Doug and His Prostate
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INTRODUCTION
This is the ongoing account of my treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the
second leading cause of cancer deaths among men, surpassed only by lung cancer in
fatalities. Many celebrities, such as General Norman Schwartzkopf, Senator Bob Dole,
golfer Arnold Palmer, financeer Michael Milken, and Andy Grove, former president of Intel, have
been or are being treated for this disease. Yet because of the reluctance to discuss what
to some is a "taboo" subject, because it affects the male reproductive system,
there is still too little being done to publicize its threat. But in the same way as did
breast cancer in the 70's and 80's, prostate cancer is gradually coming out of the closet.
To find out more about how prostate cancer can affect your life, and about the battle
against it, see our support group's web site: www.scprostate.org
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS PROSTATE CANCER...
You need not face this challenge alone! In addition to many fine doctors, there are resources and friends you may contact for help in dealing with this threat to your physical and emotional well-being. I am a member of a group called "Prostate Help" which is a web-based forum designed to bring together people seeking help and information about dealing with prostate cancer. Those who join can send in posts to ask about issues regarding diagnosis, treatment options, support groups, and other issues important to patients and those close to them. A number of doctors and knowledgeable patients contribute to answering questions and providing a supportive forum. For further information see: prostate-help.org
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Your support is needed! See the website of the NATIONAL PROSTATE CANCER COALITION for details.
MY STORY (CHAPTER ONE)
In May of 1997 I was diagnosed as having adenocarcinoma of the prostate (prostate cancer). Fortunately, the urologist/surgeon who diagnosed my illness prescribed what is called "Combined Hormone Blockade." From his perspective, he did so because in a few months it would shrink the prostate (and the tumor) and make performing a radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) easier. He scheduled surgery at the end of July, giving me a little time to think on my own about what might be the best course of treatment for my condition.
After a couple of months, I had started to learn quite a bit about this disease, what kind of treatments are available, and what their morbidities (side effects) are. The surgical approach was not looking as good as it did at first. I read articles by people like Andy Grove, the president of Intel, who as a prostate cancer patient, investigated a number of options and decided to have High Dose Rate brachytherapy (radiation seed implant) rather than surgery. I also read about an unusual type of treatment called "proton beam radiation therapy" only available in two hospitals in the United States, one on the East Coast, and the other at Loma Linda University Medical Center, in Southern California. Protons are unique in cancer treatment, as they can be targeted precisely to treat a tumor and not the surrounding healthy tissue.
A lot of people that I met, in person and on the Internet, encouraged me to study the options further, and warned me that there are few real experts in this field, and no easy answers. After a lot of reading, discussion and soul searching, I told my urologist I wanted to put the surgery on hold, and talk to some people who do other types of treatment. Only a few days after I did this, a revised report on one of my biopsies, reviewed by pathologists at Stanford University came back showing a positive involvement of one seminal vesicle. The concensus of most "experts" is that seminal vesicle involvement makes surgery inadvisable, and indicates radiation therapy. I felt like I had just stepped out of the way of a fast moving truck only to see it plow into my house. But I have learned that this is a common feeling for prostate cancer patients - there are no easy answers!
Dr. Carl Rossi and me
After looking at several types of treatment, and doing some traveling around the country, I was convinced that for me, the Proton Therapy at Loma Linda was the best choice. I met with Dr. Carl Rossi, the principal Radiation Oncologist at Loma Linda, to review my case. He was very informative, answering my many questions, and agreed to take me on as a patient. This type of treatment is normally combined with conventional Xray beam therapy, which is available in many treatment centers around the state. However, the doctors at Loma Linda recommended that I visit the UC San Francisco Medical Center, because they felt that the UCSF people and equipment are outstanding. So I made an appointment with Dr. Mack Roach of UCSF Medical Center. Dr. Roach was familiar with the Loma Linda program and was quite agreeable to taking on the Xray portion of my treatment. Shortly therafter I began treatment at UCSF, and saw for myself why they are recommended. FIRST STOP - UCSF, FOR CONFORMAL XRAY THERAPY.
After a brief break for the Christmas holiday, I packed my suitcase and headed to my NEXT STOP - PROTONS AT LOMA LINDA
In July of 1998 I went back to Loma Linda University for my 6 month post treatment checkup. Good news: PSA was undetectable, and DRE normal. All in all, I was very impressed with Loma Linda, both the technology and the people, and am very happy that I chose to be treated there.
THOUGHTS ON THE REST OF MY LIFE (February 1998)
CHAPTER TWO: Dendritic Cell Vaccine
CHAPTER THREE: Hormone Blockade
One last thought. . .
The unsung hero of this whole adventure is Dr. Robert Weber, our wonderful family doctor who once told me that the most important thing he can do is listen to his patients. Without his support and his hard work "behind the scenes" I would not have had the opportunity to receive the world class treatment that I described in this ongoing story.