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Posted 8/31/2006 10:47 AM (GMT -8)
 

 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two weeks ago. I've had my bone scan which was clear and am waiting for my Rx appointmnet to hear about my Catscan. This is all sinkiing in and I realize I may want to talk about this with other people who have had this expereince. It's really unnerving reading up on incontenance and erectile dysfunction, but I know it's better to be informed and prepared . I'm divorced  sometime ago abd at 57, I was right in the middle of looking for a long term relationship when this happened. Guess I'll have to put that off until I'm treated, healed and see what my condition is. Right now I need to focus on my catscan results and selecting a doctor.

PSA 6.7

Gleason 3+4+7

Posted 8/31/2006 11:48 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Birdland,

I'm sorry to have to welcome you into this club, but you have come to the right place. Just like you I was breezing along through life, and then totally blindsided by PCa. I was scared, angry, and in denial; emotionaly toasted. All of the great people here helped my family and I get through this really difficult time. So we are here for you. Ask questions, and if you need some reasurance we're here.

Age 60, DaVinci procedure 02/23/06, PSA 3.8, Gleason 6 (3+3), 2 of 14 cores positive 10% ea., MRI clean, Neg. boundaries.

Glen

Post Edited (spinbiscuit) : 8/31/2006 1:51:47 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/31/2006 12:04 PM (GMT -8)

Welcome Birdland.

This is the place to be. I think I have learned more in here than in the multiple meetings I have had with urologists, surgeons, etc. If you read closely the majority of guys on this site have had succesfull results from thier choice of treatments. Learning you have PC is certainly a kick in the nuts but as you see not insurmountable. Research as much as you can stand, check in here peridically if not daily and make a choice you feel comfortable. Best of luck.

I have surgery scheduled for 11/1/06. PSA 4.4 gleason 6 two cores positive two suspicious.

Posted 8/31/2006 12:14 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks for the welocme guys.
Posted 8/31/2006 3:10 PM (GMT -8)

Birdland,

What can we say, but it sucks!  I too got great information and support on this forum.  I must say I am glad to be now on the post surgery side and can focus on over coming the side effects instead of the worries prior, but knowledge helps in all of this.  You will get down and angry at times, let us help pick you back up.  It is a long road but with many good success stories. 

Michael

Posted 8/31/2006 3:24 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks Michael

It's strange having something that you know is going to have a big impact on your life but you can't see it or feel it, you just know it's there!
Posted 8/31/2006 6:45 PM (GMT -8)
yes, Birdland, and it's even stranger having treatment (be it surgery or radiation or whatever) when you feel so good! my husband had his prostate removed yesterday morning and is doing very well. I found this web site to be the best in regards to getting info from people who have made this journey.

age 56, PSA 6.5, Gleason 3+3=6, father had PC and then bone cancer years later
Posted 8/31/2006 8:35 PM (GMT -8)

Welcome, Birdland!  I wish I had found this web site and forum as you have just two weeks after diagnosis. It would have made the road to  PCa recovery a lot smoother.    We've all been there where you are now!  It's difficult to hear the P-word when your doctor first pronounces it, but there is hope.  If you need support, lean on us for encouragement.  And, too, you'll find a lot of good information and informed opinions about prostate cancer treament and recovery.  I wish you well and hope to hear more from you.

Tim  

Posted 9/1/2006 6:45 AM (GMT -8)
Birdland,

I know exactly what you're saying about having to have surgery when you feel so well.  Curtis is out in the back yard building his shop and was diagnosed with PC two weeks ago...We have a appointment with a diVinci surgeon Sept 11 to find out our next step, but the point is he feels great!!

Posted 9/1/2006 7:06 AM (GMT -8)

I, too, was feeling healthy, without a single symptom that would give a clue of prostare cancer, and had negative DRE exams by both my family physician and urologist.  To take things a bit further, my PSA blood test (2.5 ng/mL) was well within the normal range, but had spiked from the 0.6 ng/mL baseline the year before. 

When we decided to do a prostate biopsy I was advised that there was a 10 to 20% chance that it was cancer.  I wouldn't wish prostate cancer on any man but if you have it, it's good to find out asap, when a cure is possible.  When symptoms are present it may already have spread. 

On the bright side, I am already returning to normal functions only two months after surgery.  Continence is good, though not perfect and the first stirrings of return to sexual function are evident.

