THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2021 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

During a routine physical exam I had a digital exam of the prostate. A small nodule was found by my PCP. He referred me to a Urologist. I went to the Urologist and the first try he didn't feel it but did it again and did find it. He recommended a prostate biopsy which I did, but not right away. When the biopsy was done, my cancer was labeled Gleason 7 (4+3). Subsequently, a cystourethroscopy was performed and no issues were see in the urethra or bladder.

I chose to have the Da Vinci surgery option since the image testing, CT with contrast, full body bone scan, etc. showed no cancer outside the prostate. I am 71 yrs old but very healthy otherwise and active. Both the radiation Dr and Surgeon said I could choose either treatment based on my physiological condition.

I was scheduled for the surgery June 2, 2017, two months after the diagnosis, due apparently to the availability of the Da Vinci equipment.

According to the Surgeon (a very experienced Da Vinci surgeon with nearly a thousand procedures with that equipment), the procedure went well. apparently when they got in to the abdomen, they found that two of my intestines had fused together externally, probably a long time ago, and they needed to separate them to get to the prostate, which added about a half hour of time to the surgery, but was not a problem. Procedure time was 3-1/2 hours long. I stayed overnight in the hospital and was released to home the next day about noon. I must say the surgery was not a big deal and very little pain. They supplied me with some narcotic pain pills, but I never needed them and only took a few Tylenol over the next 24 hours or so. Biggest hassle was having the catheter in for a week, just an inconvenience really. I had not been in a hospital except for having my tonsils out when about 10 yrs old.

The final pathology report after surgery showed my cancer was PT3a. Percent of prostate involved was 10%. Peripheral: Focally positive, right mid, approx. 2 MM horizontal extent. Positive margin.

The surgeon said he expected my post op PSA to be "undetectable", since the blood supply would be cut off the the cells in that small extension. The six week post op PSA test, unfortunately, didn't agree. It was 0.33 and after another month it is now 0.43 today.

I haven't talked to the surgeon yet, but he had said, depending on the doubling time shown by this last PSA, we would determine the treatment required, probably Hormonal treatment.

Of course I am very disappointed, but will do what needs to be done. Like they say, "Life goes on while we are making other plans".

I had external beam radiation treatments, five days a week for seven weeks. The treatments were not difficult but I had to have a balloon inserted in the rectum each time, which was at times uncomfortable. I had a six month injection of Lupron two months prior to the start of my treatments. Was told that the DR felt that the six month injection was more potent. I had some hot flashes while on the Lupron but not too frequently or severe. My testicles shrank to what felt like almonds during the treatments. I had mild hemorrhoids prior to the radiation treatments and the treatments inflamed them during that time. They have returned to near normal in the five months since the treatments, probably because the Lupron has worn off. I will have my first PSA test (to be taken 6 months after the end of treatments, March 9th 2018) in about two weeks. Fingers crossed. I will post the result of that test.

Thx,
Bernie

I received the results of my six month post radiation treatment last week. 0.0 undetectable.

Praise the Lord.

Bernie Lewis

Your recent email was very timely. I just took my 3rd six month PSA test on October 4, 2019. Unfortunatly, the results weren't what I wanted. My PSA is now 0.18. I have been feeling fine and expected it to be undetectable. My prostate cancer is considered moderately aggressive. I have a telephone appointment tomorrow so when I know what treatment is recommended I will let you all know.

Bernie

Bernie's e-mail address is: lewisbernie88 AT gmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")

NOTE: Bernie has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.