Went in for the 3T MRI guided biopsy on Monday

Monday morning I got up bright and early to drive to Chattanooga for a 3T MRI guided biopsy by Dr. Joseph Busch.   As usual, his staff was very cordial and professional.  The biopsy is to gather samples from a clinically significant spot that Dr Busch saw on my MRI back in June.  He stuck it 4 times, and jokingly said "I think I stuck it enough times to get most of it out".  :-)  He is sending the samples off to get the diagnosis, and has also asked them for the PTEN and ERG values of the samples.

I'm on my last day of antibiotics today, with no ill effects.  After the infection I got from my last biopsy, I was a little wary.  Of course, riding a bike the day after my last biopsy probably didn't help any, but I've learned my lesson.

I should have the results back in a day or so, and will follow up with posting the results.

Be blessed,
Tom

The Bioactivity of Essential Oils

This article explains how Oils have the ability to cross cell membranes and provide benefits directly to the cell.  This helps to overcome problems caused when the cell membrane transport mechanisms are suboptimal. 

Excerpt:

   Two features of essential oils enable them to be able to passively diffuse:

1. Lipid solubility
2. Small molecular size

   The cellular membrane is composed of lipids. Because essential oils are lipid soluble          and small, they have no problem crossing the membrane.

http://doterrascienceblog.com/bioactivity-of-essential-oils/

No claims, just facts!

Since everyone seems to be in an uproar these days regarding "claims" being made for alternative remedies to cancer, I thought I'd go on record as claiming that I'm not "claiming" anything except my belief that God created us "in His image", which for me means that he equipped our bodies to regulate and heal themselves given the proper raw materials and conditions.

Here are the facts, jack!  You can draw your own conclusions.

May, 2014

• Discovered that PSA was 4.07. It had been gradually climbing for the last 2 years, so we decided to do a biopsy (TRUS guided)

Aug, 2014   Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. 

• My biopsy included 12 cores, and revealed that my cancer is rated T1C, with a Gleason Score of (3+3=6) with 6 cores containing cancer. 
  
  
  The cores were as follows:
  
  
  Left side:
  90%, 40%, 30%, 5%
  
  
  Right side:
  5%, 5%

Sep, 2014   

• For 20 days I took daily doses of Haelen 951. 
• I changed (ie improved) my lifestyle with the following changes:
• Strenuous exercise at least 5 days a week
• Daily consumption of vitamins to help meet my nutritional needs

Oct, 2014 

• On Oct 10, my PSA reading was 4.29.
• I started consuming daily doses of several Essential Oils

Nov, 2014

• 1.5T MRI
• There is a 1.0 x 0.6 cm focal area of decreased T2 signal within the left posterior aspect of the peripheral zone of the prostate at the mid portion on image 18 of series 19.  There is no definite extracapsular spread of disease.  No involvement of the neurovascular bundle demonstrated.  There is focal enhancement corresponding to the area of prostate signal abnormality.  Overall, the prostate measures 4.8x3.5 cm.

Feb, 2015

• PSA is now 1.68

June, 2015

• June 3, PSA is 2.11
• June 10, 3T MRI
• Prostate Measurements:  transverse 4.9cm, sagittal 5.2 cm and anterior posterior 3.0 cm
• T2W imaging of the peripheral zone demonstrates a concordant 13mm x 9mm x 11mm focal abnormality in the left posterior lateral base adjacent to the left neurovascular bundle.  The irregularity of the capsule and the 10 mm contact with the capsule suggest microcapsular invasion at this site. The neurovascular bundle is not encompassed by the tumor.  The focal abnormality in the peripheral zone demonstrates restricted diffusion demonstrating low ADC values 450 to 700.  There is no high signal intensity on b 1400 imaging but there is focal enhancement with DCE imaging.
• T2W imaging of the transitional zone demonstrates poorly organized BPH nodules in a normal size gland.
• DWI demonstrates restricted diffusion in the left posterior lateral base with low ADC values compatible with intermediate grade disease but no high signal intensity on b 1400 imaging.
• DCE imaging demonstrates an asymmetrical type II curve lies to concordant focal abnormality in the left posterior lateral base.
• No seminal vesicle extension, no pathological lymphadenopathy and no bone metastasis.
• PI-RADS Category 4: Clinically significant cancer is likely to be present.
• Due to "clinically significant cancer" findings, I will be getting a biopsy at a later date.  Due to all of the other positive factors, it doesn't have to be right away.

Oct, 2015

• PSA is 1.72

Dec, 2015

• 3T MRI planned for Dec 7.

I'm feeling great, and fully expect the results of the Dec MRI to indicate no or less cancer tissue than we saw in June.

Be blessed,
Tom

Latest PSA results are even better than the last! 1.72

Almost 14 months ago I was informed that I had Prostate Cancer.  My PSA level was 4.29 with 6 of 12 biopsy cores  indicating cancerous tissue.  The Medical community immediately recommended surgery, radiation, or drugs.

