Diagnosed during a "full MOT" at GP surgery, when I asked for a PSA test to be included (it was not part of the MOT).
Subsequent bone scan was clear but MRI scan showed spread to soft tissue and lymph nodes. Treatment started by urologist with Cyprostat for one month and Zoladex after first two weeks. October 2006 told by oncologist that Zoladex would only work for 18 months(!), and that radical radiotherapy to prostate and lymph nodes in addition to hormone therapy was recommended. This commenced December 2006 - 35 treatments, requiring 35 round trips of 64 miles each! No serious side effects.
Latest report from oncologist (February 2008) is encouraging - PSA down to 0.06 - and have responded "better than expected" to treatment although original prognosis has not changed. I have lost about 20 kilos weight, although this is partly due to diabetes (diagnosed at same time as cancer) and a strict diet.
It is intended that I stay one Zoladex for at least another 12 months. I feel fine!
May 2008 PSA has risen to 0.25 from 0.06 in February this year, after falling steadily test-on-test since treatment started in 2006.
Not too concerned, but a little disappointed!
PSA had fallen steadily to a low of 0.06 in February 2008. By April 24th it had risen to 0.25. followed by 0.35 in mid June and 0.43 on July 3rd. Although taken individually these figures would seem acceptable, the steady rise (combined with a return of a urinary problem) does give a little concern and suggests that some variation in treatment may be required in the near future.
Otherwise, still feeling quite positive!!
Another rise in PSA - to 0.6 now. Casodex has been added to Zoladex to see if this prevents further PSA rise.
The urinary problem has got somewhat worse. Delayed radiation damage has been suggested as a possible reason. A flow test and bladder scan has been arranged.
Life still goes on!!
Admitted to hospital after flow test and bladder scan showed serious urine retention. Catheterised for two weeks, then TURP (TransUrethral Resection of the Prostate) carried out. Radiation damage to bladder and some damage from op. to sphincter confirmed. Now have continence problem but am working on it. Flow much improved though! Incidentally, Urologist advises that PSA test should not to be carried out now for three months as trauma from TURP may give false reading.
PSA had been rising slowly for several months until in December 2008 it had reached 3.4 (still no alarm bells). By Feb 2009, it was 15 and active 'mets' in back and chest were confirmed by bone scan.
Although the oncologist did not believe that there was spinal involvement, MRI scan booked but before this could be carried out, spinal compression occurred and I lost the use of the lower part of my body! (The MRI scan was done later and confirmed that there WAS spinal involvement!)
Five 'doses' of 'spot' RT, dexamethasone and a Zometa infusion followed and after a couple of weeks in hospital where a little feeling returned to my lower limbs, I was transfered to the local Hospice. I am now home and being cared for under the 'Hospice at Home' scheme.
The prognosis is not good but at least I am relatively pain free. It is unlikely that I will be able to walk in a meaningful way again, but I am shuffling about a bit on a 'Delta Frame'.
That's it for now.
In response to an update reminder, Margaret - John's wife wrote:
I'm very sorry to have to inform you that my husband John died last year on Saturday 2nd May 2010.
He found it a great help getting in touch with other fellow sufferers and receiving their comments and support and also passing on any information he considered might be of interest to others.
John died peacefully at home with myself and his eldest son and only daughter at his bedside - his two other sons were on their way home from Rwanda and South Africa but unfortunately didn't make it in time although they had spent some 'quality time' with him earlier in the year.
My very best wishes to you all on Yana.
