A lot has happened since I posted an update on our prostate journey. I say ‘our’ because even though Sandi doesn’t have one, I share. We’ve just about eliminated surgery. No, let me rephrase that, we’ve eliminated surgery unless we receive news that all the proton and radiation facilities in the United States have been bombed back into the stone age. It seems that surgery offers the most full evisceration of one’s prostate problems complete with the most devastating side effects and if I had my druthers, I'd choose not wear a diaper. Gonzo may look good in a diaper, but I don't. Personally, I think I rather keep as much of my original plumbing and parts as possible.
The treatment that seems to be as effective as any of the other treatments and offers the least side-effects while leaving all of a person’s factory-installed parts and materials intact, with the added benefit of not installing radioactive material into a foreign body (such as mine) appears to be Proton Treatment.
At this point we’re pursuing Proton Treatment at Loma Linda University. It is one of only about five places in the country that offers this form of treatment. The downside is the fact that it means spending at least 8 weeks down there complete with being away from home, negotiating living arrangements, transportation, groceries, and just being there. Did I mention that I don't look forward to spending 8 weeks there?
On Nov. 17, I received my latest Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) results from the doctor of the blood draw I had last week. My first elevated PSA number, and the reason that this journey started, was about May 22, 2009. It was 4.8, which is an indication of prostate cancer, but without a biopsy it is only an indicator. I had a biopsy done last July where two of twelve biopsies came back positive for cancer. Today the doctor called and told me that the blood-work results came back with a PSA number of 8.5. So, it has risen 3.7 points in about 6 months. From what I read the PSA number is a controversial indicator and there are a number of factors that have an impact on the number, mainly any kind of strenuous physical activity. Hopefully that includes paddling a kayak and thus would mean that’s where the increased number came from instead of a growth of the cancer.
Today I made contact with Loma Linda and was told that the Blue Cross had OK’ed the consultation and they were submitting paperwork for the procedure. They have tentatively scheduled me for a consultation the week of January 25 with the 8 week treatment to start the following week. At this point we are figuring on me going down there then.
So, I guess the message here is, if you are a man, or know a man, or a man that knows a man, or a woman that knows a man, or a man that knows a woman that knows a man tell them to get their bloodwork done and ask for a PSA test.
Jim
I have a new student in my class. Somewhat small but definitely the best looking one there. Yes, I'll have to break him from putting his fingers in his mouth.
