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Posted 1/23/2008 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
I am Richard Age 68  with a history of BPH but negative biopsy 97 & 00.  Annual exam 11/07 PSA rose 4.9_and given antibiotics but PSA continued to rise (7.7) so a third biopsy was done 1/10/08 which came back postive 1/16/08  with high grade PCa with a Gleason score of 9 ( not sure of first and last numbers).  Bone scan on 1/17/08 incates no bone involvement but rib and pelvic exrays on 1/21/08 to add to the information.  I have old injuries and bad arthritis with one total knee replacement and needing other knee and hip replaced. I live in rural Lousiaiana along Toledo Bend Lake and my urologist is Dr Kwok in Deridder, LA. I have been referred to M.D. Anderson in Houston and I am waiting for them to contact me for my first appointment. I am learning how the mind can play with your thoughts.  One of my big concerns is my wife who is much younger than I.  She lost her previous husband to kidney cancer in 1999 and now having to deal with something like this again. I know this site is a blessing as one can definitely see that PCa is not an automatic death sentence and can if one let's it, prepare for the fight to beat this disease.  I plan on  being one of the survivors.  Sorry my signature repeats some of this post.                     Keep Smiling God Bless and Keep you all Richard & Debbie The Shores of Toledo Bend Lake Louisiana PSA 11/08 was 4.9 PSA 12/08 was 7.7 Biospy 1/10/08 positive for high grade Cancer but no Nodes noted Gleason score 9, Stage T1C Bone scan negative with additional exrays ribs and pelvic Referred to M.D. Anderson, Houston, TX Turn Stumbling Blocks into Steping Stones   Post edited to change title to thread… per members request : ) Post Edited By Moderator (bluebird) : 3/7/2008 8:39:56 PM (GMT-7)
Posted 1/23/2008 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
SOC,

I am originally from Port Arthur, Texas and my mother was from Leesville so I am familar with your neck of the woods. I lived in Lufkin, Texas for 14 years. There is another forum participant I believe who also lives on the LA side of Toledo Bend. M. D. Anderson is one of the premier cancer centers in the world which you probably already know. You are in good hands there. They will help you reach a treatment plan quickly. Keep us posted and let us know where we can help.

Tamu
Posted 1/23/2008 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Richard,
And welcome. This site is a real blessing. We have a tight group here. Welcome to the survivor network. Our prayers are for your complete remission. MD Anderson is a great place for treatment and you will have many options there ranging from surgery to proton therapy. Good luck on your treatment. And Stay positive!

Tony
Posted 1/23/2008 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Richard.
Two years ago my psa was 0. Last July it went to 10 with a gleason of 8. After numerous tests it was determined that my prostate was two and a half times normal size. I am 69 years old, so not a spring chicken. We decided that in my case radiation was the best option. I just finished 42 treatments of directed radiation at the June Nylen clinic in Sioux City, Iowa. I had virtually no side effects at all during the treatments. I also had a hormone shot before radiation (zolodex) and another three months later. My psa was 0.9 about half way through treatments. They implanted gold seeds before radiation for direction purposes which was about like the biopsy. My treatments lasted around ten to fifteen minutes each. I live about 75 miles from the clinic, so the trip was the worst part. There are more things being done all the time to keep us going, so our outlooks are better all the time. Hang in there.
Posted 1/24/2008 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome, Richard. You will be in my prayers this evening.

You've found in my own humble opinion, the best place on the web for support. Don't know if you like football, but I'm a big LSU fan, and also love Louisiana literature. I'm in rural Florida but love your part of the country.

Jack
Posted 1/24/2008 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Richard- U.S. News and World Report has proclaimed M.D. Anderson the best cancer hospital in the U.S. for the seventh year. I live in NJ and went there for the first time in August. Am preparing to go back the first week in February. The hospital and the people who work there are incredible. I was assigned to Dr. John Araujo who, IMHO, is the absolute best. I just wiped out my sig because it was very long and we've been asked keep them short. I'm not sure if you can still see it in my archived posts, but if you can, take a look.

If there's any info I can provide to you, please don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck.

