My prostate cancer story

Started by Pacific NW Ron, August 25, 2018, 10:52:17 AM

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Pacific NW Ron

I hope that sharing my story might help someone else make a decision on the treatment that is best for them.
I very seldom saw a doctor so when I went in to see him about stomach issues he noticed it had been about 12 years since I saw a doctor.  He checked on the issue I came in for, then he says "there is something else I think we should check on".  So, on go the gloves, down come the pants.  That's when he says "I think we have another issue that may need attention".   Blood test then an appointment with a specialist.
I went through the digital rectal exam and biopsy.
I remember how scary it is to have the doctor call you and say I need to see you ASAP, and you should probably bring your wife, then to hear the doctor say "you have cancer".   I was 63 when I was diagnosed with cancer.  I had no symptoms of anything related to the cancer.  Because of the history of prostate cancer in my family it was something that was always on my mind.
We discussed all the options available and possible side effects.  I was told that if I chose radiation and/or chemo treatments instead of removal surgery that if treatment didn't work or if it did and a couple years later cancer returned that then because I had prior treatments surgery to remove the prostate was no longer an option and there would be nothing else that could be done.  Note: the opinion on this may have changed after 12 years.  They also told me that due to my family history that there was a good chance that with treatments instead of removal the cancer could return.
Note: I saw my dad go through this very same experience.  He died 5 years later.
Keep in mind this was 12 years ago and there may now be new opinions, more options and procedures available.
Some of the side effects they gave me for removal surgery were scary to say the least.  Some were, lose of bladder control, lose of "woops" drive and ability to get an erection.  Luckily I didn't end up with any of them.
I had my prostate removal surgery in June of 2006.  For the first 6 months after surgery I was tested once a month.  After 6 months of being cancer free that changed to once a year and that is still ongoing today.  Last June I was still free and clear and happy with the choice I made. 
Enjoying retirement in the great Pacific Northwest.  I've turned into a fair weather angler.  Why do it today when I can do it tomorrow?

Smallie_Stalker

Ron, first let me say how glad I am that you remain cancer free. You know I have prostate cancer, but it was caught extremely early and so far no course of treatment has been recommended or decided on by either myself or the myriad of doctors I have seen.

I have been told the same thing about not being able to have surgery down the road if I do radiation first. Yet some others I know that are going through this fight have been told that is no longer true.

Now personally I was told it was true by a radiation oncologist at Dana Farber, a place people come from all over the world for treatment because they are considered a leader in cancer research and treatment. If a radiation oncologist tells you radiation may not be your best option that says something to me.

As this board and the threads in it are about being open and honest in what we go through as we fight this fight, I will confess that even though I am in the early stages I am already experiencing some of the problems associated with prostate problems like slight incontinence and erection issues. These have been made worse by the medication I have been given to help shrink my prostate. It is a form of hormone that is also a steroid.

I begged the doctors to just take the prostate out now while I am reasonably young and strong enough to where my body can handle it better than if they wait until thongs get worse. I'm afraid if I'm older I may not be able to handle rhe surgery.

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack your thread. You sharing your story has helped me and I thank you for that. It gives me some hope that even if it is years before I need treatment that it doesn't have to be a catastrophic situation.

Thanks again for sharing and stay strong my friend. Here's to a long and cancer-free life.     

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Dobyns Rods   Titan Tungsten   Abu Garcia  Berkley  Pflueger  Spiderwire

Lipripper

Ron thanks for sharing your story with us and thank the Lord you are still cancer free.  ~c~ ~c~ You know my story and I'm going on three year of being Cancer free also but we live with the thought in the back of our minds that it could come back anytime.

Kats Rule And Bass Drool.Viet Nam Vet

BigDBasser

Glad to hear that you are cancer free.  It's been my observation that the sooner the cancer is found the better the outcome is.  I encourage everyone to get their yearly physicals.  Most are free from your insurance company and they could save your life. 

Deadeye

Thanks for sharing your story Ron.

I am currently going through treatment for the same thing. I chose the Hormone Shots and Radiation Therapy over Removal Surgery.


The main reason I did that was I did not want to deal with the side effects that seemed to be common with complete removal.

So far the worse part has been the Hot Flashes and Chills that follow.

Glad to hear your still free after 12 years.

Oldfart9999

Thanks for sharing ron and everyone else!!! It gives pause and should cause discussions with your doctors. Mine has gone back to including the blood test at least once a year and a colonoscopy every so often. Seeing a primary care Doctor at least once a year becomes more important as you age, because of my type 2 I see mine 3 times a year now, I also have to have an eye exam every year, I do this because my health is that important!
Rodney
Old Fishermen never die, their rods just go limp.

Lipripper

Quote from: Oldfart9999 on August 27, 2018, 06:26:52 AM
Thanks for sharing ron and everyone else!!! It gives pause and should cause discussions with your doctors. Mine has gone back to including the blood test at least once a year and a colonoscopy every so often. Seeing a primary care Doctor at least once a year becomes more important as you age, because of my type 2 I see mine 3 times a year now, I also have to have an eye exam every year, I do this because my health is that important!
Rodney
After my next visit with my Cancer doctors if everything still looks ok they are going to only have me come back every 6 months instead of the three I'm doing now. They do blood work every time I go see them.

Kats Rule And Bass Drool.Viet Nam Vet

Deadeye

Well yesterday, 8 months after the Treatments began with the Hormone Shots, and after having 45 Radiation Sessions, and then waiting for 3 months for the Prostate to calm down and return to normal, I was told my PSA had gone from 4.75 to 0.1.

0.1! Holy Sh!t. That was more than I expected and shows the Cancer is gone.

I only wanted to Update on this thread and tell my entire story in the Fl Chat area for anyone that wishes to see it.

Pacific NW Ron

That's great news.  I hope your tests stay that way and they got it.
Enjoying retirement in the great Pacific Northwest.  I've turned into a fair weather angler.  Why do it today when I can do it tomorrow?