Rick 57 Story

What started out as a routine PSA led to Prostate Cancer Treatment. I feel like I am one of the lucky ones since my PSA and degree of cancer are low. After a repeat test, my PSA was rising and was around 4.9. I followed up with a DRE and a nodule was noticed on the left side of my prostate which then led to a random biopsy.

Biopsy results

The Biopsy showed 2 cores with about 25% cancer and a Gleeson of 3+4, the nodule that was noticed on the left side was benign. After reading forums and books and conversations with my doctor I coded my cancer as a sky intermediate favorable risk and decided to undergo EBRT. My urologists recommended EBRT vs surgery due to my age 65 and being overweight which I agreed with.

Surgery and treatment

On December 28th I had outpatient surgery to have the fiducial markers implanted and the space OAR inserted. So far I have had no side effects from this procedure other than slight diarrhea and the slight pressure that I have to have a bowel movement. Last week I went in for the CT scan and an MRI to calibrate the linear accelerator for my prostate treatment. During the CT scan, a small catheter was inserted and a small amount of contrast was injected. Although this was certainly not comfortable it was not really painful and only lasted a few seconds.

What the future holds

Today I went for my verification to dial in the treatment for the upcoming radiation treatments. I learned that I will have 28 visits and receive 3.5 Grey per treatment. This seems high given my low-stage cancer and maybe I misunderstood the doctor and will verify this Wednesday when I begin the treatments. I will follow up once I begin the treatments to give an update on the side effects. I am hoping this will provide someone in a similar state with some information to help put them at ease.