Prostate Cancer/Health Support

[Rod]

Prostate Cancer/Health Support

Have you or a loved one been affected by prostate cancer?

Are you looking for support or answers to specific questions?

Most of us are not doctors, but we can support one another and lead each other in the general direction for answers.

[ebbnflow]

Prostate Cancer Hits One in Six Men, Fuels Angst Over Testing

Aug. 8 (Bloomberg) -- One day in Chicago, Dave Bigg is about to drink a few beers with his buddies and divvy up Cubs baseball tickets when his cell phone rings. It's the doctor, and he doesn't like what he sees. Bigg's biopsy looks bad. The cells from his prostate are warped and buckled. It's cancer.

Bigg can't believe what he's hearing. He's 46 years old. He doesn't look sick. He doesn't feel sick. Hell, he feels great -- he's training for a triathlon. ``It was like a punch in the stomach,'' Bigg recalls.

Bigg phones his wife, Melissa. She's about to have lunch with friends at the Cherry Pit Café, near their home in Deerfield, Illinois. She sits in her car and screams. Cancer? How can my husband have cancer?

``You can't wrap your mind around it,'' she says. ``You look at this healthy, energetic guy, and you can't believe it.''

This year, more than 230,000 men in the U.S. will get bad news like Bigg's, according to the American Cancer Society. And, like him, these men will face difficult choices about what to do next. Out of the blue, a diagnosis of prostate cancer will throw them into the middle of a raging medical debate over how to treat this disease -- or whether to treat it at all.

For some, the decisions they make will determine whether they live or die. For others, their choices will mean the difference between an active sex life and impotence.

One man in six in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, the ACS says. After age 40, the danger grows with each passing year. If you live long enough, the question becomes when, not if, you're likely to get this cancer. Autopsies show that 30 percent of U.S. men over 50 have at least some malignant cells in the gland. For men older than 80, that figure climbs to 80 percent, according to the ACS.

Read the rest here... (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aiQO7fYYMPcw&refer=home) :)

[Tempest]

I got diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 weeks ago. Early stage-so early they said I didn't need a body scan. The diagnosis didn't knock me off my feet like I expected but it was a surprise. Always get the blood (PSA) and physical exam (I have the past 14 years). My father who is 82 (I'm 53) and got diagnosed in November of 2006 (I was in the room when he got the phone call). 3 1/2 months later I had my biopsy (I requested it). I got it in time and am reviewing options.
(More then likely I am going with radioactive seed treatment.). I eat healthy and am active- successfully completed a swim from Alacatraz in 1995 and I could do it again (and yes I have completed Triathlons)- but that doesn't matter if you’re Tarzan and eat vegen-a persons genes-DNA can't be changed. You find out your PSA and get that physical exam done. And if your PSA is high get a biopsy. It doesn't hurt -but it is uncomfortable. I am amazed how many men I talked to the last 2 weeks my age who have not had physicals (too busy) or are-I believe- to scared to find out if anything is going on.

Cancers little helpers and handmaidens are ignorance, sloth, laziness and procrastination.
Those little assassins and ninjas are cancers allies that disable your defenses until it's too late. Those little secret agents show up before Cancer comes into view.
Best chance with any cancer is early detection.

FWIW my fathers PSA was normal-real low -but the physical prostate exam revealed something. My PSA was high-but the exam showed nothing-I was curious and requested the biopsy.

The day I got my diagnosis I made $2000 in the "I" Fund-best day ever.
It was one of those days. :laugh:

[Rod]

I hope all goes well w/ you Tempest.

My Dad battled prostate cancer back in 1999 and WON b/c he caught it in time w/ an early, elevated PSA reading.

His father, and 3 brothers were not as lucky.

Dr. William Catalona, the chief pioneer of the PSA test, and surgeon who operated on Joe Torrey, operated on my Dad. He urged my brothers & I to ensure we get a PSA / DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) annually- we were all in our 30's at the time. He urged a PSA/DRE bi-annually once we are in our 50s.

He said the key indicator w/ a PSA is to watch out for elevated levels over a period of time. He suggested a biospy with a PSA of 2.5 or higher.
I believe my Dad's was around 14, with cancer contained to the prostate.

My PSA since 2001:

2001: 1.10
2002: 0.70
2003: 0.63
2004: 0.66
2005: 0.79
2006: 0.70

I receive mine every Aug- the month of my Dad's birthday to help remind me.

Ensure you abstain from sexual activity at least 48 hours prior to receiving a PSA, since that can elevate the level.

