My experience with prostate cancer is a textbook case.

Sometime in mid 2007, I did my executive check-up which revealed an enlarged prostate.   I was not feeling anything abnormal in my body - normal urination, no discomfort or anything.   My attending doctor asked for a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) bloodtest, in whcih the result was 5.0ng/ml.   This was a bit high, considering a normal range would be 0.0ng/ml - 4.0ng/ml. I was put on "watchful waiting", a term used to actively monitor my medical condition.

Suceeding PSA test last Jan2008 with a higher reading of 6.2ng/ml and a special "free PSA"test in March with 12.9ng/ml brought me for a TRUS (trans-rectal Ultra Sound) prostate biopsy confirming ADENOCARCENOMA,Gleason Score: 3,3 , stage 1.  Further test (bone CT scan, abdominal CT scan, x-rays, etc) revealed no metastasis (spreading of cancer cells) in the bone or other organs. I got my ADT (oral & injectons) to reduce male hormone "testerone" to deprive the cancer cellsof their "food".

Several options were presented for my treatment - radical prostatectomy (surgical removal), external radiation, brachytherapy (internal radioactive seed implant), cryosurgical ablation.  Possible options for treatment abroad like the latest photon beam therapy was considered but dropped this option due to exhorbitant cost for specialized treatment, prolonged recovery, possible complications, and post-procedure follow-up,  not to mention the accomodations and travel expense.

I chose brachytherapy for my treatment on the following considerations:

1) one of the least invasive (non-surgical by injection); just a 2-day hospital stay

2) one-time procedure implanting the radioactive seeds  (low radiation good for 9-12months)

3) low side effect

4) good success rate

5) affordable

I underwent brachytherapy last June 11, 2009, receiving 45  radioactive seed implants.  A month after, PSA reading was 0.09ng/ml.  Then in Sept (3 months after) PSA result was 0.089, by December(6 months after), PSA was 0.07.

Some side effects were, as mentioned in medical write-ups (here, i commend Strivewell and Mayo Clinic to be most helpful) - initial urinary difficulties. The hormone treatment side effect was more experienced - , low sex drive.breast enlargement, hot flashes, reduction in muscle and bone mass.  Post-procedure medication given for about 3 months had some side effects as well.

Having the right perspective in life and my faith in a good and loving God allowed me to experience positively this cancer condition.  My family and friends greatly encouraged and supported me through this medical and highly emotional journey.

Having the confidence that my life is in God's loving care and His marvelous plan for this life and the next,  helped me survive all of this.