The biopsy revealed a Gleason grade of 9.5. Dr. Scionti went over each treatment option: chemotherapy with radiation; brachytherapy (radioactive seed implant); and cryotherapy. He gave me the full parameters of all three. He did not feel prostate removal was a good option in my case. I knew I did not want chemo, or nuclear medicine, so I decided to go with cryo because it had no chemo or radiation side effects, and could be done outpatient. Meanwhile, he put me on a temporary hormone implant to stop the cancer progression.
My cryo was scheduled for February 9, 2005. I came in early for the prep, but did not see Dr. Scionti until it was over. To my knowledge the procedure went well. Since I had a suprapubic catheter, the nurses came showed me how to wear the leg bag. The process was so easy that I performed a wedding the Saturday after the cryo, just three days later.
The following Monday I had the catheter removed by an associate of Dr. Scionti's. Since I hadn't been given a pill to avert bladder spasm, it occurred after the removal. It went away as soon as I got the pill, which was a "Godsend." There were no other bad times in my recovery. I find that amazing.
I saw Dr. Scionti on Tuesday. By then I was able to urinate with a solid flow and cut-off. However, my penis was shrinking and I had no erection, but Dr. Scionti prescribed use of a vacuum pump. I could not take the oral medications because of my cardiac condition, and I did not want to use injections. Within a week of regular use, I had full growth and found I could maintain erections. This is EXTREMELY personal, a lot of men don't or won't talk about this. Let me just say my wife and I are still at the point of discovery.
When I went to get my PSA checked on my third month anniversary, Dr. Scionti said "There is zero cancer." I know that cryo was the right way to go for me. As for all the emotional issues that go with cancer diagnosis and treatment, the support of my wife and family and my personal faith were very sustaining. I have now had the opportunity to speak to four men diagnosed with prostate cancer. They were all very open to hear about Cryocare. All were amazed at the rapid recovery rate with, of course, zero cancer. I also went camping again and spent time with my twin brother and my wife. He also had dozens of questions and amazed at the recovery. Thank you, Cryocare.
Curriculum vitae:
- 57 years old at time of procedure
- U.S. Government labor relations specialist (ret.); currently part-time interior design rep
- South Carolina
Treatment history:
Initial diagnosis: November 2004
PSA: 25.9
Biopsy: Positive
Gleason grade: 9.5
Initial treatment: Cryotherapy February 9, 2005
Results: Negative for cancer as of first 3-month follow up