More on Dr. Catalona and his Genetic research on prostate cancer which my family was asked by him to take part in since we have such a high rate of prostate cancer:

http://www.drcatalona.com/



In my PSA Study, the median PSA value for the age group of men without clinical evidence of prostate cancer is 0.7 for men in their 40s, 0.9 for men in their 50s and 1.4 for men 60 years of age or older.

In any case, I recommend an initial biopsy if the PSA is persistently higher than 2.5 ng/ml.

If the PSA is higher than 4 ng/ml, a PSA velocity higher than 0.75 ng/ml/year should prompt a biopsy, even if a previous biopsy has been negative for cancer.

PSA measurements are best made at least 48 hours after a prostate examination or ejaculation because either can raise the PSA level slightly.

Also, some medicines can affect PSA. Finasteride (marketed as Proscar or Propecia) and dutasteride (marketed as Avodart) can falsely lower PSA levels. Herbal preparations can also affect PSA levels, especially dietary supplements that are advertised “for prostate health.”


Repeated biopsies can actually induce PSA elevations, so once a patient has had adequate biopsy sampling of the prostate, a moratorium on repeat biopsies should be called for one year to allow the prostate gland to heal from all of the previous biopsies.



http://www.drcatalona.com/quest/quest_fall06_1.asp

He is one of the top surgeons in the country. So, don't be shy with contacting w/ any questions. He does answer his email.

God Bless:)

[ebbnflow]

Rod, Tempest, are you guys thinking of supplementing your diets with pomegranate juice. It's good for the heart (clearing arteries of plaque) and the prostate. Here's wishing everybody the best of health. :)

http://www.oldorchardjuice.com/juices/premium/64_100_pom.htm

[tsptalk]

I got diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 weeks ago. Early stage-so early they said I didn't need a body scan. The diagnosis didn't knock me off my feet like I expected but it was a surprise.
Sorry to hear that. Let's hope all goes well.

[ebbnflow]

Ah Rod, you might want to consult with your doctor first if you plan on taking pomegranate juice. I've read that it lowers PSA numbers and since you are undergoing clinical study for prostate, the numbers might turned out skewed. :)

[Rod]

Ah Rod, you might want to consult with your doctor first if you plan on taking pomegranate juice. I've read that it lowers PSA numbers and since you are undergoing clinical study for prostate, the numbers might turned out skewed. :)

I'm not doing it yet personally... I missed the family reunion last year which Dr. Catalona's assistant was supposed to attend and withdraw blood from all willing males.

But thanx!

[Tempest]

Thanks ebbnflow, tsptalk and Rod for your response. I am being very proactive about this. My diet over the last couple of years has been way less meats (BBQ and lunchean). I have owned and used a Champion Juicer and VitaMix for 3 years. The only juice I don't make myself is pomergrante. Way too messy (don't ask me how I know). So I have been buying it the last 2 years. I eat all the healthy foods (I'm not a total food fanatic I do have my 'sin days'). But along with good nutrition comes physical detection.


Rod you have something going for you as a defense-you don't just know about prostate cancer-you comprehend it. It has touched your family. Your VERY alert. That's good. You let your medical physical be a first priority.

I have every intention of making money in my TSP and blowing it all as an old geezer.
I eat right, stay in good physical shape (you recover from medical procedures and heal faster) and am always on the look out when I think I'm going to get a self-pity attack (happened once early in the morning - then I got up- mad at myself and did the laundry). I'm going to beat this.

Remember-education, good nutrition, physical fitness and a good physical examination
can keep from getting or forstalling cancer or at the least have the odds in your favor to successfully fight it once it is detected early.
_____________________________________________

A word on biopsy for the prostate. It's not painful-but uncomfortable. They give you a pain killer. Whole procedure from undressing to leaving the doctors office was 45 minutes. It's a bit more uncomfortable then the regular prostate exam. I can honestly say the anticipation of the event was worse then the biopsy itself.
That uncomfortable 45 minutes added years to my life.

[Rod]

Please keep us all informed Tempest!

[Tempest]

No problem
if you want to PM me at anytime I will be updating my e:mail.
For your info-my first name is Rodney-but I go by Rod.

[Rod]

No problem
if you want to PM me at anytime I will be updating my e:mail.
For your info-my first name is Rodney-but I go by Rod.

Mind if I call you Rodney on the forum so it doesn't seem like I'm talking to myself???:D

[weatherweenie]

My Dad goes in March 12 for another consult on his prostate. His PSA was ok I believe, but was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a DRE with a colonoscopy follow up.

