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Two year update from a "young" RRP guy

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Posted 10/20/2009 11:31 PM (GMT -5)
It's been two years since I was wheeled into the O.R. on a gurney for robotic surgery. I was 44 at the time but had been fighting a rising PSA for five years prior. My father was diagnosed (and cured) of prostate cancer at age 52, I decided to start the PSA testing early. At only 39, my PSA was already at 2.23.

Fortunately, the pathology revealed that the cancer was caught at a very early stage. Was I "overtreated"? I think not, but sometimes wish I was so that I wouldn't have so much PSA test anxiety. I have posted before about the "ultrasensitive" test, and I ultimately decided that switching to the "standard" variety would be reduce my anxiety without risking my future health, given that I am in a "low risk" group. My latest PSA came back as "<0.1".

I have been truly blessed with my fast and complete recovery of urinary and erectile functions. Other than an obvious lack of semen and a few small scars, I have no evidence of my new "plumbing". It's as if my prostate was abducted by aliens. I do still take a 5mg Cialis every 3-4 days, but I am better than I was before surgery and sometimes feel like a teenager again. I am considering stopping the Cialis since I probably don't need it, however it sure is nice to have this "treat", considering what I have been through.

Although my experience with robotic surgery is a personal journey, I can say that it sure seems like it was the right choice for me. I am also a firm believer in getting the PSA test, at least a baseline, at an early age, say 40.

Regards,

CaPCa

Posted 10/21/2009 7:08 AM (GMT -5)
What a great and positive follow up story to read first thing this morning. I am sincerely glad that things have gone so well for you. In your case, early detection was truly your friend. I hope you stay this well for many years to come.

David in SC
Posted 10/21/2009 7:15 AM (GMT -5)
Hey CaPCA----------ditto Purgatory on the early AM news! Congrats-----I run into "younger" friends of mine all the time who question whether they should start testing earlier than the "standard" age of 50. I point to stories such as yours as to why they need not rush to the lab, but should begin to question their doctor about earlier testing, especially when there's a history of the disease in the family tree.

                           Arnie in DE

Posted 10/21/2009 7:50 AM (GMT -5)
CaPCa, great post - thank you! So happy that your outcome was good, and that your recovery is moving along nicely.

Sadly, it seems that prostate and breast cancer are being diagnosed in more and more of our younger men and women. My niece was 34 when diagnosed with stage III breast cancer - and there's no family history!

We are all responsible for getting the word out to get screened for these diseases which are so much more manageable (dare I say "curable") when caught early.
Posted 10/21/2009 7:55 AM (GMT -5)
Great news on your progress. It is inspiring to hear from people who are beating this thing with dignity.

Keep well,
Regards,
Bill
Posted 10/21/2009 8:25 AM (GMT -5)
CaPCA,

What good news.  Certainly a great update.  I, like you, have those uncomfortable feelings with the ultra sensitive tests.  I went from .008 to .01 a couple of times in my 18 months.   Too much information.  I would like the less sensitive test but the Lab I need is quite a drive.  There is one locally but I don't have confidence in any tests they do.

Live the good life. You deserve it.

Frank

 

Posted 10/21/2009 9:18 AM (GMT -5)
I love good news, the longer after treatment the better. Congratulations........ cool
Posted 10/21/2009 10:56 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you everyone for the kind and encouraging words. This forum has been a tremendous benefit to me, and hopefully my occasional posts have helped others in some small way, too. In addition to having the wealth of knowledge and experience of everyone here, it means so much just to be able to talk and vent with folks who have been touched by this disease.

CaPCa

Posted 10/22/2009 2:05 AM (GMT -5)
Indeed a great post with great news i will have nothing to add to the guys above but YAYYYYY for you !!!

Keep it UP in many ways !!!

wink

GB
Posted 10/22/2009 9:35 AM (GMT -5)
Great News! I am a fellow young person diagnosed when I turned just turned 37. If you look at my stats at biopsy there were alot of positives!!! I am a strong advocate of EARLY testing especially if you have a family history! We are the evidence that PSA testing early Hopefully Saves Lives!!
Posted 10/22/2009 10:43 AM (GMT -5)

Greetings, CaPCa.  Thanks for a good, encouraging post.  I was diagnosed at 55 after my Dad was diagnosed at about 70.  My uro says my son should be tested at 35 and my son agrees.  I have also wondered if I could stop taking the Levitra I take a couple of times a week.  There are times when I don't take it all week and seem to do fine.  Just something about taking the pill that gives me that little boost - don't know if it is confidence or what it may be but it just seems to help and I continue to take them. 

I am glad my doc doesn't use the ultra sensitive test - no need to go through the anxiety.  My next test will be at the two year mark and I trust I will get just as good a result as you did.  Congratulations and keep those zeros coming in.  David

Posted 10/22/2009 2:27 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for sharing. It is always great to read the good news also. I'm encouraging my two sons to get tested when they reach age 40. They have two grandfathers who have had prostate cancer and now me their dad.

Wishing you many more cancer free years.

Larry
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