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YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

 

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Dane Sheldon and Jami live in Florida, USA. He was 49 when he was diagnosed in July, 2007. His initial PSA was 7.50 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6, and he was staged T1c. His initial treatment choice was Surgery (Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy) and his current treatment choice is Surgery (Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy). Here is his story.

THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2019 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

I have Type 1 Diabetes which requires ongoing medical visits. After moving, I did not see a doctor for a year and a half. When I finally went to see a doctor about my diabetes, I had a complete physical. At the time I also complained that I wasn't as sexually strong as I had recently been and was experiencing curvature to my penis when erect. At 49, I was concerned about this condition.

The results of my physical indicated an abnormally high PSA (7.5). I was referred to an urologist who took biopsies. This process was not comfortable but was tolerable. Blood in my semen for the next couple of weeks was not "attractive" but caused no discomfort. The biopsies revealed the cancer. I was diagnosed with stage T2a, Gleason 6 (3+3).

I joined this group and learned as much as I could on the various treatment options. I was looking at LRP (Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy) or proton beam therapy. I chose LRP as it would remove the prostate and have the least financial and time constraints on me and my family.

After removal of the catheter seven days after surgery (October, 2007), I was 99% continent...only minimal leakage when exercising a week later. The leakage was completely gone after one month. I probably only used a half dozen pads. I am back to running 3 miles 3 times a week without any issue.

I was diagnosed with Peyronie's disease at my initial visit with the urologist. Following surgery I have been using a pump and Cialis (20mg/2xweek) with decent results. I am able to create an erection at about 70% of pre-surgery strength...enough for intercourse. My penis even seems to have straightened out some. No erection is happening without this assistance. Fortunately, while completely different than pre-surgery, I am able to achieve enjoyable orgasms (I still leak a few drops occasionally at orgasm).

My final pathology showed the cancer was confined to the prostate and did not come close to the margins. The final stage was T2c and Gleason 7 (4+3). I received the results of my first PSA test last week (2 months post surgery) with a 0.04 - oh happy day!

I will continue to monitor my PSA and will even insist on colonoscopy at my next physical to ensure everything is fine there (I understand that PC, colon cancer and bladder cancer are often clustered).

My father had PC and is a survivor. I had no idea that PC could be a "family" illness - well everyone in the family knows now and have been checked. I am telling all my friends as well. It seems to me that all men should know about this illness and how/when to be on the look out for it. Share the news.

My wife has been a wonderful partner throughout this ordeal and is very pleased with the results and long-term prognosis. I thank God I have her in my life.

I am thankful for the members of this group; for everything they put into supporting our community. I could not have made it through this ordeal without the additional support and information from this group. I am more than willing to pay back by offering my support through this venue.

Feel free to email me for additional information.

UPDATED

March 2009

I am pleased to report that a year and a half after surgery, life is good and pretty much back to normal.

I have my PSA test every six months. My PSA remains healthy at 0.4.

I continue to take Cialis to assist with ED. I am still seeing some improvement. Thankfully, I now have the ability to maintain a sustainable erection and have a satisfactory love life.

Fortunately I really don't have to give the bout with cancer much thought and am more focused on my family, work, friends, and a healthy lifestyle. I ran 3 miles this morning and am training for the 7-mile Bridge run in Marathon next month.

Thanks again for having a site that is so helpful and encouraging!

UPDATED

July 2010

PSA is under control. I finally had a colonoscopy and everything was fine...I think I may have been a little concerned that something might be found but those thoughts should have never entered my mind. The whole ordeal was easy to deal with since I wasn't alert enough to know what was happening.

Still enjoying life with the family and work. Jami and I just celebrated our 20th...life is good!!

UPDATED

December 2011

Life is good...I am seeing my daughters growing up into young ladies...my first starts college this year.

No misgivings over the treatment I chose! I have changed my ED meds from Cialis to injections of Super Trimix. Once I got used to injecting myself in the penis (relatively easy getting used to needles due to my Type 1 diabetes), I am now much happier with the firmness and sustainability of my erections! I feel great!

The most notable update to my story is that my younger brother was also diagnosed with PC at the same age (49) as me. I am told that less than 1% of all PC is diagnosed under age 50. Thank goodness he was monitoring through regular checkups. He also chose LRP and was fully recovered, including sexually, within weeks of surgery.

All the men in the family are getting PSA baselines by age 40. My brother and I participated in "Mo"vember this year and raised money for PC awareness. We also ran our first marathon together in celebration of our successfully putting the PC stuff behind us!

I would be happy to share with anyone that has a need...live strong!!

UPDATED

March 2013

No changes since last update. Life is great!

UPDATED

June 2014

It is so cool that numerous guys have reached out over the years when first diagnosed and deciding on treatment. Most stay in touch and what a joy to see the progress. We are all stronger and more thankful and just better people because of this experience. Everything with me is great on the cancer front and no changes in terms of ongoing sex function. I am satisfied! Best wishes to anyone reading about my experience and dealing with this stuff.

UPDATED

August 2015

Continue to live life to the fullest. Started endurance running in celebration of life after PC. Now training for a Half Iron Man! First daughter into college post-PC is starting her senior year. My wife and I celebrated our twenty-fifth...all is good. Will talk or listen to anybody who needs it!

UPDATED

October 2016

No changes regarding post PC...ten years. Have a couple basal cell skin cancers being removed...years of Florida sun catching up! Still running and enjoying life. God bless you men.

UPDATED

January 2018

All is well! Happy to share my experience and subsequent success with ED.

Dane's e-mail address is: wdshell98 AT yahoo.com (replace "AT" with "@")

NOTE: Dane has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.


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