prostate cancer

hopeful and optimistic

MIKEOSH said:

thank you
ira when and how did you go thru this experience mike

hi again
I was diagnosed in March, for my 66 birthday present.

Basically, like all of us, I was in shock for the first month or so, with various negative feelings, depression, etc.

My numbers were 2.2 psa, 3=3=6 gleason, 2 of 12 cores involved at less than 5 percent.

The urologist told me that I was a good candidate for everyone, my stage was t1, and that there was less than a 1 percent chance that my cancer spread outside the prostate.

So I went on my journey, first saw a radiation oncologist. This guy felt my prstate , told me that there was a 40 percent chance that my cancer spread, and he thought that my stage was between 2c and 3b. He also told me that I had 5 weeks to make a decision and recommended various tests.

I did not take any of the tests, saw aworld class surgeon at UCLA who basically told me that this guy was a shark, INstead of surgery, he recommended active surveilance.....as I left the hospital tears came to my eyes as I drove the freeway back home..........I've been studying this a lot, internet , support groups , etc. I've become a prostate cancer groupie
Ira

MIKEOSH

hopeful and optimistic said:

hi again
I was diagnosed in March, for my 66 birthday present.

Basically, like all of us, I was in shock for the first month or so, with various negative feelings, depression, etc.

My numbers were 2.2 psa, 3=3=6 gleason, 2 of 12 cores involved at less than 5 percent.

The urologist told me that I was a good candidate for everyone, my stage was t1, and that there was less than a 1 percent chance that my cancer spread outside the prostate.

So I went on my journey, first saw a radiation oncologist. This guy felt my prstate , told me that there was a 40 percent chance that my cancer spread, and he thought that my stage was between 2c and 3b. He also told me that I had 5 weeks to make a decision and recommended various tests.

I did not take any of the tests, saw aworld class surgeon at UCLA who basically told me that this guy was a shark, INstead of surgery, he recommended active surveilance.....as I left the hospital tears came to my eyes as I drove the freeway back home..........I've been studying this a lot, internet , support groups , etc. I've become a prostate cancer groupie
Ira

puzzled
IRA, I'M KINDA PUZZLED LOOKING AT YOUR REPLY, WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO SEE A RAD ONCOL, WITH THE REPORT THAT YOU HAD. WERE YOU LOOKING FOR 2ND OPINIONS THERE. WHAT IS YOUR STAUS TODAY

hopeful and optimistic

MIKEOSH said:

puzzled
IRA, I'M KINDA PUZZLED LOOKING AT YOUR REPLY, WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO SEE A RAD ONCOL, WITH THE REPORT THAT YOU HAD. WERE YOU LOOKING FOR 2ND OPINIONS THERE. WHAT IS YOUR STAUS TODAY

good question
Well basically, any decision that one makes can be a bad one. For example, I am on active surveillance. I take the risk of the cancer spreading before it can be operated on. I decided to do this, so I can have a better quality of life before I take action, probably robotic surgery.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt that I would like to explore and get various viewpoints from various speciaties,so I initially saw this radiation guy--basically, I forget to mention he wanted to do external and seeds and heat and "get that cancer"
Up ontil that point I felt that I had lots of time and was taking it easy, but then I started to move, and went to the surgeon, ready to get an operation.

This doctor only discussed active surveillance, not surgery, so who was I to second guess him. I am still on active surveillance, six months later. Lately, I have a minor concern since my PSA increased from 2.2 in Jan to 2.5 in July. I will have another test in 3 months.

Ira

MIKEOSH

hopeful and optimistic said:

good question
Well basically, any decision that one makes can be a bad one. For example, I am on active surveillance. I take the risk of the cancer spreading before it can be operated on. I decided to do this, so I can have a better quality of life before I take action, probably robotic surgery.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt that I would like to explore and get various viewpoints from various speciaties,so I initially saw this radiation guy--basically, I forget to mention he wanted to do external and seeds and heat and "get that cancer"
Up ontil that point I felt that I had lots of time and was taking it easy, but then I started to move, and went to the surgeon, ready to get an operation.

This doctor only discussed active surveillance, not surgery, so who was I to second guess him. I am still on active surveillance, six months later. Lately, I have a minor concern since my PSA increased from 2.2 in Jan to 2.5 in July. I will have another test in 3 months.