-Les
Posted 1/24/2008 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and thanks everyone.  I appreciate the support this site offers and hope I can be here for those who follow.

I have been told I will hear from MD Anderson in the next 2 days .  Houston is about a 3 hour trip but fortunately I have a step daughter who lives in Houston and we also have a 5th wheel RV that we can move to the area if necessary. 

I am thankful for my bone scan results and that my urologist's opinion is that the cancer is contained in the prostate even thought it is considered aggressive.  I know we probably won't know until after surgery.  I know it is early but from all the info I have read it is my thoughts to get it removed and then think about any necessary follow on treatment.

A for football I root for the Tigers but deep down my blood bleeds Burnt Orange as I am a native Texan.

Keep Smiling yeah

 

Posted 1/24/2008 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Richard & Debbie-
This site is a blessing! Thanks for your positive energy. (It is evident in your post). You will find the most amazing support and a wealth of information in this forum. Peace be with you!

Chayna
Posted 1/24/2008 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
Richard, MD Anderson is a GREAT facility. I am going to tell you a little about my journey with PCa. My dad was diagnosised in 1992. He was late stages PCa and only 49. He was given a 6 month death sentence. With his great local docs and the help of MD Anderson, he lived 4 1/2 years. My husband was dx'd Jan. 2007, on the 10 year aniv. of my dad's death. Kurt was 46. Stage 6 on both sides. T2c. We made an appointment at MD in Houston, but changed our minds when we were referred here to Dr. Randy F.a.g.i.n. (Fagin) in Austin. He works out of the Urology Center in Austin. (www.urologyteam.com ) He specializes in PCa and the DaVinci. He is a very down to earth guy. We chose him over MD Anderson because of the DaVinci and his experience. My dad's onocologist actually called us when Kurt was dx'd. He asked me what we had researched, and I said a doc in Austin (thanks greenacres). His response to that was Dr. Fagin was the best. Good Luck to you. You are in our prayers. Courtney
Posted 1/24/2008 8:16 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Richard

Healing well is the best forum i have found, and I enjoy and really use what all the members say, especially swimmom, who will be a big help to you, as she has been for me.

And I welcome you as a fellow louisianian. I'm from New orleans and really love LSU and the Manning family.

I have decided to have the Davinci procedure at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans by A Dr. Richard Vangendendonck. He is very good. Ochsner is also one of six teaching hospitals for the Davinci procedure in the world--and the only teaching facility on the Gulf Coast.

Siberian (ken)
Posted 1/24/2008 12:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Richard & Debbie. Being married to a born-and-bred Texan, we also have a bit of orange around the house, here. Living now in E. TX with family way down the line on the E. AR/LA border. We did go to Austin for our surgery, and would do it again, even though it's a 5-plus hour drive. However, convenience should weigh considerably (I think) in your decision, especially with such a good facility in range. Plus, the fact that you have family near M.D. would be a great asset. Especially if you could plan to stay a few extra days to avoid the drive home the day after. That part is no picnic.

And to be repetitive, you won't find a greater support system than right here.
Posted 1/24/2008 2:56 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome, its a darn shame you showed up.  :-) Nonetheless you couldn't be at a better place in your condition.... sad  

Posted 1/24/2008 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Richard,

You sound like a fine gentleman, sorry you had to end up on this site that nobody really wants to belong to. However, since you're here you will be in close association with some of the best people in the world. They are caring, compassionate and genuinely interested in you and your condition. Sounds like you have already passed the first test by electing to go to MD Anderson, you should be taken care of in a first class manner. Keep us posted on your progress and again welcome to Healingwell....Keep the faith and pray alot. JWB
Posted 1/24/2008 9:26 PM (GMT 0)

Richard & Debbie,

So sorry to welcome you but you're at a wonderful forum.  You'll get alot of input here and much support.  Looks like you'll be fortunate enough to be at one of the best hospitals around so you'll have fine care and we'll be here to support you both.  Something that stands out in your post is your wonderful outlook...that is extremely important. And it helps us, too.

