New Member

MarkS · Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:41 pm Post subject: New Member

Hi All,

I've visited here a few times and done some reading so I thought I'd join up.

Breifly:
I'm 52 years old
Prostate cancer was confirmed 4 weeks ago.
Biopsy 14 of 14 were positive
Gleason score of 9
PSA was 61.7
MRI showed enlargement of lymph nodes, liver was clear
I just had a bilateral orchiectomy two weeks ago yesterday (May 24).

That's where I'm at right now. Things have happened very quickly and I haven't had time to do all the research that I probably should do, however, I am comfortable with the care I've gotten and the decisions I've made (orchiectomy vs chemical) so far.
My urologist wants to wait 6 weeks now and see what happens before deciding where to go from here.

There have been some noticicable effects already. I'm urinating MUCH better (better stream and complete evacuation) and I don't feel like I have a football up my butt every time I sit down. I'm assuming these are good things.

Phsychologically, I'm ok with the orchiectomy (I'm a fairly secure dude) but I'm wondering what physical effects to expect.
So far I'm still shaving every day - (Dammit - That's something I wouldn't miss at all.)
Sex drive is zip so that doesn't bother me but I guess it's something the wife and I will have to work out eventually though. I can see it becoming a problem, not for me because all desire is gone, but for her.
And, that's about all I've noticed so far.

There's no support group where I live but I got involved with internet boards like this because of another (unrelated) crisis I had in my life 5 years ago and it was invaluable. There's still a lot of good people out there in the world.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you all.

Mark

leo · Owner Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Dear Mark,

Welcome to the forums. My name is Leo and I am the webmaster here. I am a physician, starting my training in Hematology and Oncology in a few weeks.

Folks here are very supportive.

This must be a difficult thing for you. I have a family member about your age who was diagnosed with prostate cancer, so I understand on an almost personal level what it means.

I hope you enjoy our forums and please feel free to post questions, experiences, thoughts, whatever.

best regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

DavidCohen · Regular Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Posts: 37

Mark:

You want to start exercising to prevent osteoporosis due to the lack of testosterone. Also, cut out any soda that has phosphoric acid (also contributes to osteoporosis). Please email me for other tips.

DavidCohen99@att.net

David

MarkS · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:07 pm Post subject: Re: New Member

Thanks Leo. I appreciate the welcome.
I'm doing surprisingly well with this - so far anyway. I don't think I'm in any kind of denial or anything like that. I do have strong spiritual beliefs though so I have extra tools that some other's might not have to help deal with things like this.
My spirits have been real good - except maybe when I went for the biopsy. I looked the proceedure up on the internet and, frankly, I scared the hell out of myself. I thought, "That has just GOT to hurt." Well, maybe I just got a really good doctor, but it didn't hurt at all. I mean, I felt it but there was no real pain. I had to laugh at myself after it was over.
That's where it would have been good for me to have signed up here earlier and talked to some guys who have been there instead of letting my imagination run away. However, I'm here now.

David, I just read your post and had to look at the can of Coke I have sitting in front of me - Woooops! LOL

leo · Owner Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Mark,

I am glad your biopsy went well. The descriptions sounds much worse than the actual procedure.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Prostate Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others