Ira

OK I THINK I'M UP TO SPEED
OK I THINK I'M UP TO SPEED NOW. THANKS FOR SHARING. I PRESENTLY AM AS NERVOUS AS A GUY WAITING FOR THE SHOE TO DROP. I'LL HAVE A LONG WEEKEND TO WONDER WAHT THE DR WILL SAY, ITS BEEN OVER THREE WEEKS SINCE I SAW HIM, HAD ALL THESE TESTS BASED SOLEY ON THE FACT THAT I HAD 4.0 PSA AND ENLARGED PROSTATE. AFTER READING ALL THE REPORTS FROM THE GOOD GUYS ON THIS SITE I GET TO WONDER WHY HE (THE DR.) ORDERED THE CAT SCAN AND BONE STUDY WITHOUT TALKING TO ME FIRST I AM ONLY TO WONDER AND ASSUME HE SAW SOMETHING IN THE BIOPSY THAT I WASN'T TOLD ABOUT WHEN THE SECT CALLED ME WITH THE BAD NEWS. SO I'M ON A LONG WAIT AND SEE TILL TUESDAY AFTERNOON. WILL BE ON HERE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND WILL SHARE MY RESULTS AROUND 6PM TUESDAY TAKE CARE AND THANKS MIKE

hwgoodman

MIKEOSH said:

tuesday
i wihll ask that question also on tuesday. when were you first diagnosed with prostate cancer. how old etc mike

Prostate Cancer
Hello Men,

My name is Hank I live in Kansas and I joined about 10 min ago. I am 57 and was diagnosed with T1 cancer, a Gleason score of 3+4 two of the 12 test were positive 10 were precancer. That was in Feb 09 Not like Mike I was called by my Dr. personaly to inform me of the bad news. I was still terified so I surely can understand what Mike feels, and would suguest a new Dr. right away. I chose the surgery, and in late March had it done. The Dr. told me that it was confined to the prostate and had not effected any nodes. My psa test have all been .01 which is very good I think. My problem now is depression, and trying to deal with the fact that it can return, and I'm not the man or husband I use to be. I have been wanting to join a group to help cope but don't know where to look. Any ideas fellas.

lewvino

hwgoodman said:

Prostate Cancer
Hello Men,

My name is Hank I live in Kansas and I joined about 10 min ago. I am 57 and was diagnosed with T1 cancer, a Gleason score of 3+4 two of the 12 test were positive 10 were precancer. That was in Feb 09 Not like Mike I was called by my Dr. personaly to inform me of the bad news. I was still terified so I surely can understand what Mike feels, and would suguest a new Dr. right away. I chose the surgery, and in late March had it done. The Dr. told me that it was confined to the prostate and had not effected any nodes. My psa test have all been .01 which is very good I think. My problem now is depression, and trying to deal with the fact that it can return, and I'm not the man or husband I use to be. I have been wanting to join a group to help cope but don't know where to look. Any ideas fellas.

Hank,This is a good place
Hank,
This is a good place to start by talking on here about what you are going through etc. I'm 54 and had my Davinci surgery 9 days ago. Look and see if there is a local prostate cancer support group in your area. I was surprised that the small town I live in has one that meets 1 time a month. Another good website that is very active is healingwell.org then click on prostate cancer. Be carefull though because a few websites/forums I looked at would actually make me more depressed! I like this forum and healingwell. If you even want to chat offline shoot me an email at lewvino@yahoo.com I'm just setting around the house waiting for the cath to come out on Monday!

saoco

hwgoodman said:

Prostate Cancer
Hello Men,

My name is Hank I live in Kansas and I joined about 10 min ago. I am 57 and was diagnosed with T1 cancer, a Gleason score of 3+4 two of the 12 test were positive 10 were precancer. That was in Feb 09 Not like Mike I was called by my Dr. personaly to inform me of the bad news. I was still terified so I surely can understand what Mike feels, and would suguest a new Dr. right away. I chose the surgery, and in late March had it done. The Dr. told me that it was confined to the prostate and had not effected any nodes. My psa test have all been .01 which is very good I think. My problem now is depression, and trying to deal with the fact that it can return, and I'm not the man or husband I use to be. I have been wanting to join a group to help cope but don't know where to look. Any ideas fellas.

The right place,hwgoodman
The right place,hwgoodman this is the right place to be we are a family eventhoug we are all in diferent places.I gest in the back of our maind is the thought of recurence,but if it comes back is nothing we can do to stoped it.Have faith in God and enjoy the many years in front of you.you are better that the man you once was becouse you see life in a very diferent
way.be positive and have fun.

hwgoodman

saoco said:

The right place,hwgoodman
The right place,hwgoodman this is the right place to be we are a family eventhoug we are all in diferent places.I gest in the back of our maind is the thought of recurence,but if it comes back is nothing we can do to stoped it.Have faith in God and enjoy the many years in front of you.you are better that the man you once was becouse you see life in a very diferent
way.be positive and have fun.

