Posted Yesterday 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
James (and others),
Thanks for the warm welcome. Sorry to have not replied sooner but have been busy with work, travel and house stuff this fall and just now catching up a bit.
I've updated my profile to reflect a little bit of my history. I am 54 years old (soon to hit double nickels) and diagnosed with PC in February 2011 following a PSA rise from 2.1 to 3.6 at regular physical in December. Several guys at my office had been diagnosed and treated earlier and encouraged me to see a urologist. Visited Dr. Claus Roerhborn, chair of urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and he recommended a biopsy.
Two of the 12 cores were positive and PNI was focally suggested. Initial Dx of Gleason 3+3. Opted for DaVinci at UTSW and surgery was done in April. Final Dx of 3+4=7, clear lymph nodes and bladder, slight indication toward the margin in one area. No suggestion of metastasis. Full continence almost immediately after removal of the catheter although I wore the pads for a couple weeks. Was back to work in two weeks and at pretty much a normal routine after a month or so.
August check up at four months still showed PSA as undetectable at <.05. Went up to .09 at December follow-up and then increased about .02 monthly for the next several months. Did radiation for eight weeks at UTSW and have been back in undetectable territory since. Had my post-radiation visit with Dr. Roehrborn today and all was looking good with the PSA numbers.
Overall, no catastrophic side effects although have been dealing with some urgency, frequency and burning issues on urination. RO had given me a script for Pyridium months ago but it did nothing for me. Uro gave me one for Detrol this afternoon and will see how that goes for a few weeks.
ED has been a bit of an issue--moreso since the radiation. Also have low T with readings from 125 to 280 the past year. Had been on Cialis until I stopped taking it this spring since the headaches and nasal drainage were nagging on me. We made do without it and got into a reasonable and mostly satisfying routine. Talked with uro and got a script for Viagra today and will be trying that for a month to see if it helps. Of course, will see what SEs come with it.
Frankly, I am grateful for the opportunity to be diagnosed and treated. Prognosis is very favorable and I am confident we'll be able to work through some of the resulting issues. I appreciate the participation on the HW board, and although I haven't chipped in a lot to this point, I've benefited from the input that others have given along the way. I look forward to some increased involvement in the days ahead.
Thanks again!
John