Recent diagnosis of prostate cancer

After a routine checkup, my PSA was 7.2. The biopsy revealed a Gleason score of 6 and a clinical tumor stage of T1c. The nomogram indicated an organ confined disease at 67%, capsular penetration of 30%. I have gotten two opinions, one from a urologist and the other from an onocologist. The urologist recommended surgery and the onocologist recommended external beam radiation for 8 weeks. I have chosen the radiation as my course of treatment. I am 53 years old and take medication for hypertension. I also have been treated for cronic depression over the past few years. I am divorced and live alone and don't want to have to depend on family during this ordeal.
I realize that every case is different but just looking for support from anyone who has similar circumstances. I was planning to move out of state to a teaching position in VA when i got the news. I will stay in Tuscaloosa, AL to complete my treatment until this summer when hopefully I will be able to move. All comments are welcome! Thanks, Trey

Thanks for your comments and congratulations on your great reports! I just hope I've chosen the best way to deal with this..I'm still reeling from that phone call three weeks ago from the doctor as I was about to go in for my interview in VA when he called. Its just really scary right now. I'm waiting to hear from the onocologists as to when my treatments will begin. I want to get them started and get it over with! Thanks again, Trey

Hi, Trey. You're going to be in good hands, here. We'll all be your coaches through the upcoming months. This is a wonderful time to point out that the choice of treatment is more than just the type and extent of cancer itself. It's also about lifestyle and selecting the option that fits into both those parameters. That's what makes any decision the right one. You've made the right decision for you - be encouraged by that.

Remember, too, that although each of us may elect different treatments, the emotions, heartaches, and power to move forward remain the same.

Hi   ~ Trey,                        A    “Special”   Warm Welcome   to   You!       I know we can “all” make Your Journey smoother just by being here for you!   This is truly a great forum!!! ~ You have joined! You are now part our forum family ~ a group of wonderful individuals who are so willing to share their journey with you!     It helps “all of us” ~ to help you ~ if we know where you are on your path. So ~ Please stay with us and take our hand when you need it!   Keep posting.... OKAY!!    We are all here to help you travel the path with prostate cancer.       KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers fear YOU MAKE THE DECISIONS… YOU HAVE OPTIONS… ~ and ~ Your decision will be the right decision for you!!!     We invite you to visit our personal thread in the signature area below.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you continue your search for answers…   In Friendship ~ 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.     (Direct Link ~ just click on the title below and a new window will open!   Reminder … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there) Helpful Hints for New Members... Hope this helps you! :)   If you stay on the Thread you just started…. Every question you ask will be answered by many members and they will all be in 1 location right here!!!   If you start a new Thread for every question you have… eventually you’ll be looking all over the board for your answers as they move down to page 3,4,5,6… over time. If you stay on “1” Thread…. Every time you have a question and Every time someone answers… Your Thread will pop back to the top of the forum.   This is a really good thing!!!!! A complete journal… is calmer on the nerves!!!! The most important thing is…. Keep posting …..  and keep reading as many threads/postings as you can.   There is so much information that is being shared.

When my dad went through radiation, he did fatigue, however, he found that a short mid-day nap helped to bring the energy back. He contiued to work throughout his treatments, however, his job did not require heavy lifting. What ever you decide regarding your work, just remember, that your health is most important. Talk to your boss. You may find that they have a position just right for you as you go through treatments. My husband has opted for surgery. I remind him on a daily basis, that I expect him to take it very easy while healing. I even have his mom coming the week following surgery to make sure he follows the take it easy rule. You said you were divorced and didn't want to bother your family, so I am assuming that you have children or atleast other family members close. You will do yourself, and your family a favor by allowing them to go through this process with you. Good luck to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Courtney

Gordy,

How long ago did you have your radiation and brachytherapy? Just curious. It is encouraging that you have not had any incontinence or ED.

Markus

naimnut- I had the 5 weeks of external beam during July and August 2005 and the HDR brachy (3 treatments) August 29 and 30, I think). I just finished 2 years of HDT (Zoladex and Casodex) and even being on those meds, never became impotent (Macho man, dontcha know). I started out with PSA =26.5 and Gleason 7 (4+3). PSA has been undetectable since after the radiation, but I realize the HDT meds could have been masking PSA. I'm really looking forward to the next few PSA readings to get the real poop. -Gordy

Thanks everyone for your comments...this is all so encouraging..i'm so glad I found you all! Being the internet junkie that I am, I will be here often! Does anyone use the chat room?

Thanks Dave for your prayers and comments! I know you are glad to have it behind you and know that you will do well. Its so comforting to get comments from guys who are going through this. I will be checking on you as well and will keep you in my prayers! Trey

I will begin radiation on Wednesday at 1pm.. I'm really ready to get this going. Those who have done radiation, did you change anything in your typical routine? I just dread having to drink all that water! Trey

Hey Trey, check my Radiation - a journey thread. It's what I've done. Yours may be different, but it will give you an idea. Don't let 'em wear you down. Hang in there. Illigitimi non bu carborundum.

Regards,

Bill

P.S. Read my radiation thread about the drinking water. It's not that I'm cool, it's that I've tried really hard to do what I need to do. Hope it helps you.

Hey Trey:

While you have not opted for Brachytherapy, I think some of the information in my thread JustJulie's Brachytherapy Journey might be helpful.  It details my husband's prostate treatment with Brachytherapy.

Good luck to you and welcome, you've found a great group here!

Dear Trey, I am at 39 out of 42 treatments of image guided IMRT and am doing fine. Minor bowel and urinary symptoms not requiring medication or other attention, and no tiredness. Before this began my wife bought adult diapers and an incontinent pad for the bed but needed neither. Because of your relatively young age, you may do even better than I.


Age 62, PSA 4.2, 8/12 biopsies positive for cancer--4 Gleason 6, 4 Gleason 7
Stage T2b
IMRT: 42 treatments, Total dose 7560 cGy