I'm happy to say that as of yesterday, my PSA is down to 1.72 (from 2.11 on prev  quarter's test) and that my cancer, if any still exists, is NOT a part of my life!  I believe that God designed our bodies with the capacity to heal itself, given the proper Faith, raw materials and  environment.  My regimen of Essential Oils, vitamins and regular exercise will always be a part of my life as I fully believe that they have enabled my body to return to the healthy condition that He originally blessed me with.

I still plan on an MRI targeted biopsy before the end of the year to check the status of one spot that the radiologist was concerned about back in July, but I'm fully expecting that "spot" to be gone when he goes looking for something to sample!

There's a new Oster in town! The old blender finally kicked the bucket.

Well, my old Oster blender of at least 15 years finally kicked the bucket the other day.  My first thought was to rush out and get a new Ninja blender, as my parents and friends like theirs, and I've seen so many commercials for them recently on TV.

As I'm standing in Walmart though, looking at the Ninja Blenders, the thought crosses my mind....

Why am I considering paying $99 for an entry level Ninja, when a top of the line Oster is only $60. Plus my old Oster had served me well for so many faithful years, AND, I'd be able to use the glass jar and blades from my old Oster on the new one (btw I had just purchased new blades for the old Oster hoping it would help the blending, but in the end, the motor finally gave out).

So I ended up with the Oster Designed for Life 7-Speed Blender, Brushed Stainless, BLSTRM-DZ0-015

It has a 6 cup glass jar, 600 watts of power, and a 5 Year Satisfaction Guarantee Warranty.  I use it at least 5 days a week to make shakes for breakfast.  1 push of the "Chop" setting takes care of the hard stuff (apples, carrots, frozen berries), and then a spin on the 'Frozen drink' setting finishes it up.  I like the fact that it also has 2 separate pulse options, one for high speed, and one for low speed.  The Chop setting also looks like it would make some good salsa, but I haven't tried that out yet. The other speed choices are low, med and high, but who needs 14 different speeds to blend something anyway? :) 

If you need a good strong blender, with a glass jar, and good warranty, I'd highly recommend this Oster.

Latest PSA numbers still good!

Last week I went in for my annual physical.  My PSA is now 2.11, up a little from the last test, but still in good shape. I'm still taking my EOs 5 times a day, vitamins with every meal, and working out 5 times a week, and still feeling great!!  Beats the heck out of worrying about post operative side effects from the RP that my Urologist wanted to perform.

These PSA results help confirm my plans to hold off on the next MRI until around Jan, 2016, and then do a biopsy, if necessary.

Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes!!

Be blessed,
Tom

Prolaris Test Results

Hi everyone,

During my last visit to my Urologist (when we "discussed" the fact that my PSA had dropped dramatically), the Dr recommended a Prolaris Biopsy test be performed.

I got the results back today, and honestly don't know what to think. At first I was bummed. Scoring a 0 on a test is usually not good.  Then I looked at the score explanation.  The results range down into the negative range (-2.3 to be exact).  Dang, I guess I should be even more bummed..... but I'm not!! :)

The chart explanation indicates this:

• The above chart illustrates the AUA Low Rick category, which is composed of patients with varying degrees of cancer aggressiveness.  Cancer aggressiveness can be stratified within the category based upon Prolairs Scores, which are indicated below the graph.

So is the chart basically showing different "aggression" levels of low risk cancer?  If so, what's the difference between a non-aggressive low risk cancer and an aggressive low risk cancer?

My Dr has reviewed the report, and per the nurse, his suggestion was to read it myself and if I had questions to schedule an appointment. I interpret that as his not being concerned about the results.

I've attached the report below, and here are my thoughts/questions:

1. Does my "More Aggressive" rating still fall within a characterization of "Low Risk"?  Is my cancer considered 'low risk' but more aggressive than other low risk cancer, or 'more aggressive' (ie not low risk)? 
2. The scores on the line are based on a median Prolaris Score as of April 10, 2013.  Really? This is a "cutting edge" report and they're still using results from 2+ years ago?
3. I'm given a 6% Mortality Risk at the 10 year mark, if managed conservatively.  What exactly is 'managed conservatively'? Does that mean I've undergone surgery, radiation, etc, or that I've just assumed a more healthy lifestyle and performed active surveillance?
4. What exactly do I do with a 6% change that I'll die in 10 years from prostate cancer (if managed conservatively aka no medical treatment)? 
5. What the heck is a CAPRA score?  I've been researching Prostate Cancer for 6 months and this is the first mention I've heard of it. My score is appartenly 5, which equates to 'intermediate risk', which is supposed to, but doesn't, align with my Prolaris assessment of 'low risk'.  BTW, you can find your CAPRA score here: https://urology.ucsf.edu/research/cancer/prostate-cancer-risk-assessment-and-the-ucsf-capra-score 

At this point, I don't really know whether to feel good or bad about these results. Another challenge I have with this report, is that its Gleason score differs from my 2 original biopsy analyses (one by Johns Hopkins). I'm looking forward to my 3T MP MRI next Tues to determine if I still need to be worried about cancer.

Oh, and the Prolaris report also listed by Gleason Score as 4+2.  Both the initial biopsy and 2nd opinion by Johns Hopkins indicated a 3+3.  Not exactly sure what to think about that.

Be blessed and thanks for tuning in,

Tom