All the best,

Susan

Posted 1/25/2008 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Richard

I am deeply sorry to hear about your PCa.  You are certainly headed to a great medical institution (i.e., MD Anderson).  You didn't indicate what type of treatment you are considering there, but perhaps they will evaluate your condition and suggest alternatives to you.  They now offer proton radiation therapy, among other choices of treatment, depending on your situation.  You have come to the right place (i.e., this forum) for help and encouragement from those men (or their loved ones) who have already been there.  The key is being a believer and staying as positive as possible.  Try not to think about any potential negatives.  Many of those who have had to face PCa with statistics similar to yours, have been successfully treated and have come out a winner.  I wish you the best of luck and all good wishes as you proceed on your journey. God Bless!

Dave

P.S. Make sure that you get a 2nd opinion on your biopsy slides.  Johns Hopkins is often mentioned as a top choice for doing so which you can check out on the internet.  Perhaps MD Andersen can also do this for you.  I ended up getting a 2nd and 3rd opinion (when I visited a medical oncologist at a top cancer hospital).

Posted 1/25/2008 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning all. I am most thankful that I found this site and came here.  The responses have all been positive and a blessing.

My local doctor called yesterday and has ordered a chest Cat Scan scheduled for Wed 1/30/08 and I really don't know why but we are taking it as more information for the future.

My two daughters live in Austin, where I lived for 25 years and my youngest suggested Dr F.A.G.N. in Austin but we chose MD Anderson because of their reputation.  MD told me a couple days ago they had my referral and someone would be contacting me within 24/48 hours but no contact yet.

I also work part time on call with an Army contractor at Fort Polk training soldiers for Afghanistan and Iraq (playing an Arabic civilian on the battle field) and work with several survivors who have also offered positive feedback. 

We are just waiting and praying.

Keep Smiling yeah

Posted 1/25/2008 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
  Partial quote from posting above by Gordy... I just wiped out my sig because it was very long and we've been asked keep them short. I'm not sure if you can still see it in my archived posts, but if you can, take a look.   A reminder to members….. This is a perfect time to show our signatures for new members…   So Gordy ~ get in there and edit your posting to show your sig!!! Members shouldn’t have to hunt for it… so good rule of thumb… 1 st posting to any thread should have complete sig!   There’s variables that come into play here….   We would much rather “see” your signature posted than “not” see you post it!   (I will delete this posting if and when Gordy edits his post above….)     Copy and pasted from 1-17 posting....    -Les 1/2005 Dx PSA 26.5 Gleason 7 (4+3) @Age 61 1/2005 Start Casodex and Zoladex PSA drops to <0.01 AND REMAINS THERE TO THIS DAY 7/2005-8/2005 5 weeks of IMRT and then HDR brachy 1/2007 Rad Oncologist orders CT scan of pelvis because of complaints of pain in both thighs MRI confirms pain not caused by cancer BUT 1/2007 CT scan of pelvis picks up a nodule at bottom of left lung 5/2007 CT scan of lungs shows 1/2007 nodule has grown and there are numerous nodules on both lungs. 6/2007 Thoracic surgeon removes wedge of left lung for biopsy 6/2007 Path report says 95% chance of metastatic PCa, but she's never seen cells like this before. 7/2007 2nd opinion at M.D. Anderson in Houston. They confirm: mutated PCa, very rare, but seen there 2 or 3 times. Recommendation: have CT scans every 6 weeks and watch for change. At that point start chemo and will survive for 22 - 24 months thereafter. PSA STILL UNDETECTABLE   Post Edited (bluebird) : 1/25/2008 9:53:46 AM (GMT-7)
Posted 1/25/2008 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
    Hi ~Richard, Debbie *Smilingoldcoot & Loved Ones ,   W elcome     to…    ~ HealingWell ~   and   A    “ Special ”    Warm Welcome   to   You !   Knowledge gives us POWER….   POWER takes away the fear.   ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~       ~      ~     Click   on   link   below for important information that will help you ~ help us!!   Welcome New Members ~ to HealingWell       The information (link) listed above is to help you get around the forum!       This is a journey best traveled with friends.            Welcome ~ New Friend from all the members here... on HealingWell.com   v       IdahoSurvivor ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/1313099593_9f819e3ff8.jpg   v       bluebird ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/mamabluebirdWelcome.jpg
Posted 1/25/2008 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
   Hey ~ Richard & Debbie,   On January 16 th we saw your posting to a member and we sent you a special welcome thread… I’ve moved it here so you’ll have some tools to help you in your research. We’re happy to see you’re staying close!   It truly is important… for you and for all of us!   This path is best traveled with friends…. Keeping you both close in thoughts and prayers as we all move forward on different stepping-stones in “Our Journeys”. In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy  
Posted 1/26/2008 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Richard & Debbie,


