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.)

8 September 2000 - The Story Begins

At my regular checkup in April, a lump was detected on my prostate.  I was referred to Dr. Feero who ordered a biopsy.

24 August 2000:  Headed to the Moncton Hospital around 11:15 am.  We were there for four hours.  I had to have an enema to prepare for the prostate ultrasound.  First Dr. Feero did a cystoscopy (local freezing).  I could watch the procedure on the screen.  When this part was finished, the doctor did a digital examination.  Then he took at least eight samples for biopsy purposes.  (“Keep breathing deeply, you’ll feel a sharp jab.  And another.  And another….”)  It was not an ordeal.  We’ll have the results before we leave on our trip to Oberammergau.

8 September 2000:  I got a phone call from Dr. Feero.  He had good news- all the biopsy results were negative, no sign of cancer.  He will see me in about six months.