For Kevin Dowd of Rochester NY, the fall of 2022 marked a sudden turning point — one filled with uncertainty, fear, and life-altering decisions. A routine PSA screening, a simple blood test, revealed elevated levels that required further investigation. This chain of events would lead to a diagnosis that no one ever wants to hear: prostate cancer.
Kevin Dowd, a lifelong resident of Churchville NY, was ultimately diagnosed with acinar adenocarcinoma, a particularly aggressive form of prostate cancer. With a Gleason Score of 9 (4+5) and classified in Grade Group 5, the cancer was advanced. The pathology showed that 33% of his prostate was overtaken, and troubling signs like extraprostatic extension and perineural invasion indicated that the disease was spreading beyond the prostate capsule.
Confronted with the reality of his diagnosis, Kevin Dowd acted swiftly. He opted for a robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy — a state-of-the-art surgery designed to remove the prostate gland along with surrounding tissue. During the operation, a pelvic lymph node dissection was performed to determine the extent of the cancer’s spread.
The surgical results brought sobering news: one out of five lymph nodes tested positive for cancer, leading to a Stage IVA (pT3a, pN1) diagnosis. Additionally, positive surgical margins suggested that some cancerous cells may have been left behind, elevating the risk of recurrence.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Kevin Dowd from Churchville NY never let despair take hold. In collaboration with his medical team in Rochester, he began a comprehensive and proactive treatment plan. By November 2022, Kevin started androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using Leuprolide, a medication designed to suppress testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer growth.
In December 2022, he began pelvic radiation therapy. This treatment, targeted and rigorous, aimed to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells, particularly in the pelvic region and along the affected lymph nodes and surgical margins. Radiation took a toll on his body, but Kevin Dowd never lost his resolve.
Simultaneously, Kevin Dowd added Abiraterone to his treatment protocol — a powerful hormone therapy that blocks androgen production not just from the testes, but also from the adrenal glands and the tumor itself. To manage potential side effects, he was prescribed Prednisone, which helped balance his immune response and energy levels.
Throughout the course of his treatments, Kevin Dowd of Rochester NY displayed unwavering strength. He maintained a close connection with his healthcare team and found tremendous emotional support from his family and friends. Living in Churchville, a tight-knit community, Kevin felt the encouragement of neighbors who stood by him through every radiation appointment and difficult day.
His story is not only about battling prostate cancer but about how hope can shine through the darkest of times. Kevin Dowd’s journey reflects a powerful message: with early detection, access to expert care, and inner strength, it is possible to face even the most aggressive cancer with courage and confidence.
As he continues his fight, Kevin Dowd is a source of inspiration for others in Rochester and Churchville NY who may be going through similar health challenges. His perseverance, proactive spirit, and commitment to recovery demonstrate that while cancer can change your life, it doesn’t have to define your destiny.
Kevin Dowd’s journey is far from over — but every step he takes is one closer to healing and hope.
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KevinDowd
Kevin-Dowd
Kevin Dowd
