Great news!
Husband's age 63
Excellent health
First PSA test - 7
Two months later - 11
Biopsy results: Gleason 3+3 in two cores (right medial 30% and right apex 90%). Small benign-feeling prostate
Feb 2011 – Brachytherapy – Iodine 125
PSA results: Dec 2010 - 11, May 2011 - 3.83, Aug 2011 - 3.18, Nov 2011 – 1.78, Feb 2012 - 2.77
Victor,
That's a great analysis, very similar to what I went through. The only difference is I chose the focal Cyrotherapy (or Cryo-ablation) as the therapy, seeds were my #2 choice. Focal Cryo seemed to me to have the absolute minimal risk for SEs, which was my primary concern, with still a reasonable chance of "curing" the cancer. I use the term "cure" very loosely as no matter what I do expect it will resurface at some point in the future.
I was going to write up my experience for how I arrived at the Cryo-Therapy decision, but my process was so similar to yours I would be mostly covering the same ground, so thanks for saving me all the typing, I hope people who are newly diagnosed find their way to your post.
I had the Cryo-Ablation done 3 weeks ago and I am pretty much back to normal, so goal one of no SEs has been achieved, like you I will have to wait to see how it all pans out.
Dave
Diagnosed Oct. 2010
PSA 7
2 of 12 cores positive (45% &25%), one side
Gleason 3+3
No Treatment (AS)
That's a great analysis, very similar to what I went through. The only difference is I chose the focal Cyrotherapy (or Cryo-ablation) as the therapy, seeds were my #2 choice. Focal Cryo seemed to me to have the absolute minimal risk for SEs, which was my primary concern, with still a reasonable chance of "curing" the cancer. I use the term "cure" very loosely as no matter what I do expect it will resurface at some point in the future.
I was going to write up my experience for how I arrived at the Cryo-Therapy decision, but my process was so similar to yours I would be mostly covering the same ground, so thanks for saving me all the typing, I hope people who are newly diagnosed find their way to your post.
I had the Cryo-Ablation done 3 weeks ago and I am pretty much back to normal, so goal one of no SEs has been achieved, like you I will have to wait to see how it all pans out.
Dave
Diagnosed Oct. 2010
PSA 7
2 of 12 cores positive (45% &25%), one side
Gleason 3+3
No Treatment (AS)
Without a doubt, one of the most detailed and informative threads I've had the pleasure of reading on this forum. Thanks so much and I look forward to many more great posts on this amazing topic.
Age 52, Stage T2c, Gleason grade 8-10
PSA level of 10.6 no symptoms whatsoever.
Ct scan and Bone scan negative
my diagnosis is considered a high risk disease and my treatment EBR + Barchy Seed Implants + HT
50mg of Bicalutamide tablets per day first 30 days
22.5 mg Lupron for 12 months
PSA value: 5.5 May 2011, 0.03 Nov 2011, undectable Feb 2012
T levels 1.66 Nov 2011, 1.?? Feb 2012.
Age 52, Stage T2c, Gleason grade 8-10
PSA level of 10.6 no symptoms whatsoever.
Ct scan and Bone scan negative
my diagnosis is considered a high risk disease and my treatment EBR + Barchy Seed Implants + HT
50mg of Bicalutamide tablets per day first 30 days
22.5 mg Lupron for 12 months
PSA value: 5.5 May 2011, 0.03 Nov 2011, undectable Feb 2012
T levels 1.66 Nov 2011, 1.?? Feb 2012.
For what it's worth I am a Brachytherapy supporter - my husband is now six years (where did THAT time go) Post- Brachy and doing great!
That is great news Julie and he's PC is in remission and he's SE free?
Gleason6, overthepond, qualityoverquantity, FoxRun,
I appreciate your messages; I have not visited this site lately, as I got busy and my life returned pretty much to normal. I am adding my one month update to the main post, and I’ll come back with an update in 6 months when I’ll see doctor for a checkup.
Wishing the best treatment outcome to all patients seeking help via HealingWell,
Victor
I appreciate your messages; I have not visited this site lately, as I got busy and my life returned pretty much to normal. I am adding my one month update to the main post, and I’ll come back with an update in 6 months when I’ll see doctor for a checkup.
