I was diagnosed with pc in june of '09. I had a psa of 4.2 which had doubled since my checkup the previous year. The biopsy showed a gleason score of 8, plus there was a definite lump in one of the quadrants. It was determined I had a very aggressive cancer and needed to do something in short order.
I researched and debated all the options, had more tests and had second opinoins rendered and decided on the Datolli Clinic. Jim, you were very helpful in the decision making process, and I thank you.
Treatment started July 19,09. I was immediately started on the triple hormone blockade and underwent 30 sessions of IMRT. After that I had 52 seeds implanted. I returned in December for another 5 IMRT touchup sessions and continued with the hormones for a total of 12 months.
When I first checked into the clinic a year ago, they showed me, using their color doppler ultrasound, my protate and pointed out the tumor and some other affected areas which show up on the screen in red, just like the center of major rain storm on the Weather channel. They performed the same procedure last week and other than some reflections from the seeds, the prostate was clean. Naturally I was very much relieved.
I am taking the news with a note of caution. I realize this can be an ongoing battle. But for now, I feel I can get on with my life. I don't know my psa yet. The reults of the blood work should be back next week. Dr. Sorace says to expect it to fluctuate for a good while and not to worry.
All in all, it was not easy. But mine was not an easy case. I am starting to feel more like me, regaining some energy, exercising a little harder, trying to get back into shape. I certainly have a better mental attitude. ED - most definitely! I have no libido to speak of - yet. That will take several months , I am told. Urinary issues are minimal. When I start getting up too often at night, I'll take a Flomax or two. BM"s a little bigger issue. It used to be once a day, in the morning. Now it is 3 times in the morning and once in the afternoon. And there is an urgency issue to accompany that so I have to be aware and plan my day accordingly. I hope this improves over time.
Was the Datolli experience a good one? Well, basing it on the results, most definitely. More than that though, their manner and the way you are treated I would have to say is exemplary.
Thanks to everyone on the board for being there and for the input I received. You provide a very valuable service to those of us recently diagnosed and totally "freaked out". That was probably the worst part of it all. I wish all those undergoing treatment , those recently diagnosed, the very best. Don't panic! I hope your results turn out as good as mine or better.