[Rod]

My Dad goes in March 12 for another consult on his prostate. His PSA was ok I believe, but was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a DRE with a colonoscopy follow up.

Please let us know how things go.

[weatherweenie]

Please let us know how things go.

Gets his pacemaker checked tomorrow. :)

[Tempest]

My father got a DRE and that confirmed his cancer. He will be seeking radioactive seed treatment. He is 82 and very active. Myself I go in Thursday for info on seed treatment. Made up my mind that is the way to go-there are just variations of it.
weatherweenie don't forget when you have your physicals be proactive since you have history of prostate cancer in your family.

[weatherweenie]

My father got a DRE and that confirmed his cancer. He will be seeking radioactive seed treatment. He is 82 and very active. Myself I go in Thursday for info on seed treatment. Made up my mind that is the way to go-there are just variations of it.
weatherweenie don't forget when you have your physicals be proactive since you have history of prostate cancer in your family.

Have had a couple DRE's myself, inspite of being in my late 30s.

Fortunately the doc with the 2" wide fingers has retired. ;)

[Rod]

My father got a DRE and that confirmed his cancer. He will be seeking radioactive seed treatment. He is 82 and very active. Myself I go in Thursday for info on seed treatment. Made up my mind that is the way to go-there are just variations of it.
weatherweenie don't forget when you have your physicals be proactive since you have history of prostate cancer in your family.

I'm sure your father would not qualify for prostate surgery at his age, if it was needed. So, I hope the seeds work.

Do you know if the cancer was contained within the prostate?

I hope it was.

[Rod]

Have had a couple DRE's myself, inspite of being in my late 30s.

Fortunately the doc with the 2" wide fingers has retired. ;)

Same here.

Gotta do what we gotta do.

[Tempest]

Yes my fathers cancer was contained. I know they did a scan on him. I suppoose they will do that for me for whatever procedure I select. I will have more details Thursday. I was really surprised the different ways they can treat prostate cancer. In the old days when they didn't have PSA tests I suppose they had more advanced cases and your selection was limited.
I'm not happy what I have-but I am glad I found it early.

I didn't hear anything positive about surgury to remove the prostate from 2 people I talked to.
Your right about his age.

[Rod]

I didn't hear anything positive about surgury to remove the prostate from 2 people I talked to. Your right about his age.

My Dad's surgery was successful b/c it was contained.

[Tempest]

I guess I should elaborate- the 2 people I talked to had some erectal dysfunction and incontinences (sp?) after removal of the prostate.. They have had no cancer reoccurrence. They were younger then 60.

[weatherweenie]

My Dad goes in March 12 for another consult on his prostate. His PSA was ok I believe, but was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a DRE with a colonoscopy follow up.

My Dad will have prostate surgery at a clinic in Indianapolis on April 19th.

From what I understand, the prognosis is good.

[vic]

They have made great advancements in the surgery procedures over the years. Most of us men will have prostate problems as we age. Good luck to you and your dad. I know my doctor has wanted me to have laser surgery, my prostate is enlarged, no cancer. I take vitamins and supplements to see if it can be reduced, or wait for surgery to improve.

[Tempest]

I've elected for brachytherapy-but there are 2 types (temporay radiation seed & 5 to 7 weeks of external beam radiation OR permanent radiation seed). I talk to specialists in mid-April and will make my selection then. The worse part of this experience for me has been making a selection on how to treat it. It can be so exasperating. So many ways to go. You can overload on the info. But thank God for the Internet.
The one question every man asks a doctor once he is diagnosised with prostate cancer is.
"Doc if it were you [*pause*]what treatment would you seek?" One specialists and I burst out laughing because he started saying the words to the question the same time I asked the question.:laugh:
He has heard the question from so many men.
It's not a fair questions since they are not buffeted by the emotions you are under.
One onocologist said he would opt for surgery-but as our conversation progressed he started talking about how he thought he would try photon beam....
There are so many ways to go if it's detected early
I know 2 women-both had breast cancer. One had her breast removed -one had a lumpectomy (sp?). Both are cancer free today.Women go through the same little hell if a cancer has early detection.
The one thing you don't want is the cancer to make the choice for you since it is so advanced.

Ah well I made my decision now I'm just sitting on the levee waiting for the Robert E. Lee.

I just live my life the way I have been. I do want to visit Rome again in August so I want to get this treatment out of the way. Lifes to be lived.

Vic don't forget your daily glass of pomergrante juice.

