Challenging news

by Mark Stevenson, Monday, September 23, 2013, 09:28 (4084 days ago)

I got results back from my prostate biopsy, and the diagnosis is Low Grade Prostate Cancer.
Yuck.

I understand the prognosis is very good for early prostate cancer, but it is still a jolt.
October 3rd. we find out the exact degree/stage it is, and what my options are.
Other than prayers for healing from you folks, there's not much to ask for.
I plan on beating this, it will not win.

Mark

Challenging news

by jgt, Monday, September 23, 2013, 10:03 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

You've got them. Good Luck.

From what I have heard prostate cancer

by stonewalrus, Monday, September 23, 2013, 10:04 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Is one of the most successfully treated cancers. Good friend went through it with flying colors. Hang in there. I will be praying for you.

Tom

Mark, you and your family are in my thoughts

by brionic @, Monday, September 23, 2013, 10:13 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Think big picture. Get the best care you can. Almost all the hospitals follow the same protocols, but find the doctors and care team with whom you feel most comfortable.

Challenging news

by Lee J. @, hagerman,NM, Monday, September 23, 2013, 10:52 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Hang in there Mark. Mine is a high Class, just finished a Hormone treatment and 36 of 38 Radiation treatments. The radiation knocks hell out of your immune system.I Have had bad side effets. They suspended last two radiation treatments, Get another Hormone treatment today. They last about 6 months each. Usually give about 2 years. Chemical castration is what it amounts to.Treatment options depend on many things, age and stage mostly. I'm 79 so they think they can hold it off till I die of something else. Unless it matastisizes to another organ they just keep your PSA under 1 or around .2 and they call that remission. I've found the treatments worse than the disease so far. ATB, Lee J. :-|

Challenging news

by Jared, Monday, September 23, 2013, 11:30 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Sorry to hear it, gap the good news is you caught it early. Several in my family have had it and caught it early. Other than the treatments they had no further problems. Find the best cancer treatment hospital you can. Prayers sent,

Challenging news

by Slow Hand ⌂ @, Indiana, Monday, September 23, 2013, 12:23 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

As others have said, it is beatable. And I know you can do it. Find the best team out there and they will do everything they can for you.

You'll be in out prayers as well.

Sorry to hear that. But it is early on it is curable

by MR, Monday, September 23, 2013, 13:13 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Attack it. Kill it. Kick it to the curb.

I was diagnosed about three years ago...

by pokynojoe, Monday, September 23, 2013, 13:52 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

My PSA started to become elevated when in my late forties. It took about ten years and three biopsies, but they finally found it. I pretty much knew I had it, so no biggie when it was finally confirmed. My treatment ended about twenty months ago, I woulnd't say I've beaten it, but my PSA has steadily declined. It's not at zero, yet, but the doctors are pleased so far. It's not unuaual for it to spike at 18 months to two years, so we will see. I'm sure you've gotten your Gleason Scores, surprisingly mine were pretty low.

Depending on your scores, and of course what your doctors tell you, if you have the option, take a look at Proton Radiation Therapy. I was a very good candidate for this, unfortunately, my insurance wouldn't pay for it, and I didn't want to bankrupt my family. Timing is everything, there is a proton radiation center that is due to open here in January. At the time of my diagnosis and treatment, the nearest center to me was in Gainesville, Florida. I ended up chosing the more traditional radiation treatment and then brachytherapy. The word's still out yet whether or not I chose the "right" course. There were/are some side effects. I won't go into the details because everyone is different, and responds differntly to the various and sundry treatments you'll be offered. I believe you're a fairly young man, so you will probably respond quite well to whatever treatment you elect. My fathter was diagnosed at 79 years old and elected to do nothing. He died at 89 years of age of totally unrelated causes. Like I said, I had some "unpleasantness" associated with my treatment, I'm still dealing with some issues and probably will for however long I live.

Another good thing, you don't live in Appalachia, not the place to come down with serious illness. Don't get me wrong, we've got some good physicians here, just not a lot of them. I can't say I'm overly enthusiastic about the oncologist I ended up going with, however he seemed the best of the lot.