Wishing the best treatment outcome to all patients seeking help via HealingWell,
Victor
Great post, and thanx to whoever suggested consolidating updates into the initial post. It made a compelling narrative. Any chance you will post that excel spreadsheet? I find myself about to start one.
2019 update (7.5 years after treatment). Doing fine. I take tamsulosin to help with irritation, once in a while (after certain spicy foods or hard drinks).
https://bit.ly/2t1Pel8
Month PSA
-54 => 2.4
-41 => 2.8
-28 => 3.4
-4 => 4.2
0 => 4.2 (0 is the month of treatment, 4/30/2012)
6 => 4.2
7 => 2.8
9 => 2.8
12 => 1.6
16.5 => 0.8
20 => 1.2
24 => 0.6
28.5 => 0.4
38 => 0.1
48 => 0.1
66 => 0.1
78 => 0.1
90 => 0.1
https://bit.ly/2t1Pel8
Month PSA
-54 => 2.4
-41 => 2.8
-28 => 3.4
-4 => 4.2
0 => 4.2 (0 is the month of treatment, 4/30/2012)
6 => 4.2
7 => 2.8
9 => 2.8
12 => 1.6
16.5 => 0.8
20 => 1.2
24 => 0.6
28.5 => 0.4
38 => 0.1
48 => 0.1
66 => 0.1
78 => 0.1
90 => 0.1
Post Edited (NewDiag) : 12/12/2019 5:33:10 AM (GMT-7)
2019 update (after 7.5 years after treatment). Doing fine.
https://bit.ly/2t1Pel8
https://bit.ly/2t1Pel8
Post Edited (NewDiag) : 12/9/2019 2:20:44 PM (GMT-7)
Always glad to see and hear from a Brachy Brother the vast majority of which post success in various forms. Most are still cancer free with very few side effects. LDR is still a good deal and has a very high success rate with a lot folks on this board. Congratulations and thanks for posting "hope" for so many others that are reaching out.
Age 65, Steadily rising PSA jump from 3.32 to 4.3 in 5 months, April 2014 Bx 5/14. 4/12 cores 3%, 15%, 30%, .5mm, 3mm, 5mm G3+4=7 PI not id'd Vol25g Ultrasound: No discrete nodules. BT 7/16/14 81 pSeeds, nausea, urine blood, burning, 1/2 day, bruising, mild urinary/bowel 2 wks PSA: 8/14 1.19, 10/14 .41, I/15 .36, 4/15 .33, 7/15
.37, 11/15 .35, 5/16 .15, 10/16 .16, 5/17 .04; 5/18, <.1, 7/19, <.1
Age 65, Steadily rising PSA jump from 3.32 to 4.3 in 5 months, April 2014 Bx 5/14. 4/12 cores 3%, 15%, 30%, .5mm, 3mm, 5mm G3+4=7 PI not id'd Vol25g Ultrasound: No discrete nodules. BT 7/16/14 81 pSeeds, nausea, urine blood, burning, 1/2 day, bruising, mild urinary/bowel 2 wks PSA: 8/14 1.19, 10/14 .41, I/15 .36, 4/15 .33, 7/15
.37, 11/15 .35, 5/16 .15, 10/16 .16, 5/17 .04; 5/18, <.1, 7/19, <.1
Those are great (PSA) numbers!
DOB 1940
Dec 2012: GP felt a nodule and hardened prostate; confirmed by urologist
PSA: 11.9 ng/ml
Biopsy (3/1/2013): Several Gleason 4+5 loci (prostate=45 ml)
Stage: T2c
Transferred to RO
Casodex 1 month; then Lupron 5/13 through 12/14 (18 months total)
Jul-Sep 2013: SBRT (CyberKnife; 3 x 6.5 Gy) followed by IMRT (25 x 1.8 Gy)
Lowest PSA thereafter: 0.1 (3/20/15)
Latest (10/19) PSA = 1.4 ng/ml
DOB 1940
Dec 2012: GP felt a nodule and hardened prostate; confirmed by urologist
PSA: 11.9 ng/ml
Biopsy (3/1/2013): Several Gleason 4+5 loci (prostate=45 ml)
Stage: T2c
Transferred to RO
Casodex 1 month; then Lupron 5/13 through 12/14 (18 months total)
Jul-Sep 2013: SBRT (CyberKnife; 3 x 6.5 Gy) followed by IMRT (25 x 1.8 Gy)
Lowest PSA thereafter: 0.1 (3/20/15)
Latest (10/19) PSA = 1.4 ng/ml
2022 update (10 years after treatment).