URL is a picture of me in Rome August 2004-Circus Maximus below me and remains of Augustus Caesar's palace on the Palatine Hills behind. I was in a good mood that day. Who knew I had prostate cancer back then?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/Tempest555/CircusMaximus.jpg

[airlift]

Thanks for the photo and the narrative. God bless you!

[Tempest]

Thanks. Happy Easter to you to.

[weatherweenie]

It's go time.

My Dad should be going under pretty soon.

The surgery is supposed to last 4-6 hours.

Patience isn't my strong suit. :)

[Tempest]

Hope all goes well. Get ready to read a lot of old TIME magazines and Field & Stream Magazines in the waiting room.
Time crawls in a hosptal.
I never watch medical dramas on TV.

[weatherweenie]

Dad update:

The surgery was successful.

The cancerous area was a bit larger than expected. As a precaution two surrounding lymph nodes were removed.

He's resting comfortably, watching his beloved Cubbies.

Prior to the surgery my Dad questioned whether it was worse to have cancer, or be a Cubs fan? I told him, 'at least there's a chance of curing your cancer :) '

[Show-me]

weatherweenie,

GOOD NEWS!!! Prayed for your Dad and a speedy recovery. Left the Cubs out.:D

[nnuut]

Good news WW, Dads a tough fellow!:D

[Tempest]

That is good news. Thanks for the update.:)

[Rod]

Great news!

Here's hoping and praying for a full recovery!

God Bless:)

[vic]

Excellent!! speedy recovery. My prayers are with you

[Tempest]

Gave the word to my Doctor this morning-going with permanent radiation seed (titanium irradiated with an isotope)-maybe some hormone treatment. No External High Dose Radiation. Oncologist and Urologist think that's over kill for my condition. Arriving at this decision (roughly 2 months after the diagnosis) took education, a lot of thought, the size of the cancer, my general health, what conditions (post treatment and long-term) I could live with and prayer. 1st week in June is when this procedure is going to take place.
I want to be in Rome the last week in August.



Beautiful sunny day in Oahu-one for the tourists. I going for a swim.

[nnuut]

Tempest, a friend of mine had the exact same treatment 7 years ago, his PSA is still normal. He is just fine, he was 62 when he had them implanted. He said the procedure was easy, not as bad as he thought it was going to be.:D

[Tempest]

Thanks nnut.

My Father got temporary seed last Tuesday*. Thursday he went golfing and today I can't reach him because he is inside a casino on an Indian Reservation (cell phones don't work in casinos). :rolleyes:
Next Tuesday he goes in for his second session of temporary radiation seeding-then on to hormone shots and external radiation. He's 83.:laugh:
I hope no male on this board gets Prostate Cancer-but the point I want to make-and I can't stress this enough is that it no longer is a death sentence if you are diagnosed with it. Watch your PSA and get your DRE's. Early detection is the key.

*He was diagnosed in Nov 2006 and I was diagnosed in Feb 2007.

[Tempest]

Well it's a 'Done Deal'
Had my seeding procedure to kill the cancer.
Thursday I checked in at 11:00AM -paperwork, blood pressure blah,blah, blah -they had the IV in me around one-ish.


Two-ish the Anesthesiologist came in we talked - he asked the standard questions ("are you allergic blah blah blah")-We ran a little late-my Urologist was delayed by traffic. They wheeled me when he arrived. He and the Oncologist are great - everyone was friendly as I was placed on the table. Anesthesiologist said something about feeling a small prick (didn't feel anything). Last sight I had was the oxygen mask being put over my mouth and thinking 'Thank God it hypoallergenic plastic not neoprene (I'm allergic to neoprene). Oxygen(?) smelled funny...

LIGHTS OUT.(as quickly as you can snap your fingers)


Woke up about an hour later in post op with something like 119 tiny radioactive tiny titanium seeds in me. No sense of time. Procedure was over in less then an hour. The seeds stay radioactive for 6 months. The inert seeds stay there and are not removed.
I could have killed for a steak and fries. Jeeeez I was hungry.

Yeah before and after the procedure I was mostly hungry and bored (you have to fast and drink nothing 12 hours before.)

I'm not that brave. But really this whole thing was like waiting at an airport to go to a destination you have been to.
I was bored.

Worst part was waiting for the pain killer to wear off -you have to do something before they will let you go.:laugh:

A co-worker and her husband gave me a ride home.
In by 11:00AM driving home by 4:15PM.

I have a little soreness. No swelling. They gave me some Percodan (sp?) for any pain but I will be tossing that in the trash. Never needed any.

