YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Tom C and Monica live in Pennsylvania, USA. He was 59 when he was diagnosed on August 29, 2007. His initial PSA was 5.8 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c . His choice of treatment was Brachytherapy . Here is his story.

Tom and Monica live in Central PA. Tom had normal PSAs for years. In March 2007 at his yearly physical the PSA was 4.3.

Due to a shoulder injury my chiropractor sent me to my family doctor in May 2007 to get an x-ray. My family doctor sent me for the x-ray and a FreePSA due to fact that it was high in May (long story). The FreePSA came back at 5.8 and I then went to see an urologist in July 2007. I had a biopsy on August 23rd and at the age of 59 I was diagnosed on August 30, 2007 with PCa - Grade 3, Gleason Score 6, Staged T1c. All my blood work and a chest x-ray were normal.

October 23, 2007 I got my labs back and my PSA is now 3.2 which is NORMAL. The PSA was 5.8 on May 29th. My liver functions are normal. I am doing watchful-waiting, praying, diet, supplements and an anti-fungal.

My wife and I decided to have a second opinion done through the Best Doctors program offered through our insurance, which took 6 weeks to complete. My wife is an integral part of my journey and helped me compile all the information needed.

November 2, 2007 we got the second opinion back and the diagnosis was the same but the treatment options were clearer for me to make a decision. I will have another PSA in January and will go from there.

January 21, 2008 I went for more lab work and had a FreePSA it was still in the normal range of 3.7 but had increased from the PSA in October of 3.2. All my blood work came back no cancer in the blood stream.

February 3, 2008 after much prayer I made the decision to go for Brachytherapy. I have consultation at a affiliated hospital of John's Hopkins.

I will keep you posted of my journey.

 

UPDATED

March 2008

 

 

My husband went to the consultation to see the oncologist/radiologist on February 14th and had the ultrasound volume study of the prostate on March 4th. We are very excited that he qualifies for Brachytherapy.

He had his blood work after the volume study. He will have a CAT scan of the stomach and pelvis, chest xray and an EKG next week. He is scheduled for Brachytherapy on April 9th, 2008, the doctor will be using the newest seed Cesium 131.

I will post again after the Brachytherapy procedure.

 

UPDATED

June 2008

 

 

I had Brachytherapy Proxcelan™ seeds (Cesium-131) 68 seeds implanted on April 9th, the procedure was done at York Short Stay unit in York PA, all went well but in the afternoon I had to go back to my urologist office and have a Foley bag inserted as my flowing stopped. I was in much misery to say the least. I went back on the 14th and the Foley bag was removed.

I was on Flomax for an extend time frame due to the retention, Ibuprofen for the soreness, a stool softener, fiber, medication for burning and that was very minimal. I did have bruising but after 30 days it was gone. I have had no other issues and feel great! I will go back at the end of July to see my urologist and I will have a PSA and blood work done. Then I will see my radiologist/oncologist in October for another PSA and lab work.

I am believing for great test results. I would recommend Brachytheray to any man trying to make a decision of treatment for PCa.

I will update in August with the results of my labs.

Blessings to All,

Tom C.

 

UPDATED

October 2008

 

 

I am excited to say the least! I saw my urologist in July 2008 and my PSA was 1.2

I saw my radiologist/oncologist on October 6th 2008 and my PSA was .9

I am feeling great with no complications or side affects.

I will have a followup in January 2009 with my urologist and in April 2009 with my radiologist/oncologist. I will let everyone know the results at that time.

Oh, I turned 60 in July 2008.

God Bless, Tom C.

PS If anyone has any questions about Brachytherapy please email me. .

Tom's e-mail address is myjoy2go@gmail.com