Treatment
While I have been a visitor to this site for awhile, I have not yet shared my story. I went for a physical last Aug (2011) and my PSA came back 22. It had been 4 years since my last physical and I was feeling good with no obvious symptoms, so I delayed another physical for 4 years. The digital rectal exam was negative. My previous PSA was around 3. So I was shocked and overwhelmed with the news. My doc went through the differential diagnosis process and had me do 3 weeks of antibiotic to see if the rise was due to a prostate infection. It was not. My retest came back 20 and my doc referred my to an urogogist. Since I live in the Boston area, I chose to go to one of the major medical centers for this. My urologist reviewed the record, did feel a nodule on my prostate and recommended a biopsy. My biopsy had a Gleason of 8 with all 12 cores positive for cancer. (11 with 4+3, and 1 with 4+4). I was referred to an oncologist and had follow-up bone scan and CT. The bone scan was negative, but the CT came back showing lesions on my spleen. This was a surprise, as prostate cancer doesn't often metastisize to the spleen. There was a possibility that I had another cancer! I had a follow-up PET scan which was negative. ...a big relief (a follow-up CT 3 months later again showed no change in the lesions). For now we will continue to watch the spleen annually. Back to the prostate, the urologist, oncologist and a radiation therapist all agreed that I was not a good candidate for surgery. The recommendation was for hormonal therapy(androgen deprivation therapy) for 2-3 years and radiation. I had done a lot of research on-line and read a lot and was not surprised with this recommendation...if fact I expected it. I did not get a second opinion and have begun treatment. I had my first Lupron shot on November 21 and will have my next on Feb 28. So far I have not had major side effects. I have had a few mild hot flashes and may be a little more tired than usual. I have remained active. I try to exercise daily. I had been a runner for many years, but cut back a year or so ago when my ankles began to give me problems. I walk regularly, do a weekly water aerobics class, workout in the gym twice a week and have been riding my bike regularly from Spring through Fall. Since my diagnosis, I have been doing a weekly yoga class and have modified my diet significantly---while not a vegitarian, i am eating more plant based foods and have pretty much cut out red meat and foods with processed sugar. I have lost about 15 pounds. I also have been trying to meditate or listen to relaxation tapes daily. I guess this is a lot of change, but I feel that I have to everything in my power to deal with this challenge. Oh yeah, I am planning to retire the beginning of this June. In recent years I had been thinking of retirement but not set a firm date. Getting cancer has helped my set my priorities, and I decided to do it sooner rather than later.
Now I will beginning radiation treatment in March. I had 3 fiducial markers inserted into my prostate gland last week and will have more preparation next week--more CT scans, measurements, "tatooes" etc. I will likely begin the radiation --Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy(IMRT) on March 12--probably around 42 sessions which are done Monday through Friday for 2 months. I will cut back work to half time during this.
I have had great support from my wife and 2 daughters, family and friends. My boss and colleagues at work have been supportive and understanding. I feel very lucky and have much graditude for all of this. I tend to be an anxious person and found the diagnostic period a very difficult time. Once I knew what I was dealing with and what the treatment plan would be, I have calmed a little, but still have days where I worry about what can go wrong, what if this doesn't work etc. I do find it helpful to talk to folks who are going through this or have come out the other sid. I hope sharing my experiences with others can be of support too. I know this has been a long introduction, but if you are still reading, thanks and I hope to hear from you.
Now I will beginning radiation treatment in March. I had 3 fiducial markers inserted into my prostate gland last week and will have more preparation next week--more CT scans, measurements, "tatooes" etc. I will likely begin the radiation --Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy(IMRT) on March 12--probably around 42 sessions which are done Monday through Friday for 2 months. I will cut back work to half time during this.
I have had great support from my wife and 2 daughters, family and friends. My boss and colleagues at work have been supportive and understanding. I feel very lucky and have much graditude for all of this. I tend to be an anxious person and found the diagnostic period a very difficult time. Once I knew what I was dealing with and what the treatment plan would be, I have calmed a little, but still have days where I worry about what can go wrong, what if this doesn't work etc. I do find it helpful to talk to folks who are going through this or have come out the other sid. I hope sharing my experiences with others can be of support too. I know this has been a long introduction, but if you are still reading, thanks and I hope to hear from you.