I'm not joking when I say - I could have taken the bus home. I had dental work (root canal) that was more painful. Nothing stands out as painful.
This wasn't really surgery-just some custom made needles carrying some radioactive titanium seeds puncturing the skin driven by some computer following a grid.


Such was my 21st of June.

Details and after effects here on seed therapy.

http://www.americanbrachytherapy.org/aboutBrachytherapy/brachy.cfm#short

Some pictures here of the procedure (don't worry-not graphic).

http://www.prostatecancercentre.co.uk/treatments/brachy.html

Remember-the first symptom of cancer is no symptom. And a diagnosis of cancer is not a death sentence. Do not put off checkups. You can be in excellent health and have health habits. But everyones DNA and genes carry your family history. So checkup accordingly.

June 21st was my Credit hour day. Friday was sick leave.
I'll be at work Monday cuz I'll be able to 'be right and sit tight'.:D

{Anyone has detailed questions on after effects just PM me. Frankly I have not had the problems they mentioned to any great degree.)

[ebbnflow]

Tempest, glad to hear the procedure all went according to plan. Lucky you caught it early.

I've been asking people about their eating habits and heard so much about the benefits of lycopene. It's the good chemical released when tomatoes are fried with a little oil at high temperature. Is there a correlation between people not getting enough lycopene in their diet and prostate cancer? I wish they'd do some studies about that (or maybe they already did).

Nowadays, I always fry tomatoes before I put them in soups or whatnot. I also make sure I have ketchup handy on the table. Please keep this in mind on your way to a full recovery. :)

[Tempest]

Ebb-all good points. But one thing we all can't control is our DNA.
I've been reading a lot about that lately. If something is coded a certain way-you might get something. A healthy life style is a plus and does add years to your life and makes you strong in fighting an affliction. Man I swim 4 times a week. Blood sugar and blood pressure is normal. Watch what I eat and don't have a gut. I use the weights in my garage to stay trim. When they give you a checklist to fill out at the hospital I check NONE on physical problems. I guess what I am saying is a good diet and a healthy life style does not give anyone a free pass- so act accordingly.

[ebbnflow]

True, some people can smoke all their lives and not get cancer. Yet, other people become susceptible to cancer when exposed to even low levels of carcinogens. Still, there are things in our diet that can be eliminated or minimized to protect our DNA from structural damage. Loading up on vitamin-C and vitamin-E can prevent nitrosamine-induced DNA damage.

We all love our barbecue (seared fat is chock-ful of nitrosamines), hot dogs (sodium nitrites are converted to nitrosamines in the body), bacon, cured meat (uses nitrite salts), and the list goes on. I try to cut down on these type of foods, but take vitamin-C or E to counteract its bad effects whenever I find myself tempted. :)

[tsptalk]

Glad to hear it went smoothly. It sounds like are on your way to a full recovery. Best of luck and keep us posted. Now, it sounds like you need some junk food. You deserve it. :)

[Show-me]

Remember-the first symptom of cancer is no symptom. And a diagnosis of cancer is not a death sentence. Do not put off checkups. You can be in excellent health and have health habits. But everyones DNA and genes carry your family history. So checkup accordingly.


That is so true. Good healing to you. :)

[ebbnflow]

Glad to hear it went smoothly. It sounds like are on your way to a full recovery. Best of luck and keep us posted. Now, it sounds like you need some junk food. You deserve it. :)

Don't forget some 100% fruit juice (rich in vitamin-C) to go with that! :D

[Tempest]

Just finished my daily glass of pomegranate juice.

[nnuut]

Tempest best of luck, this thing works have two friends that had it and are fine 6 years later. Take those vitamins, I always have. I should have turned into a vitamin E pill years ago, been taking it for 33 years, 400 a day!!:D Ah!!!! more years than that!!

[Rod]

Here's wishing you the best, Tempest!

My annual PSA is due in August. Since prostate cancer runs rampant in my family, I've been tracking my PSA since my early 30's- I'm 38 now.

At least I have a decent baseline to look at and compare with as I get older.

Again, Dr. Catalona (who is the chief pioneer of the PSA test, and operated on my Father), recommends men with a strong history of prostate cancer to begin PSA screening in their 30's. During my Father's surgery, my brothers and I met with him in April of 1999, and he urged us to keep track of our PSA's from that point on.

FWIW, he recommends a biopsy on a PSA reading "persistently" higher than 2.5 :

http://www.drcatalona.com/quest/quest_fall06_1.asp

He is also doing genetic research on prostate cancer.