Thanks I needed that
I am a man of God, and call on him constantly. I will try and find something local, but untill I do I hope you guys don't mind if I but in on ya sometimes. Only men like you can understand what we are going through reguardless if we are cancer free or where we are with our own cancer.I hope Mike dosen't make himself sick with worry as you guys know if your going to get cancer this is the one cancer that can be beat more than once, and it's not a death sentence. God Bless You All.

Hank

novaguy

hwgoodman said:

Prostate Cancer
Hello Men,

My name is Hank I live in Kansas and I joined about 10 min ago. I am 57 and was diagnosed with T1 cancer, a Gleason score of 3+4 two of the 12 test were positive 10 were precancer. That was in Feb 09 Not like Mike I was called by my Dr. personaly to inform me of the bad news. I was still terified so I surely can understand what Mike feels, and would suguest a new Dr. right away. I chose the surgery, and in late March had it done. The Dr. told me that it was confined to the prostate and had not effected any nodes. My psa test have all been .01 which is very good I think. My problem now is depression, and trying to deal with the fact that it can return, and I'm not the man or husband I use to be. I have been wanting to join a group to help cope but don't know where to look. Any ideas fellas.

hwgoodman, one thing you
hwgoodman, one thing you said caught my eye. You said you are not the man or husband you used to be. You're right. The man and husband you used to be had cancer, and if you hadn't taken care of it, you don't know how long you'd have to give your wife. You gave yourself and your wife the best gift you could have, you got treated and, given your numbers, you have an excellent chance of this thing never coming back. So pat yourself in the back, I'm sure your wife does :-) And welcome aboard.

hopeful and optimistic

hwgoodman said:

Prostate Cancer
Hello Men,

My name is Hank I live in Kansas and I joined about 10 min ago. I am 57 and was diagnosed with T1 cancer, a Gleason score of 3+4 two of the 12 test were positive 10 were precancer. That was in Feb 09 Not like Mike I was called by my Dr. personaly to inform me of the bad news. I was still terified so I surely can understand what Mike feels, and would suguest a new Dr. right away. I chose the surgery, and in late March had it done. The Dr. told me that it was confined to the prostate and had not effected any nodes. My psa test have all been .01 which is very good I think. My problem now is depression, and trying to deal with the fact that it can return, and I'm not the man or husband I use to be. I have been wanting to join a group to help cope but don't know where to look. Any ideas fellas.

A few thoughts
Where do you live? Some of us may be in your area.

Try giving the american cancer society a call to find out about local groups. Also the American Cancer Society sponsors a " I can cope " series of support telephone conferences held on the first Wednesday of each month. Each month there is a different support group topic. The contact number is 1800-acs-2345


You say that you are a man of G-d. Good idea to attend services, and listen to someone who will give an uplifting sermon.

Try Tai Chi or Yoga

Buy some soap bubbles, the kind that you blow. Hve fun with it.

Consider playing a musical instrument. I play ukulele, and it cuts down on stress for me.

Live each day in the present. Make the most of the day.

Volunteer to help others.

We are with you

Ira

hwgoodman

hopeful and optimistic said:

A few thoughts
Where do you live? Some of us may be in your area.

Try giving the american cancer society a call to find out about local groups. Also the American Cancer Society sponsors a " I can cope " series of support telephone conferences held on the first Wednesday of each month. Each month there is a different support group topic. The contact number is 1800-acs-2345


You say that you are a man of G-d. Good idea to attend services, and listen to someone who will give an uplifting sermon.

Try Tai Chi or Yoga

Buy some soap bubbles, the kind that you blow. Hve fun with it.

Consider playing a musical instrument. I play ukulele, and it cuts down on stress for me.

Live each day in the present. Make the most of the day.

Volunteer to help others.

We are with you

Ira

Prostate Cancer
I live in Louisburg Kansas thats on the Missouri, Kansas line just south of Kansas City. I had never thought about me being a better man since the Cancer is gone. Thank You so much for that it just made my day, and made me feel better about myself. I have a Harley Davidson that I like to ride, and mess with when I start to feel myself getting a little down, and my wife is a Music Teacher, and a wonderful pianist, and singer she plays and sings to me when I get down. She has been a rock for me. I hope you guys had a great weekend. Thanks for the phone number I'll give them a call.

