Oh, the $60,000 (estimated, may be higher) is not just for the radiation treatments, but for the whole nine yards to date. This is my official "digest" which those of us who participate in support/informational discussions share with one another. It's kind of like one dog going up to another and sniffing it's butt....ok, so it's not ANYTHING like that!
But whatever it is, this is what it is:
(dates approximate)
Age 42, some urinary dysfunction prior to Dx. Family history of PC 4 of 4 uncles, and Grandfather not known to me until after PSA test.
12/1/96 PSA=15.2, test done during routine physical by GP without my knowledge
1/2/97 PSA=14.4 sent to different lab by new GP, DRE "nothing abnormal" (new insurance mandated starting over again)
1/9/97 DRE= "no palpable tumor, firm" only comment by Urologist
1/17/97 TRUS biopsy, (total of 4 "random" cores) right apex-100% involvement, "mod. diff." 1.5cm gleason 3+4=7,adenocarcinoma, right mid. 75% involvement "mod. diff." 2.cm 3+3=6, adenocarcinoma, left apex "minute focus" adenocarcinoma, left mid, benign prostatic tissue. Results confirmed by 2nd path. lab. "DNA ploidy" by Smith-Kline, anueploid, 1.4
1/21/97 bone scan, negative
2/10/97 "Open" Lymphandectomy surgery for staging of PCa, biopsy results negative (10 samples)
2/17/97 Staples removed, incision opened up of it's own accord, ongoing "wound care"
2/24/97 Outpatient "seed implants" (qty-126) Iodine-125, to be followed by 7 weeks (35 sessions) of XRT by Radiotherapy Clinics of Ga. Commencing 3/18/97
3/15/97 still going to "wound care" daily at hospital from lymphandectomy, healing is proceeding well.
3/15/97 Comments post-seeding: Mild to moderate "urgency" of urination, diminishing, intermittent symptoms range from slight burning, to incomplete urination, occaisonal rectal discomfort.
3/19/97 First of 35 XRT sessions
4/1/97 Completed 5 weeks of wound care
5/8/97 Completed 35 sessions of XRT
5/29/97 First post-treatment PSA test scheduled
5/10/97 General notes: taking 6mg of Cardura daily, and Pyridium as needed. I hesitate to categorize my urinary side-effects, since it is subjective but I would categorize them as moderate. Without the Cardura there is considerable discomfort and frequent unproductive urination. I am also experiencing intermittent bowel problems and rectal discomfort. I use Anusol HC suppositories and an external anesthetic ointment to lessen the discomfort. Generally I am doing well, I have days of fairly pronounced fatigue, but thankfully they are the exception rather than the rule. Some of my side effects could probably be reduced with more careful monitoring of diet and fluid intake, but since I have never been particularly mindful of either, I am resolved to accept an increase of side-effects! Looking forward to a favorable PSA result on 5/29.
5/12/97 Considerable rectal discomfort, on second day of taking 7.5mg Hydrocodone tabs for pain. The medicine makes me nauseated, but is better than not taking it. I have saved up my samples from previous visits to the Uro, and use on "special occaisons" today. Time heals all wounds, it will take care of this as as well. Consider this: Contemplate the lillies of the field, they care not that the bodies which fertilize their roots suffered while manifested in the physical existence, they are equally rich in nitrogen.
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