JHK's Journey with Prostate Cancer
Patient: Prostate Cancer
Patient Info: Living with cancer as a chronic illness (undergoing adjuvant therapy), Diagnosed: over 9 years ago, Male, Age: 72, Stage IV
Patient Info: Living with cancer as a chronic illness (undergoing adjuvant therapy), Diagnosed: over 9 years ago, Male, Age: 72, Stage IV
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JHK
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Experience with
Prostate Cancer
over 8 years agoLaparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Procedure or Surgery
Doctor was confident surgery would be "curative" Difficult recovery process
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JHK
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Experience with
Prostate Cancer
over 8 years agoExternal radiation
Radiation
PSA did not decline after surgery, though scan could not locate the cancer; radiation to the pelvic area was recommended and presented as a "50-50" chance of being effective; PSA doubled to 7 after radiation
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JHK
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Experience with
Prostate Cancer
over 8 years agoDecision Point
An annual physical exam May 2011 indicated abnormality; subsequent biopsy confirmed prostate cancer (aggessive) with a high Gleason score of 9; PSA just over 3; PSA still over 3 - 6 weeks after surgery;radiation to pelvic area recommended and completed - PSA rose to 7- 6 weeks after radiation; my current Urologist suggests hormone therapy if PSA goes to 10 or 15; I have numerous questions and concerns about all this - when to begin hormone treatments (if at all), side effects, % success probability, etc. Also, probability of spread to the bones and consequences if I do nothing. I do have another PSA test scheduled for early July. Any input would be appreciated.