Prostate Cancer, my journey so far

[John Farrow]

After undergoing a biopsy I was diagnosed with inoperable Prostate Cancer. For 5 years prior to the diagnosis, I had 6 monthly PSA and digital inspections, my PSA was 5 and has never been higher. other than after a TURP, when it went upto 7. At the the first digital inspection, there were lumps in my prostate, but I was told by my MD that they were caused by age. It was only on my request that I was sent for a biopsy. 8 specimens were taken and they all came back positive. My Gleesen score is 4+4=8 and the cancer had moved outside the Prostste. I was told by the urologist that I had a very aggresive cancer. The only options I was given, was hormone treatment and radiation. I was on Lucrin for 6 months then recieved 36 radiation treatments. The radiation damaged my bowel and anus also I am Impotent and have ED. I was having 3 monthly Lucrin injections for about 5 years, then my PSA started to rise again to 5, I was informed that my cancer was in the advanced stage and I was prescribed Cosidex. I have been passing quite a lot of blood in my urine for the past 2 years, but after 2 explority operations which failed to stop the bleeding, I was told I had to live with it, as they couldnt find the source of the bleeding.
Last month my PSA started to rise again and I was advised to see an oncologist regarding the advances in Chemo for the problem. The oncologist did not recommend that I be treated by chemo, but suggested that I go on a Trial, being run by Couger Biotechnoligies, who are testing the drug, Abiraterone Acetate plus Prednisone (CB7630). I have agreed to take place in this trial, but there is a 50% chance that I will be administered a plecebo, as it is a randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study, which of course means that if I get the Placebo, I will not be recieving any medication for the length of the trail. except my Lucrin injections (choices, choices) The cancer has now moved into a 2.5cm lymph node in my abdomine, so it is spreading. I am now in the lap of the Gods, wish me luck.

[Angela Jenkins]

John - once you start the trial, set up a discussion that you can keep us updated regularly about your progress, much like the discussion Sergio has had going for several months now. Try to stay positive and keep trying any trial possible. We are all praying a cure will be found one day, sooner rather than later. You've got a large group in Australia - Prostate Cancer Foundation. We recently did an interview with the founder, David Sandoe. I hope you have a good support system. I'm convinced a positive attitude can trump the odds!!! We're here for you and are anxious to hear how you do in the trial.

[John Farrow]

Angela, Thank you for your support, I will be starting the trail in about 2 weeks, because I must have all the cosidex out my system, before I can commence the Trail.
I would be happy to keep you all updated with my experience during the trail, I just hope that it will not be hijacked like Sergio's was.
This site is for people to help others, request help and information, tell their stories about their various journeys during treatment and its side effects. not for people to express their opinions regarding off topic matters, if members wish to discuss matters not relevent to the discussion, they should start their own discussion topic.