A Christmas Gift

        Have not posted in a long, long time. PCa Dx May 6,2009, with a pre Gleason of 7 and a post robotic surgery Gleason of 8 and Dx of Stage 3B. Went just under a year with no post surgical changes and then a very, very slight increase in reading (0.02). Some would say not enough to react. I, and my urologist thank goodness, are very proactive. As I was having problems with incontinence, I had to have an AUS in June of 2010 prior to radation treatment. Then upon healing, 37 bouts of radiation in July/August of 2010, in concert with hormone therapy. For two years I continued hormone therapy with less than 0.02 readings throughout that time span. 

         In concert with RT/HT, I also incorporated massive Vit. D (10000 mg. daily) which is monitored by my physician (google Dr. Pendergrast's work on same at Stanfurd--intentionally misspelled being a Cal guy). Also, began a complete dietary change with the assistance of my "much better half" in September of 2010. No red meat, no dairy, and as little sugar as possible. At first a bit painful, but you do learn how to live with such a diet and actually like it after a time. In the three plus years I have "cheated" three times knowingly---you don't always know all the ingredients when eating out or at friends, but can usually work around it. I will say eating french fries at In and Out while my kids/grandkids are munching on Double Doubles can be tough though.

         End result: every six months (lately every year) I am measured with the ultrasensitive PSA test and for four and a half plus years it has not gone above the "less than 0.02" level. At this time of year I can say I am truly blessed for I know with my numbers, it could be very different. So is it the surgery, the diet, the hormones, the radiation, the vitamin D that is giving this result? I don't know and I don't care. As one person I am in no way a scientific study. But what I am is a testimony to being "proactive" whatever your situation in life. If nothing more, it makes you mentally cope better with whatever cards life deals you.

         Let me conclude with a special Merry Christmas to those I recall so well along the way----Kongo, mrspjd, Vasco, Trew, and many more that are so helpful on this site. Compassion for those with new diagnoses, compassion for those whose treatment options have failed, and just compassion and help in general. For that, I for one, will be ever grateful. And a thanks to my wife Judy who I can never thank enough with her work, concern and love. And on this eve a Merry Christmas to you all.

Bob