One more thing, go see all the different specialists that your insurance and or wallet can afford. I ended up selling off most of my firearms that were worth anything, I had a boat load of archery gear, sold most of it too. We sold furniture and whatever else we didn't need. My insurance covered a lot, but it wasn't near enough. Keep in mind that each specialist you see will have an agenda, yea for real. The surgeon, urologists, radiation oncologist, etc. all have egos. Talk to all you can, then select your course of treatment. Just remember YOU'RE in control.

I hope whatever treatment you elect is successful. If I can be of any assistance don't hesitate to contact me.

Last word, I believe your in Michigan. There is an excellent facility in Ann Arbor, but you probably already know that.

Joe

Prayers sent....nm

by cubrock, Monday, September 23, 2013, 16:29 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

nm

Challenging news

by Cherokee @, Medina, Ohio, Monday, September 23, 2013, 18:03 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Prayer for healing and recovery..

You got it....

by Glen, Monday, September 23, 2013, 18:32 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

My Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 1994. Like yours, his case was diagnosed early, and they took prompt action. Dad lived the rest of his life (17 years) cancer free.

Challenging news

by Art @, Littleton, Colorado, Monday, September 23, 2013, 19:20 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Had the biopsy last year and I was negative. My Doctor has had very good results with the Cyber Knife for early stage prostate cancer. I understand there is not much to the treatment. There is always the radical surgery if it does not work (with the robot). My Doc has had over 90% success with the Cyber Knife for early stage.

My Best to you

Art

You got it, my friend.

by mcassill, Monday, September 23, 2013, 20:05 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

.

You certainly have my prayers Mark!

by rob @, Monday, September 23, 2013, 20:14 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

.

Sorry to read of this, Mark. Positive outlook...

by John Meeker, Monday, September 23, 2013, 20:26 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

as mentioned, it is most treatable with minimal ado. Of course, when it's our own bod, NOTHIN' is minimal! Your strong faith is your best ally, and rely on the doc's to do their best job. Martha Anne and I send our prayers for you and your family. We will follow you news as posted.

Sorry to hear this...

by Brian A, Monday, September 23, 2013, 21:00 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

You are certainly in my prayers. Will give you a call.

Prayers for your successful treatment, Mark

by Catoosa, Monday, September 23, 2013, 22:21 (4084 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Glad you caught it early.

"I plan on beating this, it will not win. " Prayer ongoing

by Rob Leahy ⌂ @, Prescott, Arizona, Monday, September 23, 2013, 23:25 (4083 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

for you Mark.

--
Of the Troops & For the Troops

We're all there with you Mark.

by Hoot @, Diversityville, Liberal-sota, Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 08:11 (4083 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Now, go get it!

Challenging news

by webservant @, Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 09:27 (4083 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

That, my friend, is a good description. We're in your corner on this. Fight the good fight, we'll keep you covered in prayer.

Challenging news

by Murphy @, Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 11:02 (4083 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Prayer's going up.

Glad they caught it early. Do keep us updated.


Murphy

Thanks for the prayers and helpful advice...

by Mark Stevenson, Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 17:01 (4083 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

I've been doing a lot of reading on the subject of prostate cancer including the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
There's so much to absorb.
I'm very thankful the doctors feels I have plenty of time to decide how best to beat this.

Thanks, Mark

Hope the best for you

by Bob Hatfield @, Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 18:03 (4083 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Don't know if you remember but your son passed away a few days after my son did. I struggle with prostate issues at times. I always figured I would end of with it someday too. Wish you the best of care and will pray for you

Good Luck

Bob

All the best to you and of course...

by Hobie ⌂ @, Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 18:33 (4083 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

prayers have been said.

--
Sincerely,

Hobie

Challenging news

by Fivegunner @, LOWELL Mi., Thursday, September 26, 2013, 14:33 (4081 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Mark my prayers are going out for you, I am sure you can beat this. my doc, said it`s only a matter of time before they take mine out. I hate going in for another biospy , the last one just about killed me.

Challenging news

by Gary G, Thursday, September 26, 2013, 19:52 (4081 days ago) @ Mark Stevenson

Been Away Mark,,,But will ad you to the prayer List..

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