newly diagnosed

RAS2

I was diagnosed last week and am scared and confused. I have done a lot of read reading and talked with survivors, but there does not seem to be a definite "right thing to do." Fortunately, it is in the early stages so I have some time (PSA 5.0, Gleason 3+3)to decide. Any suggestions/advice?

Dario

I was diagnosed in March with Prostate Cancer, I am 57 years old my readings were Psa of 4.2 and a Gleason score of 6 , after doing quite a bit of reading I have decided to have the nerve sparing RP which is scheduled for April 15 th. I just like the idea of total removal rather than trying to fight the cancer. Only time will tell if I made the right choice , but I will live with it if not.
Funny thing, after I found out I had it I contacted an old friend that I was in VietNam with and he also was just diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a month before I was. He has been in contact with a few of our old Unit Comrades that were in VietNam back in 1967 and out of 30 of us 9 have come down with Prostate Cancer! COINCIDENCE!
Also my friend is on a waiting list to have Laparoscope Surgery with still no Surgery date set. Myself ,I did not want to wait, I want it out of me!.
Laparoscope Surgery is probably the way to go but I am a re-tired Engineer from Pratt & Whitney and have been on quite a few projects getting them ready for Production , so I know all about LEARNING CURVES that is why I decided to go with old "hands on" PC. But then again that's just me.
Dario

rogermoore

Ras2,

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. However, if you have not explored our site, there are a LOT of survivors out here. First of all, there is life after diagnosis of Cancer. You by all means must maintain a positive attitude. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to post them on this page.

I was 58 when I was diagnosed 3 years ago. I elected the RP primarily because I wanted to be rid of the disease, much the same thinking as Dario. Also, even tho there are survivors out there that have had successful implant procedures, I discovered that IF the implant process failed, surgery would have been eliminated as an option. I have been extremely fortunate in my recovery. There have been absolutely no side effects or loss of functionality following surgery. My PSA continues to be less than 0.10 for three years and counting. I have been truly blessed. Granted, there have been other people with different results, but if I were to do it again, I would have the RP.

Best of luck in doing your research and making your final decision. Oh, be sure and get a second opinion.

Roger

RAS2

rogermoore said:

Ras2,

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. However, if you have not explored our site, there are a LOT of survivors out here. First of all, there is life after diagnosis of Cancer. You by all means must maintain a positive attitude. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to post them on this page.

I was 58 when I was diagnosed 3 years ago. I elected the RP primarily because I wanted to be rid of the disease, much the same thinking as Dario. Also, even tho there are survivors out there that have had successful implant procedures, I discovered that IF the implant process failed, surgery would have been eliminated as an option. I have been extremely fortunate in my recovery. There have been absolutely no side effects or loss of functionality following surgery. My PSA continues to be less than 0.10 for three years and counting. I have been truly blessed. Granted, there have been other people with different results, but if I were to do it again, I would have the RP.

Best of luck in doing your research and making your final decision. Oh, be sure and get a second opinion.

Roger

Thanks for the encouragement; it means a lot, especially in my present fragile state. I am learning that this is a large club with a lot of informed, well-meaning people.

sharpster

RAS2, I don't know how old you are, but I am 39 years old, I had a high 3 on my psa and a gleason score of 6. I decided to have the RP in Dec 03, The surgery went well and I was released 2 days later. Made a 7 hour ride in a car to get home and had my cath out in 7 days. No leakage after the cath came out and was back to work 2 weeks after my surgery. I wasn't sure I wanted to have the surgery at first, I thought I was to young to have the possiblity of loosing my erections. Well I couldn't live with the fact that I had cancer inside of me so I decided to get it out. I am not at all dissappointed with the results. I am physically back to norm but need a little help in the sexual department but it's only been 4 months so I know I have some time yet to finish recovering. Good luck with what ever your choice is and don't even think twice about asking for advice here or anywhere.