myionu's Journey:

My DRE normal size,but had a slight nodule.Had 3 PSA tests done Nov.2013/Feb./2014/Mar.2014 with high levels of PSA 110/94/107 Biopsy showed 4 of 12 cores with cancer 2 cores gleason score 4+3=7 2 cores 3+4=7 Other cores are benign. Next was a bone scan then a CT scan,and these scans show normal results with no indication of cancer spread.Cancer contained within the prostate capsule. I have no pain,and just a weak urinary stream near the end. Because of the high psa levels my urologist,and onocologist believe my cancer has spread..maybe microscopically in the lymph nodes. So do I go with the open RP first,and if they find cancer spread in the lymph nodes that surgery was for nothing as I then have to have the HT/Radiation. If I have the HT/Radiation first,and there was no cancer in the lymph nodes then I am radiating healthy cells,and then side effects etc etc.. My time is getting short as I need to make a decision within 3 weeks. Thanks for any input that might help me decide... So do I trust the psa levels,or the bone/CT scan

went into the surgery with a stage t3b only to come out of the surgery with stage 4.Surgeon said he had to be very aggressive. Only pain,and aggravation was from the catheter which was in for 2 weeks.Oh and the fact that the hospital only gave me 1 meal as my red blood cell count dropped below 80,and maybe needed another surgery.Reading soon got back up with 2 units transfusion,but the kitchen was not informed that I was able to eat.So 2 days with only 1 meal(jello/coffee),and the nurse stole a tray for me on the 3rd day.

Had my 1st (2) injections of Degarelix in November. Two nurses gave the injections one on the left,and other one on the right side of the stomach. no pain, but the nurse who gave me the shot on the right side left the needle in for 30 seconds,and the bump has still not gone down. The shot on the left side the nurse left the needle in for 1 minute ,and the lump is gone.Still took about 3 weeks.I don't think the one on the right side will be gone by the time I get the next injection. I will make sure that that nurse leaves the needle in for one minute.. Only side effect was redness across the stomach,and a stinging pain in the stomach whenever you had to get up from a chair etc...only noticeable for about 4 days. Had a meeting with the urologist,and introduced to another program about the effects of ADT,and the benefits of exercise/diet..etc Found out that one of the ADT side effects is probably the main cause of my insomnia(hot flashes)Even though I do not really notice the effect it is enough to interrupt my sleep.

Started 7th,and final week of RT. Increased urinary incontinence( on Flowmax).Bowl function sluggish + rectal bleeding(hemmeroids)using Proctol(6th week into RT) The fatigue experience just shuts me right down.Tried fighting it,but almost passed out. Well I hope my energy quickly returns after the RT is finished as that fatigue limits your activities.Even getting off that low fiber diet would help...