Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

By ronwun06

1 min read

My family physician was concerned with my stages of PSA testing over a period of 12 months. I was first placed on antibiotics which lowered my PSA rating but stilled remained above 4.0.

A prostate cancer diagnosis

A prostate specialist was consulted and I was diagnosed as having early to intermediate stage prostate cancer after test results from 46 pathologic biopsies, prostate ultrasound, multiparametric MRI, PCA3 urine analysis, bone scanner CTScan, digital rectal exam, and pathologic slide review. After much discussion about treatment options, a radioactive seed implant (brachytherapy) was selected.

Starting treatment

On October 14, 2020, I had 104 radioactive seeds implanted directly into the prostate tumor and surrounding areas. Three months later my PSA test result was 0.1. I had three PSA's performed in the year 2021 and the results remained below 0.2. On January 4, 2022 the result was 0.25. My prostate doctor will order another PSA test in July and then in January 2023. His advice to me was "Live your Life"

Living my life

I am very happy with the results of the implant. The main reason for choosing this treatment was that the chance of cancer coming back was only five percent more than if I were to have surgery to remove the prostate. The recovery time was only a few weeks instead of a month or more. My advice to all men is to have yearly rectal exams in addition to PSA testing. If the results of multiple PSA tests are above normal ranges, it would be advisable to have a consultation with a Urologist or Prostate Specialist.

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Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
I so agree on the need to visit with urologist when dealing with any prostate issues GP's are great for routine things but based on personal experience - take a deep breadth and make an appointment. Prostate cancer often develops on the back side of the prostate and more often than not --- the routine digital exam can easily miss a developing irregularity
Dan Franke Moderator & Contributor
 ronwun06 Good luck. My first PSA result was in the high eighties-so pretty clear that I needed to get after it. May you do well in your journey, DanFranke, moderator, prostatecancer,net.
1. ronwun06 Member
 <inline-mention username="Dan Franke" user-id="4179879"/> I Wish you well. Thanks for your concern.
Tubastuff Member
 Ron, good luck. In the middle of a Covid spike I opted for IMRT+ADT; the urologists didn't think my odds of escaping surgery without incontinence issues were too good at my age. On the good side, the radiation center wasn't very busy--I could show up a half-hour early and they'd be ready for me. I attribute that to Covid considerations keeping patients away. Today, I'm recovering, but functional. I still have fatigue and hot flush issues, but I'm told that those will diminish and disappear eventually. The good news is that my first post-therapy PSA was 0.07. After I completed my treatment, I received word from my kid sister that she'd been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It apparently was caught by chance in an MRI and there appears to be only one cancerous lesion. She's going to Mayo for treatment and I'm rooting for her. And I'm rooting for you! 
1. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Tubastuff" user-id="4598972"/> Hear you on the effects of hormone therapy - they put me on Lupron prior to radiation - I received a 6 month shot. For me the resulting hot flashes, etc lasted 14 months. Around month 11 things slowly improved . So yes those hot flashes will go away ... I did invest in one of those small personal fans the ladies carry. On hot summer days etc it can be a godsend especially if it is one you can put water in . I also experienced out of the blue crying events due to the hormone shot and over small things that normally would not impact me. Sorry to hear about your sister and do hope they caught it early - None of this is easy - all we can do is take it one day at a time and enjoy each one
2. ronwun06 Member
 <inline-mention username="Tubastuff" user-id="4598972"/> Thanks for your true life story. I wish you well and also for your kid sister. It's a battle with this terrible cancer types spreading throughout the world. Think positive. Ron
Tubastuff Member
ADT for me was a 6 month Eligard implant (similar to Lupron--active ingredient is leuprolide). I may be grouchier than usual, but hey, it's one of things that people readily forgive in an old man. Hot flushes have made me dread bedtime--I get very little sleep and it's not restful. I've tried black cohosh, bee pollen, evening primrose--none seem to do anything. Doc has suggested low-dose Paxil, but I'm a bit chary about psychoactive drugs.