My Prostate Cancer Path

Every prostate cancer patient has a story, and every story is different. This is a disease that affects one out of every seven Canadian men. Here is my story, with the hope it may help others who are travelling a similar road. Wayne Harrigan, Moncton, New Brunswick (wbharrig@nb.sympatico.ca). Wayne and Barb Harrigan are the co-ordinators of the PCCN Greater Moncton Prostate Cancer Support Group. Visit the Prostate Cancer Canada Network website at www.prostatecancer.ca.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

24 June 2009 - Active Surveillance

Barb and I met with Dr. Dwyer. I had my questions ready and he was very patient in answering them. I had done some research which I thought was valid and pertinent. I have opted for active surveillance; Dr. Dwyer said he wasn’t surprised and he feels it is an appropriate choice for me considering my condition. He will schedule another biopsy in August to verify the May results and we’ll go from there. (Just for the record, my goal is to live until April 2019!)

Thursday, June 18, 2009

18 June 2009 - Diagnosis Day!

Barb and I went to Dr. Dwyer’s for the biopsy results. He said he discovered cancer cells in four of the cores (4/12). PSA is 2.2. My Prostate Cancer is called T2a, low risk, Gleason Score 3 + 3 = 6. He gave us a book, “Understanding Prostate Cancer” by Dr. Michael McCormack, Dr. Fred Saad, Montreal, 2004. He encouraged us to read the book, decide what option of treatment to follow. The choices are active surveillance or deferred therapy (watchful waiting), radical prostatectomy (removal of prostate), radiation, brachytherapy, hormone therapy. We have an appointment for June 24 and by then we should have read the book and made our decision.