His website:

http://www.drcatalona.com/

[12%ayear]

The best thing is to stay away from meat. Eat plenty of beans like Lentils,Chick Peas, and others. Eat soy, drink water. Stay away from booze. I also take Red Rice Yeast, it lowers the levels. GL

[WIND_HUNTER]

The best thing is to stay away from meat. Eat plenty of beans like Lentils,Chick Peas, and others. Eat soy, drink water. Stay away from booze. I also take Red Rice Yeast, it lowers the levels. GL

How about raw almonds and lot's of tomatoes?

[WIND_HUNTER]

I get my yeast in the can (Miller Lite) Maybe not so good...:D

[Tempest]

Almost a year coming up since my Prostate Cancer Diagnosis.
Had the Brachytherapy June 21, 2007. And now had my first PSA check on January 10, 2008.
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info...=brachy&bhcp=1 (http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=brachy&bhcp=1)

My current PSA is now 0.98.
Which is excellent news

Damn well better be after 121 little titanium seeds irradidated with Iridium 125 (permanent seeds) to kill the cancer cells were shoved into me.

Physically I am about 98% where I was before my June 21st treatment.
So I recommend that as a treatment to be considered.
So am I cured of cancer.
Is anybody after a diagnosis?
You always keep looking over your shoulder for some 300 lb gorilla in the bushes to jump you.
They cure you so something else can shoot you out of the saddle HAHAHAHA

Still 70%C, 15% S, 15% I-cob:laugh:
And still swim at the community pool 4 to 5 times a week to stay in shape.
Life goes on.
________________________________

You got any questions on this PM me.

[weatherweenie]

Great news!


Almost a year coming up since my Prostate Cancer Diagnosis.
Had the Brachytherapy June 21, 2007. And now had my first PSA check on January 10, 2008.
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info...=brachy&bhcp=1 (http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=brachy&bhcp=1)

My current PSA is now 0.98.
Which is excellent news

Damn well better be after 121 little titanium seeds irradidated with Iridium 125 (permanent seeds) to kill the cancer cells were shoved into me.

Physically I am about 98% where I was before my June 21st treatment.
So I recommend that as a treatment to be considered.
So am I cured of cancer.
Is anybody after a diagnosis?
You always keep looking over your shoulder for some 300 lb gorilla in the bushes to jump you.
They cure you so something else can shoot you out of the saddle HAHAHAHA

Still 70%C, 15% S, 15% I-cob:laugh:
And still swim at the community pool 4 to 5 times a week to stay in shape.
Life goes on.
________________________________

You got any questions on this PM me.

[Show-me]

That is good news! I'm very happy for you and hope you continue to do well.

[Rod]

I am happy to hear that.:)

Keep an eye on that PSA.. looking out for any gradual increases.

God Bless!

[Tempest]

Thanks all for the kind sentiments.

[Tempest]

FWIW.

My PSA 3 years since my successful Brachytherapy (permanent seed) on 6/21/08

2/9/09 0.54

7/31/09 0.36

3/6/2010 0.34

6/5/2010 0.13

No complaints or complications.

[tsptalk]

I assume the lower, the better?? That is great news! Thanks for letting us know.

[Show-me]

That is freak'n great to hear!!!

[CountryBoy]

Great news Tempest,

Keep on dropping baby. :D

[nasa1974]

FWIW.

My PSA 3 years since my successful Brachytherapy (permanent seed) on 6/21/08

2/9/09 0.54

7/31/09 0.36

3/6/2010 0.34

6/5/2010 0.13

No complaints or complications.

Great news Tempest. I decided on surgery back in 2004. January 2010 PSA 0.01

[nnuut]

A friend of mine had the same treatment and it's been 8 years, he's fine!! Great stuff!:D

[Rod]

FWIW.

My PSA 3 years since my successful Brachytherapy (permanent seed) on 6/21/08

2/9/09 0.54

7/31/09 0.36

3/6/2010 0.34

6/5/2010 0.13

No complaints or complications.

Excellent readings-- seeing that you did not undergo a radical prostatectomy, but a seed implant.

It's good to see that you are having your PSA tested biannually, and that those readings have been declining over time. That's definitely what you want to see- a decline, and not a rise.

FWIW, I receive an informative, free subscription to "Quest" magazine- published 3 times a year. It's a prostate health/cancer newsletter that Dr. Catalona publishes.

Request yours here:

http://www.drcatalona.com/quest_subscribe.asp

God Bless:)