Doing fine. I take tamsulosin to help with irritation, once in a while (after certain spicy foods or hard drinks).
https://bit.ly/3okdord
Month => PSA
-54 => 2.4 (54 months before the brachytherapy)
-41 => 2.8
-28 => 3.4
-4 => 4.2
0 => 4.2 (0 is the month of treatment, 4/30/2012)
6 => 4.2
7 => 2.8
9 => 2.8
12 => 1.6
16.5 => 0.8
20 => 1.2
24 => 0.6
28.5 => 0.4
38 => 0.1
48 => 0.1
66 => 0.1
78 => 0.1
90 => 0.1
105=> <0.1
120=> <0.04
***
Date: Fri, Apr 29, 2022 at 8:22 AM
Subject: Greetings from Florida
To: Mclaughlin, Patrick
Good morning, Dr. McLaughlin,
I hope everything is going well with you.
As tomorrow will be 10 years since my brachytherapy, I just wanted to, once again, thank you for all the help along the way.
Although the journey with cancer was nothing that I planned or wished for, it brought in my way YOU, not only an OUTSTANDING doctor, but also a hugely CARING human being whom I will never forget...
May GOD reward you in the best ways...
Doing fine. I take tamsulosin to help with irritation, once in a while (after certain spicy foods or hard drinks).
https://bit.ly/3okdord
Month => PSA
-54 => 2.4 (54 months before the brachytherapy)
-41 => 2.8
-28 => 3.4
-4 => 4.2
0 => 4.2 (0 is the month of treatment, 4/30/2012)
6 => 4.2
7 => 2.8
9 => 2.8
12 => 1.6
16.5 => 0.8
20 => 1.2
24 => 0.6
28.5 => 0.4
38 => 0.1
48 => 0.1
66 => 0.1
78 => 0.1
90 => 0.1
105=> <0.1
120=> <0.04
***
Date: Fri, Apr 29, 2022 at 8:22 AM
Subject: Greetings from Florida
To: Mclaughlin, Patrick
Good morning, Dr. McLaughlin,
I hope everything is going well with you.
As tomorrow will be 10 years since my brachytherapy, I just wanted to, once again, thank you for all the help along the way.
Although the journey with cancer was nothing that I planned or wished for, it brought in my way YOU, not only an OUTSTANDING doctor, but also a hugely CARING human being whom I will never forget...
May GOD reward you in the best ways...
Post Edited (NewDiag) : 4/29/2022 5:54:40 PM (GMT-6)
Hello, Victor. It's very nice to hear from you again. I'm SO glad to learn that the 10 years have passed and that you are doing great. You did a wonderful analysis that I just re-read. Good luck to you for another 10 years after such a fine choice.
Jim
Forum Moderator-Prostate Cancer. Age 62 (74 now), G 3 + 4 = 7, T1C, PSA 4.2, 2/16 cancerous, 27cc. Brachytherapy 12/9/08. 73 Iodine-125 seeds. Everything continues to function normally. PSA: 6 mo: 1.4, 1 yr: 1.0, 2 yr: .8, 3 yr: .5, 4/5 yr: .2, 6-12 yr: <1. My docs are "delighted"! My journey:
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1305643&g=1305643#m1
Jim
Forum Moderator-Prostate Cancer. Age 62 (74 now), G 3 + 4 = 7, T1C, PSA 4.2, 2/16 cancerous, 27cc. Brachytherapy 12/9/08. 73 Iodine-125 seeds. Everything continues to function normally. PSA: 6 mo: 1.4, 1 yr: 1.0, 2 yr: .8, 3 yr: .5, 4/5 yr: .2, 6-12 yr: <1. My docs are "delighted"! My journey:
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1305643&g=1305643#m1
Success story!
