TFT Redux-Destroy the cancer-Save the prostate

James C. said...
Gentlemen, we seem to be wandering off the road here and into an area that has been hashed and rehashed, with the resulting big blowups, hurt feelings and inabilitity for one side to change the other sides views. How about we get back onto the safe middle ground of discussing treatments and personal experiences with such and out of that explosive area that seems to be opening up. OK?

I agree...

Ziggy,
I had a sub total cryo performed by Dr. Barqawi.
Basically he froze the entire right side and about 90 % of the left side in August of 2008.

I am 48.
I was taking testosterone supplements (under doctors care) for low testosterone.
PSA went up to 4.3.
First 12 core biopsy in June 2006 no cancer.
Second 12 core one month later in July 2006 , 1 core positive.
PSA went down from there to 3.2 while I researched options.
Found Dr. Onik's website then Mike Landess description of his treatment.
Called Dr. Barqawi.
Saturation biopsy in Aug. of 2007.
3 cores positive out of 60. All close together on right side.
Not a perfect candidate for focal but considered hemi ablation.
New cryo probes from Endocare were introduced and Dr. Barqawi started using them.
Treated with sub total cryo in August 2008.
No incontinence, catheter for 5 days.
Erections not back to full strength but getting better and at 4-1/2 weeks that is way better than what I have heard from most guys I spoke to about surgery. First PSA in November. I will let you know.
Would love to correspond by email or talk by phone with realziggy.

I had my 6 month check up. I was concerned because my psa increased by .3 but my doctor told me I was doing fine. That for a year after TFT it will go up and down slightly. Plus the fact it had dropped so much after 3 months he wasn't a bit surprised by the recent results. According to him I'm doing great. That said he told me not to come in for the 9 month check and to wait until the biopsy in April 2009. The uroflow machine results show me pissing as I said before like someone in thier late 20s by measured flow. Also afterward they check sonically how much urine remains in the bladder. Anything below 1.0 is acceptable mine was .33. Viagara has as he hoped "kicked started" my nerves and erections continue to be better, continence is not a problem for I still have a functioning prostate, and I have wet orgasms. Not that the latter was a must to have but it's nice to know every thing still functions if needed. All in all I highly recommend this procedure. My life has nearly returned to pre PCa in all aspects. It's a pity that I'm one of the few maybe only if you count the Wet O's who can say that here. I hope TFT soon become a widespread available option. IMHO the gold standard is not stationary and a PCa lumpectomy type procedure has arrived and it's about time.

Things are great but I am not looking forward to my 3rd biopsy. I haven't been a pin cushion since April, so hopefully it's the last time. The fact that there's isn't any more catheters in my future makes one last biopsy tolerable I guess, besides it's 6 month away.

Time to bump this up again. just so newbies can see there's more than just radical surgery and radiation out there

Purgatory said...
Glad you bumped this, realziggy, your method of treatment is one that I know almost nothing about. After going thru 3 biopsies myself, I understand you not looking forward to that. I will have to study up on TFT.

Just watch the 4 videos from my first post in this thread . They still work I just checked. The local TV station did an excellent job. In fact when I first watched them was the first time I felt any hope. The fact that I was able to get the treatment looking back has me telling everyone here channel 7 saved my prostate and brought my life back to normal.

Purgatory said...
I will have to watch them just for the sake of education. After I was dx. back last September, I was pretty well shown the two common treatments, surgery or radiation. My dr, no offense againt him, but in hindsight, was pretty pushy about not waiting for surgery, and I had major fear factor and shock and awe going on inside my head. Had mega radiation for prior non PC cancers, knew I didn't want that. The side affects after surgery sound doable ahead of time, because all I was thinking about was this growing cancer inside me, but now that I am on the otherside, I am having to live with them on a daily basis. Not really complaining, I researched the best I could at the time, made my choice, and hopefully will remain PC free. I do wish I had known about this place way ahead of time.

I understand. Many guys rush to get the cancer out of them. My first urologist scared the hell out of me with that and the possible after effects. I have an older cousin who nearly convinced me to have the brachytherapy he had. and I likely would've have until I saw the tv special. My biggest problem was always just accepting on faith that I actually had PCa. I felt fine and had no symptoms. I pretty much agree with the Urologic Oncolgy Dept doctors here at the University of Colorado that much that is being done now to Pca victims is over treatment. I'm not saying yours for it looked worse than mine. But I still question those with low risk Pca like I had opting for radical surgery, the incontinence long term for some where in reality maybe they could've gone on for years before needing radical treatment if ever. It's also comparing possible longevity to life style which I always admit in my case the latter meant more. Being I'm long divorced with grown children. Also I was able to retire at age 54 so I want to continue to enjoy my current lifestyle.

I admit to being lucky and when offered an early retirement I took it. At least I had a few happy healthy retired years before Pca. Actually I would have retired back about 11/2007 when I was dx. That sure would've been one bummer of a retirement hello. But like I said since about May 2008 I'm back to living pre-Pca. I'll be an official old fart come August when I hit the big 60. Hopefully if the Pca comes back in time I won't do anything about it. When born I think the expected life span for a US male was like 69-72. Not living the healthiest of life styles ( I'm an ex smoker who smoked for 35+ years) I'll be happy to make it to mid 70s.

Bumped up for rsilver

real ziggy, thanks for the bump and the call. I emailed dr Barkawi today. going to set something up just to get another opinion. I doubt I am a canadate but ya never know and I think 3d mapping saturation biopsy would be a real help for most people  to make a final decision. I am still leaning toward PBT if I can ever get a consult. It will be interesting to see if those guys at MD Anderson and LLUMC think a saturation biopsy is of any benefit for radiation ebt or pbt. FWIW one doc told me that my 6 needle biopsy was totally inadequate ( I tend to agree) and he said if I got radiation he would insist that I have another one with a minium of 15 needles. Maybe he wants the money, I don't know but it makes some sense. If he is right, than a saturation biopsy would be of even more help maybe even inspite of the scientific articles that talk about microscopic cancer and tumorgenisis (sp) etc.

I noticed you took some heat for your positions but it looks resolved and I am glad you are on the site and wish  you the best. Will continue to post as I go through the decision stage...........all the best.....bob

PS "There is more faith in honest doubt than all the arch angels of God" can't remember the author

Good luck Bob, you can never have too many other opinions..



"Paranoia will destroy ya"--- Ray Davies of the Kinks

Rsilver,

Another option is a targeted color doppler biopsy. It's much cheaper than a saturation biopsy. It may not be as effective but is pretty good when given by an expert like Fred Lee or Duke Bahn. Cost is about $2k vs $22k.

My doc has a simple philosphy that I agree with. In low grade cancers the cure rate is similar for all treatments so pick the one with the least side affects. The side affects of TFT seem pretty tame when compared to the other options.

JohnT