The "New" Prostate Cancer InfoLink Social Network
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Steve L.
- Male
- Rye, NY
- United States
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Steve L.'s Page
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Profile Information
- Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer?
- Yes
- What brings you to the New Prostate Cancer InfoLink social network?
- Looking for hope, information, support
- Would you help us grow the network? Would you tell others about it?
- Of course
- About Me:
- I turned 54 in February 2009 and was diagnosed in January with bilateral prostate cancer and a Gleason Score of 7 (3+3 and 3+4), cT2c.
NO family history at all. Dad's 92 and works three days a week. Mom's 88 and brother ten years older.
Biopsy - 12 core samples. L - 1% of one sample out of 6 taken and R - 5% of one sample taken out of 6 but with Focal Hi Grade PIN also noted
My only PSA references came accidentally via a blood test last September to satisfy my life insurance company when I applied for more coverage. Noted at 14 and then follow up in late November with GP was 16, then scheduled biopsy on Jan 12th with results and DX on Jan 19 '09
Bone and CAT scans completed on Jan 27th and NO metastasis detected in bone or lymph nodes, confirming my doctor's expectations...whew.
Met with Dr Vincent Laudone at MSKCC in NYC on Wed, Feb 4th. Really liked his kind and attentive demeanor (as did my wife) and his patient answers to ALL our questions which solidified my plan to go with RARLP.
3/14 - Had successful RARLP at MSKCC in NYC and was discharged next afternoon on 3/15. Tumor was "bulging" so looking to break out but Dr. Laudone said it was totally encapsulated. He took about 50% of the nerves on one side leaving the other bundle intact. Post-op, no complications or issues to report, catheter was a hassle but turned it into a procedure and handled it without incident.
Monday - 3/23 - Had catheter removed (no issues while it was in or soreness afterwards) and got post-op lab report. Basically excellent news all around. Gleason changed from 3+4 to 4+3 BUT confirmed tumor was fully localized and encapsulated, no perineural, seminal vesical, vascular or other invasive complications and surgical margins were cancer free. Lymph nodes were also clear bi-laterally, best possible outcome. Dr. Laudone said "Never mind the PSA report controversy, this tumor needed to come out but I am not ordering any further treatment at this point."
Restarted Viagra protocol - Good results so far and Dr. Mulhall has upped my "challenge" dosage to 2X 100mg and 5X 25mg per week. Continence is completely back and I have been going to work and walking, running without a pad for the last two weeks. Frequency is returning to normal and am frequently sleeping thru the nights without needing to use the bathroom
First PSA test results received today - ZERO!!! I am infinitely grateful to Dr. Laudone and the entire staff at MSKCC. I will return for my next PSA checkpoint in early September and am looking forward to several months of "doctor/hospital free" time.
Steve L.'s Photos
Comment Wall (64 comments)
- At 4:09am on October 28, 2009,
Ron said… - # 27 Coming soon pal!! GO YANKS!
- At 3:45pm on October 13, 2009,
Frank said… - Steve,
Thanks for your comments. !2 days ago I learned I have PC
Will be going to Dr Laudone nest Wednesday.
As you must know, to say I am concerned is an understatement
- At 11:42am on October 10, 2009,
Bryan Caldwell said… - Steve,
As always thanks for your insightful and kind words. As you know I believe we go though things for a purpose and what gives cancer a kick in the nads is sharing and praying with and for others who are going through a similar experience. Encouraging or sharing in the heartache and loss that cancer can bring. Great to read of your recovery and commitment to reach out on this site.
Blessings Bryan
- At 9:45am on October 10, 2009,
Bryan Caldwell said…
- Hey Steve how are things going? I am 60 days out or so from surgery and doing really well. I posted a couple of weeks ago on the younger men's group to catch people up on my progress. I wanted to share with everyone how well things can go but in a very humble and understanding way. Hope I didn't come across in the wrong way or anything. Let me know how it sounds to you would you? Pray things are progressing well for you. Take care Bryan
- At 7:35pm on October 8, 2009,
Ron said…
- Hey Steve. Just looked at your pics from Maine. I love it there, was there in Bar Harbour in '05 for a week and did not want to leave. Did you happen to see the " fake whale " ? I forget what spot it was but all of us were ooooing and ahhhing over what we thought was a whale...the park guy led us on until revealing it was a bouy!! He said everyone things its a whale.
Sadly I am still 100% ED which is frustrating. Tried samples of Viagra and Cialis with no results. Except for minor leaks I'm good with that. My Aug PSA was .04, another in Feb.
Game 2 tomorrow...AJ better be on his stuff!! Can't blame Posada!
- At 10:45pm on October 7, 2009,
Ron said…
- Hey Steve...how you doing pal? Yanks up one game to none!!
- At 4:32am on August 17, 2009,
Ron said…
- Hi Steve. Yanks looking great man!! All the same here , with my 6 month coming up the 28th.
Was in Bar Harbour in 2005 and LOVED it! hope to get back soon. Going down to Shenandoah Nat Park in Virginia this week for a few days.
Wear that Yanks cap proudly up thar in Maine while driving the cah!
- At 3:52pm on August 4, 2009,
david g said…
- Thank you very much.
- At 3:40am on August 4, 2009,
Ron said…
- Hey Steve...long time pal! I don't come on here as much as I should. Whats new with you? Me..I'm still 100% ED with my 6 month exam coming the 28th...CANNOT WAIT!
Big series soon against the Blosox!!
- At 8:34pm on August 3, 2009,
Gary D said…
- Hi Steve,
I came across your pg. while surfing through the site. Your comments gave to other poeple helped me. I am still in the process of deciding what treatment route to go. In discussions with my Urologist,radiation or surgery are my only options. I have no interest in using watchful waiting and he would have to use hormone therapy to shrink my prostate enough for seeds, which I won't do. Am I correct you had robotic surgery? If so I'd like to talk to you about it as I live close to the Cleveland Clinic where I could have it done.
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The "New" Prostate Cancer InfoLink is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, please consult your health care provider.
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