Score: Norskie-1 PC-1

Well my latest trip and follow-up PSA test just a week past the one year aniversary of my surgery, resulted in another slight increase and for the clinic reporting purposes it's now .3 up from .2, they round up all results. It's now pretty evident that I will need additional treatment and have a return appointment to get one last PSA and meet with surgeon and a radiologist to set the next plan of action in place. In my talking to my surgeon he is convinced it is localized and some radiation to the prostate bed should clear this up. My patholy report showed that it was contained but he did warn me that it was real close to one of the walls of the prostate so it was possible a wild cell or two might have survied and that must be the case. He also told me after I asked how common this was based on my stage and patholgy results that he only sees a 4% reacurrance in men based on my post surgery results, I always knew I was special but I would have much rather been in the group of 96% in this case. So that is where I choose to see the score as 1 to 1. I figure I won the first quarter in finding out I had it, taking action, had I not I might still not know today and it's growing in me at a much wilder rate. The second quarter of the game goes to PC, I thought I had surged across the goal line with surgery and knocked it out but not so fast, it's a tough little guy. But I have no intention of losing the game and will fight on. As funny as this might sound I slept better last night basically knowing and can chart this next course of action vs being kind of in limbo. So I now wait, which is the only bad part until the end of March for the one more PSA to validate the results and meeting with a radiologist. I know many here have faced this same plan with surgery and then radiation and take great hope that I can achieve results as you all have and no doubt may have questions as I go. Thanks for all the help in the past that many may not even know they have given me but you have, We will win this altogether and this will not get me. Norskie norskie Age 49, PSA 6.22 on 9-26-06 Biopsy 11-01-06, 2 of 13 cores 10% cancer, 2 other cores abnormal Up-dated 20% prostate cancerous Gleason score 3+3=6 After Pathology report 4+3=7 a couple agressive Grade 5 cells found Da Vinci surgery 01-09-07 UW Madison Pathology Report- cancer 100 % capsual contained 1-18-07 Catheter removed 1-18-07 suffered bladder spasms Catheter reattached 1-18-07 Catheter removed 2nd time 1-24-07 1st & 2nd Post PSA Blood Test .1 and less - Undetectable 3nd Post PSA Blood Test 01-17-07 .3-Next action awaits me. Next PSA Scheduled and meeting with Radiologist set for 3-27-08 Incontenence-Pad free since end of May 07 4 1/2 months post surgery  ED back to 95% prior to surgery - no medication required.   Post edited to change Norkie to Norskie in title : ) Post Edited By Moderator (bluebird) : 1/20/2008 1:16:22 PM (GMT-7)

Thanks for the update, Norskie, and it's good to know that you have plans to do radiation to eliminate any rogue cancer cells.  One of the reasons I opted for surgery was that salvage radiation was an option if the PSA went up.  Take care and hang in there...Tim

Hang tough, norskie. It's early in the game and I'm betting  that rogue cell will bite the dust real quick, and you'll be back reporting 0 PSAs in the Spring. God's speed.

Good luck, sounds like you have the battleplan in place.

Norskie

Sorry to welcome you to the group of us who have or will have undergone additional therapy.  As you have read, there are a number of us who post here frequently.  One of the real positive things, is that since you had surgery, additional radiation is possible, and can destroy that random cell that has escaped.  I'm three months post adjuvant radition therapy, and had really no problem with it.  The hormones along with it also haven't been too troubling - a few "warm" flashes, but I've kept exercising, so I haven't had any noticible fatigue.  Hang in there, and be happy that you have an option ahead of you to conquer the pc "beast".

 Hey ~ Norskie,   I pulled out my “cheerleading” outfit and it fits perfect…!!!   I’m a firm believer the game ain’t over ‘til it’s over….   Just wanted you to know that it is so important to continue reaching out just like you’re doing ~ helping to keep “all of us” up-to-date as to where you are on your path.   This forum is so powerful because of the members here…. Continuing to share is the most precious gift you can give to us.   In return ~ our friendship is our way of saying “Thank You” for being here and allowing us to walk with you and for walking with us!!   This journey is best traveled with friends….. Stay Close ~ friend and know we care. Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers as we all move forward. In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

norskie,

Nothin' like a man with a plan and as you can see we're all behind you. You will join many others here who have had radiation and done very well. We wish you the very best and please keep us posted - it helps us all.

Susan