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Patient Stories

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  • Adam's Story - Bladder Cancer
  • Alan and Blyden’s Story - Kidney Transplant
  • Alex's Story - Pediatric Partial Nephrectomy Surgery
  • Barbara's Story - Cancer of the Ureters and Kidneys
  • Barry's Story - Prostate Cancer
  • Bill's Story - Prostate Cancer
  • Bob's Story - Same-Day Robotic-assisted Prostatectomy
  • Carey's Story - Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery
  • Ed's Story - Robotic-assisted Prostatectomy
  • Eddie's Story - Prostate Cancer
  • Gaston and Luis' Story - Kidney Donation
  • Dexter & Charlie's Story - End-stage Renal Disease
  • Daniela's Story- Urinary Incontinence
  • David's Story - Prostate Cancer
  • Dwight's Story - Prostate Cancer
  • Ilija’s Story - Kidney Cancer
  • John's Story - Bladder Cancer
  • Jonathan's Story - Testicular Cancer
  • Ken's Story - Surveillance Rather Than Prostate Surgery
  • Lance's Story - Kidney Cancer
  • Mark's Story - Bladder Cancer
  • Michelle's Story - Overactive Bladder Syndrome
  • Sally's Story - Bladder Cancer
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Eddie's Story - Prostate Cancer

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Active Surveillance - Prostate Cancer Patient Story

A Close Call: Under Surveillance for Prostate Cancer - Dr. Leonard Marks Patient Story

Eddie Carrillo experienced no symptoms that might have alerted him to his elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.

But at a routine physical, Carrillo learned that his PSA was an alarming 4.5; normal is 1.0. Carrillo’s doctor told him it was likely he had prostate cancer, and that his prostate would have to be removed to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Eddie Carrillo, Prostate Cancer Patient

Eddie Carrillo, Prostate Cancer Patient


Dr. Leonard Marks, Professor of Urology, UCLA

Dr. Leonard Marks,
Professor of Urology, UCLA

A urologist agreed with the primary care physician’s recommendation of a prostatectomy. Two doctors, two cancer diagnoses and two prescriptions for removal of his prostate left Carrillo devastated. He thought about his uncles and friends who had undergone radiation and surgery that led to varying degrees of incontinence and impotence. In Carrillo’s mind, it wasn’t a question of if he would lose function, but rather to what degree he would have to deal with issues that would impede, as he saw it, his “manhood.”

That’s when he heard about research being conducted for men with high PSA levels by Dr. Leonard Marks, a renowned urologist specializing in prostate cancer at UCLA. Carrillo enrolled in the study and his outlook changed. After thorough exams and biopsies, Dr. Marks told him he would not need surgery; rather, he would follow a strategy known as active surveillance – regular testing to keep an eye on the cancer and make sure it didn’t progress to the point that treatment was needed.

Each year, Dr. Marks examines Carrillo’s prostate health through a targeted biopsy performed by new technology that fuses sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with real-time ultrasound to log 10 coordinates like a GPS system. The new technique allows Dr. Marks to be more precise in his examination. Carrillo continues to be in the clear: The most recent biopsy revealed no sign of the cancer having spread, though his PSA level remained high. Carrillo holds his breath each time he has to go in for surveillance biopsy, but he views this option as far preferable to surgery and its side effects.

Ten years after his diagnosis, Carrillo still has his prostate, his sexual function and a good overall quality of life, which now includes grandchildren. He is forever grateful that he found Dr. Marks, who changed everything. 

Our Prostate Cancer Mission is You You

 

Patient Story
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The UCLA Department of Urology provides treatment for urological conditions of all kinds and is committed to providing the highest quality of patient care. We take great pride in being able to share a few of our patients' stories with you.

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The Department of Urology at UCLA is one of the most progressive and comprehensive urology programs in the country. Our faculty members work side by side with research scientists for new cures and treatments for prostate cancer.

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Our goal is to provide you with fast, easy access to the physicians and services at UCLA. For assistance in determining which UCLA urologist(s) may have expertise to help you, please call the Urology Appointment phone number:
(310) 794-7700

Related Links

  • Video: Eddie's Active Surveillance Story, Fox 11 News
  • Active Surveillance - Watchful Waiting
  • Active Surveillance - Brochure (PDF)
  • ASCAP: Active Surveillance for Cancer of Prostate
  • Prostate Biopsy: Targeted Biopsy Using MR-Ultrasound Fusion
  • UCLA Urology News
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