Invivo - Education & Training

Prostate Cancer

Patient Testimonial

Patient Background:
"In 2007, I had an elevated PSA. The biopsy that year [TRUS or ultrasound-guided biopsy] was negative and the 14 cores [samples] that were taken were benign. Over the course of a year, my PSA continued to rise. I saw a urologist and received a second biopsy. I was apprehensive about the shotgun approach of TRUS biopsy. Afterward, I had disomfort and bleeding. I also had concerns of penetrating the colon (rectal) wall and risk of infection.

The results of an MRI indicated that something didn't look right. In 2009, I discussed another biopsy with my urologist who explained that new technology was available and that under direction of MRI, he could take fewer samples. That sounded good, especially if half the amount of cores [samples] would be acquired. I felt comfortable going after an area of concern, rather than just poking holds. My diagnosis was cancer after the pathology report. I'm happy I went through the process."

"During my first biopsy in 2007, I was concerned about possible penetration of the prostate membrane and rectal wall and 'opening stuff up to get out.' Rather than the shotgun approach, we went directly to the area. The direct approach resulted in fewer cores [samples], which reduced risk of infection and made me feel more comfortable.

Following my 2007 biopsy, I had urinated blood for about six week (gross hematuria) and with the MR biopsy - the bleeding only lasted about 2 weeks. The overall procedure was a bit intrusive, but smooth, quick and done in a short time."

"I would absolutely recommend this procedure to other men. If it were not available, I may have waited with no biopsy.

This procedure probably saved my life. My Gleason score was seven. Between 2007 and my last biopsy, there were cancer cells that had grown. Had I waited, there's no telling where it would have gone; to the bone or wherever. I am only 59 and my PSA was 39. I've already had several friends that I've recommended they find urologists familiar with this technology. It's so much less intrusive and so much more accurate. I had a radical prostatectomy on October 6, 2009. They removed the prostate and felt there was no surrounding tissue affected by cancer and gave me a good prognosis.

As far as achieving a 'Trifecta' following therapy or a diagnostic procedure, one can't prioritize the three areas. Different aged men will had different priorities. For me, one was to remain cancer free so that cancer didn't go to the bone, number two was urinary continence and number three was sexual function."

^{The views described in the above testimonial are not necessarily reflective of Invivo, or Invivo's management, and have been provided as the experience of one particular patient.} 

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For more information visit
	UsToo.org	American Cancer Society

References