Tim 

Posted 9/1/2006 10:41 AM (GMT -8)
Tim,

I'm sure glad to hear that you're on the way to full recovery. I'm hoping that Curtis will be as lucky as you. He is in very good shape and has been doing the kegel exercises since I told him about them.
Posted 9/2/2006 6:08 AM (GMT -8)
Welcome birdland,

This beginning part is such a tuff time. Learn as much as you can with out going crazy. This a great place for knowledge and comfort.
Posted 9/3/2006 3:19 PM (GMT -8)
Hi birdland,   I'm glad you found us!!   We will be right here anytime you need us!!   You are our new friend on the block and we like to share.   So - keep in touch and let us know what's happening at your end.   Okay!!   You have some “special” guys talking with you… Glen, Tim, Michael, & daveed Now you have the “special” ladies talking with you too!!! Kat, Ellen, Kate, & me J and there’s more to come!!!   So get ready for a new family J of friends...   Take care and Know we care, Lee & Buddy   "GOD Bless You" ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~ It's a little prayer "GOD Bless You"... but it means so much each day, It means may angels guard you and guide you on your way.  ~author unknown~    
Posted 9/3/2006 3:38 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Kate and Mama Bird
I don't know how this thread works so I hope you both get this thak you. Also to Kate, I hope your husbands not discouraged by his father dying from PC. In his head he may know that treatment is much better now but still that has to feel weird. Speaking of weird, I was just home to see the folks. I come from a "men don't cry" type of family. I never believed in that but over my lifetime I've learned to play that game so I spent most of the time trying to be cool about the whole thing and being angry inside. Truth is none of us know deal with this and I know they care. Anyway Tuesday's a big day because I get my Cat scan results from my urologist. I have an appointment with a surgeon on Friday. I'm very much leaning toward surgery but of course I need to get their recommendations. all of this is still sinking in.

Birdland
Posted 9/4/2006 7:04 PM (GMT -8)
Hey Birdland…..   Your “Thank You” came through loud and clear   Guess what!!!   It’s time to let the anger go… it will eat you up fast than the cancer.   And you can cry any time you need or want.   It’s good for the heart, soul, and mind.   Truly !!   See my new posting…. MURPHY OUR SPECIAL HELPER….     Now…. You deal with this by getting your ducks in a row….. “phrase from Glen” and it’s sooooo true.   Once you get your options and make your decision….. you will see the light at the end of this long tunnel and know it’s there waiting for you.   And… lucky you…. We will all be there through the darkness and the light at the end.     Buddy & I   made our decision before we even went to our 1 st consultation…. We felt the sooner it’s out… the sooner we could start recovering and moving forward.   The waiting would not have been to our advantage.   I really think this may have been the reason we did so well in every step of OUR JOURNEY.     Take care and we will be waiting to hear your results.   Let us help you through this J   In New Found Friendship, Lee & Buddy
Posted 9/4/2006 7:53 PM (GMT -8)
bluebird,

I think Curtis and I have made up our mind to have the DiVinci Robotic surgery...we feel the same way you did...want to get rid of it as soon as possible so we can go on with our life together.

I just wish it was all over.  This waiting is horrible!!!

Posted 9/5/2006 12:08 AM (GMT -8)
Thank you mamaB
I go for my Cscan results and consultation today! I'll write as soon as I get backhome
Posted 9/5/2006 4:26 PM (GMT -8)

New Thread:  Cat scan is Clear!  from Birdland.... 

 

Hi Birdland, Great News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've posted on your new Thread above.....
Lee & Buddy

Posted 9/5/2006 5:20 PM (GMT -8)

bluebird said...

New Thread:  Cat scan is Clear!  from Birdland.... 

 

Hi Birdland, Great News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've posted on your new Thread above.....
Lee & Buddy

\0/\0/\0/

Tim

Posted 9/5/2006 8:42 PM (GMT -8)
Wicket, DaVinci is a great choice. It was DWT 2nd option. We talk to Dr. Mannig who developed a nerve sparing procedure called the Veil of Aphrodite sparing and the outcome is superior to all other Davinci unless they use the same procedure. Have a look into his website and call him. I wish you luck and confidence in your choice of procedure.
After DW's procedure I will start stamping my feet and voice my opinion at any meeting and where I can be heared - lets spend more monies on research for our men's PCa. It's so sadly lagging behind anything else money is being spent on. If 10000 die every year from PCa why isn't more done for better, newer, gentler, kinder procedures with better outcome than what there is now?
SL
Posted 9/5/2006 9:06 PM (GMT -8)
 

SL--

Great strides have been made in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, but you're right, more needs to be accomplished.  There is research being done on a prostate cancer vaccine--wouldn't that be great for the next generation of men!  Hope you and DWT are doing okay. Take care and hang in there.

Tim

Posted 9/6/2006 2:20 AM (GMT -8)
Tim, SL,

Tim, yes it would be wonderful if there was a vaccine for PC as our son has a 50% chance of getting it some day and I worry about him. sad

SL, Yes we think Di Vinci is our first choice.  Curtis wants to get rid of this cancer as soon as possible.  I think what convinced me was the fact that if you have radiation first and it comes back you can't have surgery, or it's more difficult to have surgery, aftewards...so your options are not as many.

You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted 10/12/2006 7:36 AM (GMT -8)
Hang in There Man. 50 year old white male. PSA 53.6............Gleason 9............ 6 weeks of treatment prior to radiation. 26 treatments later my PSA is 0.88 I have my moments but a loving wife goes miles, I'm blessed.
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