Birthday and anniversary (5 years)

Hi All, Today,   is my husband’s (known here as ‘CJ’)   54 th birthday – I think that would classify him as about ‘middle’ aged now! However it is a historic day for us – 5 years ago to the day, on his 49 th birthday, he was given the results of his prostate biopsy after a PSA of 3.5 (routine pre-50 checkup), and diagnosed with prostate cancer with a staging of Gleeson 7 (4 + 3, downgraded to 3 + 4 after open surgery).   No family history. Needless to say, we will never forget that birthday 5 years ago – not the best day all up, on reflection.   This one is a much better one (birthday). Since then however, he has been as fine as a 54 year old with a pre-existing back injury (circa 1993) could be. Back to working almost full-time (for himself) - Takes his time, and developing a good reputation with his work.   He does live with chronic lower back pain but manages it.   Has trouble when sitting, but not standing. Ice packs are a daily routine for him after work. Then bath, hot shower and lie down, sometimes medication – sometimes not, a few exercises with legs up against a chair, and then bed, and back again next day! It is an odd routine, but works for him. No continence or other probs from the Pca surgery. A little but of urgency now. When he has to go, he really has to go! This never presents a problem unless we are travelling – so there are a few ‘bush stops’ out of necessity sometimes, but that’s nothing. He’s been lucky that way. PSA tests now to annual – last check in Apri ’11 was unchanged in 3 years with same lab – have [almost] given up stressing about the micro fluctuations in PSA ultrasensitive testing over the years [but not quite].   But so far, so good. CJ is happy with all his past decisions. I couldn’t take 6 monthly PSA tests unless there was a change, so all is well we have to assume.   Some people in our position have 6 monthly tests to stay on the safe side but we have had our fair share of minor PSA fluctuations from .01- .03 so choose not to now. His health seems fine, & annual health checks for all other things, good. Back is holding with the return to more or less full-time work. We have a most supportive family doctor who liaises each year with the Surgeon ( who is Kev ’Mr 4XXXX’   from QLD’s Guy, and An38’s hubby’s guy ). We remain vigilant. Meanwhile nothing much has changed with me. Still trying to look after my hubby like the many other women here…busy studying..and I still have a passionate opinion about routine PSA screening before 50 for men,   for obvious reasons!!   But all in all – no complaints. All things being equal and consistent, we feel very lucky now. Husband’s eldest son (now 34 yrs) has had a base-line PSA done but he won’t tell us what it is. He has all his dad’s details however for info. Other son together is now 11, and good too.   Adult daughter is currently on a cruise (lucky her!). Good luck to those facing the early stages of deciding on treatment, and to those who are recovering, and to your wives and loved ones. Cheers to all the rest of our mates and friends at Healing Well. Peace to you all at Christmas.   ‘See’ you ( in a cyber sense ) next year.   Kind regards, Lana (with CJ who still does not use a computer   )     Creed_three (Lana) - with husband "CJ" now aged 53 yrs (49 years at diagnosis). PSA (2006) 3.5. 1 x 5% core of 12 positive at biopsy (Gleeson 7). open Radical Prostatectomy with nerve sparing April 2007 Sydney, Australia. Gleeson 3 + 4 = 7. Small multifocal lesions contained within prostate. Current PSA February 2011 = 0.03 (unchanged in 3 years)

Hey Bronson,
Just to say 'I love you' (have always!) partly (not only) because of your stagename! My husband's tattoos are all more than 33 years old but some colours still vivid! Anyway, best to you and Steve - sorry - I mean hugs all around to you both! Lana

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Creed_three (Lana) - with husband "CJ" now aged 54 yrs (49 years at diagnosis). PSA (2006) 3.5. 1 x 5% core of 12 positive at biopsy (Gleeson 7). open Radical Prostatectomy with nerve sparing April 2007 Sydney, Australia. Gleeson 3 + 4 = 7. Small multifocal lesions contained within prostate. Current PSA February 2011 = 0.03 (unchanged in 3 years)

Hey Lana and CJ, could not believe my eyes, when you said it was CJ's 5 year anniversary, wow that time has flown. I have just had my 3 yr Anna, and back in those days I was so reliant on you guys. Its just hard to believe, been there done that, and now we see more guys who have just been diagnosed, starting their journey.
All that back pain CJ is getting, I have got a really good remedy it's called
XXXX, cures all pain after about the 6th can. Would you like me to send some down?
Seriously guys, have a lovely birthday celebration, and thanks for being great cyber space buddies, lovely to see now a fair group of Aussies on here.
Happy Birthday CJ, dare we ask what B'day present he's getting from you Lana.



Cheers Kev.

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Kev 53yrs [Gold Coast Qld, Australia]
PSA 4 Gleason 7 [4+3]
RP 24/12/08 Dr Philip Stricker [Sydney]
Stage 2 Tumor 7% Margin status- Focal Involvement
Fully Cont. ED- 90%
PSA @ 3yrs <0.01
"Every-day in Every-way I Get Better"

Post Edited (NotHard) : 12/7/2011 11:54:50 PM (GMT-7)

Well, well. Five years ------ my, doesn't time fly when you're having fun. Hearty congratulations to CJ for his 54th with many, many more to come. He is a lucky man to have you at his side Lana. Tell nosy Kev not to be so personal
Bill

CJ, happy birthday!
Lana, thanks for posting, I hope Kev and paul are following in CJ's footsteps.
We should have a special five year club here, like the zero club with new members paying for drinks.

Since its so close to Christmas, I'll have a nice glass of bubbly please!

So pleased for you,
An

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Husband's age: 52. Sydney Australia.
Hereditary PC: Mat. grandfather died of PC at 72. Mat. uncle died of PC at 60.
PSA: Aug07 - 2.5|Feb08 - 1.7|Oct09 - 3.67 (free PSA 27%)|Feb10 - 4.03 (free PSA 31%) |Jun10 - 2.69.
Biopsy 28Apr10: negative for a diagnosis of PC however 3 focal ASAPs “atypical, suspicious but not diagnostic” for PC. Review of biopsy by experienced pathologist, 1/12 core: T1c, 10% 3+3 (left transitional), 1/12 core: ASAP (left apex)
Nerve sparing RP, 20Aug10 with Dr Stricker. Post-op path: 3+4 (ISUP 2005). Neg (margins, seminal vesicles, extraprostatic extension). Multifocal, with main involvement in the fibro-muscular zone. T2C.
Post RP PSA,
Lab 1: Sep10 – 0.02|Nov10 – 0.03|Dec10 – 0.03|Feb11 – 0.03|
Lab 2: Nov 10 - 0.01|Dec10 – 0.01|Feb11 – 0.01|Apr11 – 0.01|Jun11 – 0.01

I am thrilled for both you and CJ, Lana.  Great news.

Regards,

Bill