I am 48 and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. No family history. Three positive samples out of 12. Two are Gleason 7, with 60% and 70% positive in cores.

I've done consultations with oncologist and two urologists. All have suggested not waiting on treatment. Bone scans clear, MRI looks good.

I scheduled robotic surgery, but now think maybe it is not the way to go at this time.

After my diagnosis in July 2010, work, and vacation in Thailand, I tested my PSA in January 2011 and it had gone up to 10.0. I had changed my diet a little, and used pomegranate extract 1000mg daily. A little disappointed it didn't hold steady or even go down.

I did a lot of research, and read a lot of stories both good and bad with all treatments. I've chosen proton beam therapy because of the minimal side effects, and a high cure rate. I had my mould and my first balloon up the butt today.

Honestly if I could choose no treatment I would, because I'm feeling great. Everything down there is working just fine. I feel confident about all my decisions, and look forward to the treatments.

If everything works out well, I'll be back in Thailand next December for a nice long holiday.

I've completed proton beam therapy treatment and have no issues. My urine stream is as strong as it was before, and no erectile dysfunction. Of course things may change as we move forward.

August will test PSA level for evaluation, then every 6 months after. Expected Nadir (lowest) point will be 14-28 months from end of treatment.

I finished proton beam therapy at Loma Linda University on April 28th, 2011. My 4 month post-treatment PSA went from 10.0 at treatment time, to 3.9. My 6 month checkup last February was 2.9. I feel great, no side effects at all, and look forward to my next checkup.

My last PSI check was in February of 2013, and my PSA was down to 1.5. I haven't done a lot regarding my diet or exercise routines, except reduce red meat consumption. No side effects whatsoever from the Proton Beam treatment. Feel great, living life!!

It's been awhile since I updated here, mostly because I haven't had any recent tests. I am having no issues at all with my Proton Therapy treatment from Loma Linda, and feel great. I might get a PSA test sometime in a year just for kicks and giggles.

I haven't updated in a while because I haven't had insurance. Recently my job provided insurance, so I went in to get approval for a hernia repair. My PSA test came back 4.3. A bit too high me thinks.

Appointment after appointment, same routine as before, and I have one sample out of 12 with cancer in it. 4+3 Gleason 7, 20% sample. Disappointed with these results.

6 months after original PSA score, my new score is 4.4. Doctors of course recommend surgery, tell me I can't treat with radiation or proton again. Maybe cryotherapy.

Just thought I would update this to keep others informed. I haven't yet decided what I will do, or if I will do anything. Bone scans and MRI are all negative. Honestly I have no desire for any treatment, especially surgery.

Update on my sexual function is that I no longer wake up with full arousal. Its hard to get a full erection and keep it. The use of tadafil has helped a little bit. Still no problems with urinary function, I never wake up at night to go. Have to shake it a bit more to get it all out.

Time for an update. I did another PSA test in September 2016, and it has gone up from 4.4 to 5.2. After the last biopsy done in Sept 2015, my doctor recommended surgery but wouldn't perform it himself due to my earlier radiation treatment. I was referred to another doctor who said he would try it. I have chosen to just wait and see if other treatment forms less invasive were available. Only one sample came back positive from that biopsy, 4+3=7 involving 50%.

I've only been treating with a simple aspirin daily, 81 mg. Will check PSA again this spring, and then decide what option is available. HIFU seems to be leading if Proton Beam isn't available.

One year later and time to update. 8/17 PSA check had it rise to 9.2 from 5.4. I did a 3T MRI and it located a mass in the lower right hand quadrant of the prostate. Another surgery consultation (which I bypassed mostly due to not trusting the doctor). Instead I had a HIFU consult with Dr. Robert Pugach in Los Angeles, who was easier to talk with and more knowledgeable than any Vegas doctor.

I am in the process of scheduling the HIFU treatment later in February 2018. Sadly it is $25K out of pocket, but to me the best decision due to the ease of treatment and the benefits. Recurrence rate is a bit high, but if radiation didn't kill it, I guess I can look forward to another HIFU treatment in about 10 years. I will update after the HIFU.

Time to update. PSA rose again to 12 so I scheduled the HIFU with Dr. Pugach. Procedure performed on March 25th. No pain or discomfort except for catheter, which was removed after 14 days. I had no issues at all until late May, when I developed a urethral stricture. Pretty much a full blockage. Two months of self catheterizing until I had TURP done in July. 6 days with a catheter and when they pulled it out it hurt so much....but I could pee again!

Been having issues with stress incontinence post TURP. I'm currently 7 months post and still having leaking issues. Only cure seems to be Kegels. Will continue to update as this moves on.

After receiving HIFU 3/18 and subsequent TURP in 7/18, I have had incontinence and ED. My last checkup on 1/19 had my PSA at 0.03. Considered a win by my urologist.

A quick update because I have bladder stones blocking my urethra 4 yrs post TURP.

This has been extremely painful. I am exhausted by my urological health.

PSA back over 1 again.

Feel normal except for bladder stones.

Robert's e-mail address is: robertw1962 AT yahoo.com (replace "AT" with "@")