Part I 2015, Age 54. Age now 61
PSA: 20.8 Bx: All cores G7 (4+3)
RALP & Adjuvant RT
Pathology: G8 (4+4)+5
PSA nadir: 0.1, steady increase
Part II 2019
Lupron/Xtandi, PSA: <0.01
2021: Reclast (zoledronic acid)
Part I 2015, Age 54. Age now 61
PSA: 20.8 Bx: All cores G7 (4+3)
RALP & Adjuvant RT
Pathology: G8 (4+4)+5
PSA nadir: 0.1, steady increase
Part II 2019
Lupron/Xtandi, PSA: <0.01
2021: Reclast (zoledronic acid)
April 2023 - 11 years after treatment PSA< 0.1.
I’m glad you were wrong about the Mayan calendar and the end of the world. 🙂
Great news on your LDR success!
History of urinary weak stream
PSA
Oct 19: 3.9
Oct 21: 5.29
Dec 21: 5.76
Apr 22: 5.1 (taken just before HoLEP for BPH)
July 22: 0.4 (3 months after HoLEP)
Jan 23: 0.77
MRI Dec 21: PIRADS 4 lesion
Fused biopsy Jan 22: 3+3=6 in 2 targeted cores, 70% of sample, rest benign.
2nd opinion on biopsy from JHU, 3+4=7, no more than 5% grade 4
Pathology from HoLEP, nothing found.
Great news on your LDR success!
History of urinary weak stream
PSA
Oct 19: 3.9
Oct 21: 5.29
Dec 21: 5.76
Apr 22: 5.1 (taken just before HoLEP for BPH)
July 22: 0.4 (3 months after HoLEP)
Jan 23: 0.77
MRI Dec 21: PIRADS 4 lesion
Fused biopsy Jan 22: 3+3=6 in 2 targeted cores, 70% of sample, rest benign.
2nd opinion on biopsy from JHU, 3+4=7, no more than 5% grade 4
Pathology from HoLEP, nothing found.
Good on ya, newdiag. It warmed my heart to read the words of our dear friend, Zufus. And I second his comments of 2012. And thanks for checking in.
Michael
Michael
April 2026 - 14 years after treatment PSA< 0.1.
Victor
Diagnosed: 12/20/11 (at age 55); T1c: PSA 4.2, 1 of 12 cores with 5% cancer (Dr. J. Epstein 2nd opinion), Gleason 6 (3+3), normal DRE
Treatment: 4/30/12 Low Dosage Brachytherapy, 90 Iodine 125 seeds (35 cc –by MRI)
Diagnosis, treatment & after: http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=2383730
Victor
Diagnosed: 12/20/11 (at age 55); T1c: PSA 4.2, 1 of 12 cores with 5% cancer (Dr. J. Epstein 2nd opinion), Gleason 6 (3+3), normal DRE
Treatment: 4/30/12 Low Dosage Brachytherapy, 90 Iodine 125 seeds (35 cc –by MRI)
Diagnosis, treatment & after: http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=2383730
Hi Victor:
Nice to hear from you and even nicer to hear about your non-existent PSA level. 14 years is a great run; now let's go for a lifetime!
Best to you,
Jim
Forum Moderator-Prostate Cancer. Age 62 (80 now). G 3 + 4 = 7, T1C, PSA 4.2, 2/16 cancerous, 27cc. Brachytherapy 12/9/08. 73 Iodine-125 seeds. Everything continues to function normally. PSA: 6 mo: 1.4, 1 yr: 1.0, 2 yr: .8, 3 yr: .5, 4/5 yr: .2, 6-15 yr: <1. My docs are "delighted"! My journey:
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1305643&g=1305643#m1
Nice to hear from you and even nicer to hear about your non-existent PSA level. 14 years is a great run; now let's go for a lifetime!
Best to you,
Jim
Forum Moderator-Prostate Cancer. Age 62 (80 now). G 3 + 4 = 7, T1C, PSA 4.2, 2/16 cancerous, 27cc. Brachytherapy 12/9/08. 73 Iodine-125 seeds. Everything continues to function normally. PSA: 6 mo: 1.4, 1 yr: 1.0, 2 yr: .8, 3 yr: .5, 4/5 yr: .2, 6-15 yr: <1. My docs are "delighted"! My journey:
http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1305643&g=1305643#m1