The pathologist analyses revealed that 2 out of 12 samples contained adenocarcinoma (cancer) cells, and one tumor appeared to be 1 mm across while one appeared to be 0.3 mm across. The Gleason score for each sample was reported as 6 (possible scores range from 2 to 10). The Gleason score is am indication of the aggressiveness of the cancer.
Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of prostate cancer. We appear to be catching the cancer at an early stage.
My PSA scores had been: 4.5 in May 2009, 5 in July 2009, 7 in October 2009, and 6.8 in February 2010. It was not only the elevated PSA, but also the rate of change with time that indicated a biopsy was necessary.
We discussed several treatment options with Dr. Sweat. We have planned to perform a robot assisted prostatectomy in early June 2010, so that some already planned activities (trip to Phoenix/Prescott, AZ) could be completed before surgery.
Dr. Sweat discussed the potential side effects with us. All of the normal concerns about surgical procedures apply to this planned surgery. In addition, there are also possible side effects of impotence and incontinence. Both of these are pretty big negatives to me. Dr. Sweat indicated that the side effects would be less likely because of my age, but more likely because of my over-weight. Consequently, I am on an even more intense program of weight control and improved fitness.
I have also decided to delay telling my parents about the diagnosis and planned surgery until mid-May 2010, hoping to spare them more weeks of fretting about the conditions and plans.
Update 2 April 2010
The doctor’s office called today to schedule the surgery. I will be admitted into
This event has reminded me of my mortality and the importance of maintaining one's health. I have been instructed by Dr. Sweat that I would recover better and have a lower chance of side effects if I were in better shape. Thus I have made an internal commitment to concentrate on improving my fitness before 8 June 2010.
This has been a tough year for me, healthwise: diagnosed as having sleep apnea in Spring 2009 and starting CPAP machine use nightly, diagnosed as diabetic in June 2009 and changing diet and exercise to respond to that challenge, an elevated PSA level started my march toward prostate cancer surgery, a kidney stone in October 2009, and now prostate cancer and taking action to minimize the chances of it killing me. It has not been easy on Sandy, either. Her first husband died of cancer when he was 56 turning 57. My prognosis is very good, but the similarities are disconcerting. She also feels that I do not take good enough care of my health, and my health problems DO affect her.
It is (past) time for me to change the direction of my overall health. I will try to post some positive news about my fitness level before June!
