2 September 2009 - Active Surveillance continues

Barb and I came in from the shore to get the biopsy results from Dr. Dwyer.  We were hoping the results would verify the findings of May 18, show nothing worse, and they do.  The prostate cancer is still there.  Our stats are virtually unchanged and I am still a candidate for active surveillance.  I will see Dr. Dwyer in six months and have my PSA checked then.  If it’s okay, in a year from now, I will have another round of biopsies done.  Should everything be okay then, okay being generally unchanged, we will wait two years before the biopsies will be redone.  There are no guarantees, but there aren’t with medical treatments of any kind.  The doctor is fine with my choice and he feels my choice is suitable for my condition.

11 August 2009 - Biopsy #3

I had the second round of biopsies at the Moncton Hospital.  Dr. Dwyer took six clips from each side of the prostate, twelve in all plus redid one.  The results should be back in about a month.  If the results are the same or better than May, I’ll see Dr. him in six months and have more biopsies in a year.  He says he follows the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Clinic methods- that’s a pretty reliable source.  So now we wait for a month.

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!) 

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. 

19 May 2009 - Biopsy #2

Barb and I were at the hospital at 6:30 and I was the first on the list at 8.  The doctor took 14 clips (I think I counted right).  Not painful, but not comfortable.  I remembered it from before.  Get a pad to wear home because there can be bleeding.  None occurred then but there was bleeding during urination for a week after.

6 May 2009 - First Appointment with Dr. Dwyer

Appointment with Dr. Neil Dwyer.  He reviewed my history.  Did a DRE, verified the lump existed and said he would schedule a biopsy at the Moncton Hospital.

I had a biopsy done previously by Dr. Feero and it was negative.

30 April 2009 - Turning 65!

On purpose I scheduled my physical for my 65^th birthday.  Dr. Carrier did the exam.  Scheduled blood work/stool analysis.  Her only concern was a small lump she detected on my prostate and she will refer me to Dr. Dwyer, a urologist, for an appointment.  (My previous physical was done by Dr. Carrier on May 11, 2007.  At that time, she did not detect any lump.  PSA at that time was fine.)