I saw Dr. Maten at M.D. Anderson. 
He is very highly regarded in the field and does DaVinci if that is your choice.
(There are several other qualified surgeons at M.D. Anderson as well!)

The fifth wheel & your family in Houston will make a good fit with
    - the extremely professional hospitality offered by M.D. Anderson.

Try to spend some time reading the Journeys indexed in the third or fourth post of the second thread at the top of the page.  (I personally recommend Bluebirds &Buddy's journey.  The link is found in her signature.)
There is a lot of information about what to expect, ways to prepare, recuperation expereinces, etc.

Most here will advise you to get in the best shape possible before surgery by at least walking every day. 
As you are considering radical prostatectomy,
   you should also learn to do kegel exercises and
    do at least three sets of ten every day.
These pelvic floor muscles ("kegel muscles") are easily identified by
     standing over the toilette with a full bladder, 
     begin urinating,  and
     then stop and start the flow several times.
These are the muscles you will  likely need to develop to support the unconsciously controlled valve that will remain at the base of the bladder after surgery.  (The two consciously controlled valves in the prostrate will be removed.)
These exercises can also be done anytime as no one can tell you are doing them if you are doing them correctly.

As you research and talk to specialists, keep in mind that each is passionate about what he or she does.  Whatever choice you make, there are members here that have been down that path that can help.

Godspeed!

CCedar
ICTHUS!

Posted 1/26/2008 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
All my best to you and your wife. It sounds like you are doing all the right things. I know a bit of what your wife must be going through as I, too, lost my first husband. It's pretty scary stuff, and yes, the mind can play with your thoughts. Take care, and give her my best as well. You'll both be in my thoughts.
Posted 1/29/2008 11:56 PM (GMT 0)

Phone message from my urologist says hip xrays negative but my chest xray show no bone fractures or damage in the left rib cage area (bone scan hot spot, thought to be from previous enjury) so he has ordered the scan (CT or MRI not sure which) of my ribs for tomorrow morning 1/30/08.

After a week, MD Anderson finally called and I am scheduled to see Dr. Araujo at 0700 on 2/12/08.

We know there are lots and lots of folks all over the country keeping us in their thoughts and prayers.  I am continuing to work part time at Fort Polk to help the time pass.  It also gives me a close bond with those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Please keep them in your prayers also. 

I pray for all the guys and ladies here and thank each of you who post for your words of hope.

Posted 2/1/2008 11:59 PM (GMT 0)

My urologist called last night and gave me the results of my Chest CT which is:

1.  The hot spot (bone scan) on my left rib cage is from 3 fractured ribs from when I fell just before Christmas.

2.  He tells me I have a gall stone and asks if I knew it?  No real symtoms.  He said I would need to take care of it.

3.  He told me it showed there was some COPD (40 years of smoking, quit 2001).

All test completed, now just have to wait till we see MD Anderson on 2/12/08

Posted 2/2/2008 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Richard,

Great news on the scans. I mean no indication of cancer spreading. They found a bunch of stuff on mine too including COPD. I also quit smoking in 2001. Best of luck on your next step...

Jim
Posted 2/8/2008 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All

We are leaving home to head to MD Anderson on Tuesday 2/12/08 with a stop in Austin, TX to visit kids and grandkids.

I am really scared even though my additional test have all been good and reading some of the recent posts have my emotions really reved up.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Thinking of all you guys and ladies

Richard

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