additional 2000IU . Lab test results indicate that my Vit D level is low so
I have increased dosage to 2000IU three times a day. Will have lab test done early
in the New Year. Sense that the biopsy results will determine the course of action
and direction I'll take.
Feel
positive about where I'm at.
After
four and a half years I underwent another prostate biopsy. Took 10 samples this
time instead of 6. Urologist said 2 of 10 were cancerous, like the last one, so
he says I'm a Gleason 6. Feel somewhat relieved.
Urologists
implied that I could go 12 to 14 years with this type of watchful waiting but
he also indicated that it could be somewhat painful at the end. He also said that
studies are now being conducted on watchful waiting. That's certainly encouraging.
That's all the news to now.
After
my last biopsy circa Feb. 2006 I met with the urologist. He said that based on
the biopsy results and if I kept doing what I'm doing he would give me another
twelve years. That would make me 79. I told him I'd take it.
Since
then I see the urologist every 6 months and do a follow up with my alternave medicine
doctor. Nice to get a PSA test every 6 months rather than every 2 months. PSA
levels remain up but constant. Into Vitamins and supplements including antioxidants.
That's always been a constant. What has changed is my intake of Vitamin D3 over
the past two years. Believe Prostate Cancer and Vitamin D. Vit D3 has beneficial
results in fighting prostate cancer and studies show that it is capable of causing
apoptosis in cancer cells. For the past two years I have been taking 2400 IU`s
three times a day. I asked the urologist to request a test reading on Vit D levels
when I go for PSA tests. To date I can say that I'm only half way to going over
the limit.
Í'm
still on my BC Specs regime. 4 caps four times a day. Expensive, yes but test
results show that I have the testosterone level of a seven year old.
Just
back from a tour of France and Italy. Plan on a cruise in Sept. So life is good.
We
had a lovely cruise after which I promptly went for my PSA test.
Went
into the urologist's office expecting the results to be high considering the good
life I had just been indulging in. Surprised to learn that my result was 9.18
ng/ml which was better than 4 points lower than the previous reading six months
before. He was so up about the results that he gave me a pass on the DRE. Lucky
me! Said to keep doing what I'm doing.
We
discussed the possibility of another 10 sample biopsy by March of the new year.
Think I'm up for that. If they keep picking away at it I won`t have much of a
prostate left.
Still
over-dosing on Vit D. I'm up to 3000 IUs four time a day. Presently awaiting test
results.
However at this point I do not feel that I'm in the red zone so to speak.
Happy
New Year.
All
is well. Had PSA readings in April and October `08. Both in the 9.13 range. Urologist
is satisfied as is my alternative physician. Feel good and am active.
Awaiting
mid Feb as a cruise is on the horizon. Was over-dosing on Vit D. 3000IU's four
times a day. Doc said tests indicated I was in the toxic zone . Advised me to
cut back to 5000 IU's a day. Take 6000 IU's as the weather is so cloudy all the
time.
Trust
this finds you well and enjoying life
Richard.
Our Email Address is: lois.steele@sympatico.ca
