Need some education fast - husband just diagnosed Gleason 9

Texas_Lady
Texas_Lady Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1

 

I found out 2 days ago that my husband has Prostate cancer. Two PSA's done 2 mo. apart 33 and 34. 12+ Biopsies - Gleason score 5 + 4 / 9. I have read and read and read and cannot find the information I want. My husband is 100% disabled Vietnam veteran - a real American Hero. His disabilities are caused by Agent Orange. So, before getting this news of a Gleason 9, he already has medical conditions: Diabetic, Obese, High Blood Pressure caused by a hormone deficiency (took 5 years of runaway high blood pressure before we finally walked into the right doctors office, diagnosed, and now under control with meds), Neuropathy, had one stroke years ago, and taken to hospital 7 months ago with Congestive Heart Failure (caused by him not taking the evening water pill for many weeks). He has had several of the Prostate Cancer Symptoms for some time now (not that we knew before now). He asked the VA twice to do the biopsy sooner than 4.5 months after the second PSA of 34, but he says they wouldn't  budge. I am crazy at this point - out of my mind.
I cannot find any information about treatment for aggressive Prostate Cancer in CONCERT with an Agent Orange disabled person with my husband's illnesses. He has bone scan, bloodwork, and cat scan scheduled for late next week. We see the urologist specialist in two weeks. I am also 100% medically disabled after working with my disabilities for at least 20 years of the 43 years I worked. I mention this so you all can appreciate that there isn't any retirement account / savings. We sold our home ten years ago and paid off medical bills. My husband is 63 and I am 61. Anyway, second opinions outside of the VA would be very expensive, and not possible. Having said that, I do believe when we walk into the doctor's office in two weeks, we need to be educated and know what it is we need to know to have intelligent conversation regarding my husband's treatment plan. 

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