God Bless
Hank

Starkloph

hwgoodman said:

Prostate Cancer
I live in Louisburg Kansas thats on the Missouri, Kansas line just south of Kansas City. I had never thought about me being a better man since the Cancer is gone. Thank You so much for that it just made my day, and made me feel better about myself. I have a Harley Davidson that I like to ride, and mess with when I start to feel myself getting a little down, and my wife is a Music Teacher, and a wonderful pianist, and singer she plays and sings to me when I get down. She has been a rock for me. I hope you guys had a great weekend. Thanks for the phone number I'll give them a call.

God Bless
Hank

Proton Therapy
I Live in upstate New York, am 67, had a PSA of 5 and a biopsy that came back with two cores out of 12 with cancer and a Gleason of 6 (3+3). My urologist recommended surgery, waiting, and or radiation and perhaps cryology. I orginally was 90% set for robotic surgery until I learned about proton radiation. I would advise all men considering surgery or x-ray radiation to check out the information on proton radiation!! Please we owe it to ourselves. Check out the website by googling "proton bob". "BOB" stands for "Brothers of the Balloon" - the balloon is placed in the colon during each proton radiation treatment to help shield it from damage - hence the concept of "Brothers of the Balloon" - something that is not done during "x-ray treatment". I can't go into all the details here - but please please check out this treatment for yourself before making your final decision. Nearly all "golden" treatments end up with the same cureative rates - however proton radiation exceeds in the areas of quality of life issues.

lewvino

Starkloph said:

Proton Therapy
I Live in upstate New York, am 67, had a PSA of 5 and a biopsy that came back with two cores out of 12 with cancer and a Gleason of 6 (3+3). My urologist recommended surgery, waiting, and or radiation and perhaps cryology. I orginally was 90% set for robotic surgery until I learned about proton radiation. I would advise all men considering surgery or x-ray radiation to check out the information on proton radiation!! Please we owe it to ourselves. Check out the website by googling "proton bob". "BOB" stands for "Brothers of the Balloon" - the balloon is placed in the colon during each proton radiation treatment to help shield it from damage - hence the concept of "Brothers of the Balloon" - something that is not done during "x-ray treatment". I can't go into all the details here - but please please check out this treatment for yourself before making your final decision. Nearly all "golden" treatments end up with the same cureative rates - however proton radiation exceeds in the areas of quality of life issues.

The only problem with Proton
The only problem with Proton therapy is there are currently only 5 centers in the USA that offer it. A man has to travel to one of these centers and has additional living expenses of a place to stay at for the 35 plus treatments. Also Many insurance companies deny coverage for Protons. It was going to be my first choice since My dad had Proton therapy back in 1997. But insurance denied mine since it cost's considerably more then other treatments.

If a man can afford it or has insurance that covers it then it is a Good Choice.

They will only treat Gleason 7 and Under with Proton. Some side effects from Proton are painful/frequent urination and blood/mucus discharge in the bowel.

ismetals

hwgoodman said:

Prostate Cancer
Hello Men,

My name is Hank I live in Kansas and I joined about 10 min ago. I am 57 and was diagnosed with T1 cancer, a Gleason score of 3+4 two of the 12 test were positive 10 were precancer. That was in Feb 09 Not like Mike I was called by my Dr. personaly to inform me of the bad news. I was still terified so I surely can understand what Mike feels, and would suguest a new Dr. right away. I chose the surgery, and in late March had it done. The Dr. told me that it was confined to the prostate and had not effected any nodes. My psa test have all been .01 which is very good I think. My problem now is depression, and trying to deal with the fact that it can return, and I'm not the man or husband I use to be. I have been wanting to join a group to help cope but don't know where to look. Any ideas fellas.

Don't ever give up
Get the book 'saving your sex life" You'll find it at amazon.com. Everyone on this site should have a copy. There is hope for all of us post surgery. The important thing is that we are all still around to help each other on our journey.

hopeful and optimistic

Starkloph said:

Proton Therapy
I Live in upstate New York, am 67, had a PSA of 5 and a biopsy that came back with two cores out of 12 with cancer and a Gleason of 6 (3+3). My urologist recommended surgery, waiting, and or radiation and perhaps cryology. I orginally was 90% set for robotic surgery until I learned about proton radiation. I would advise all men considering surgery or x-ray radiation to check out the information on proton radiation!! Please we owe it to ourselves. Check out the website by googling "proton bob". "BOB" stands for "Brothers of the Balloon" - the balloon is placed in the colon during each proton radiation treatment to help shield it from damage - hence the concept of "Brothers of the Balloon" - something that is not done during "x-ray treatment". I can't go into all the details here - but please please check out this treatment for yourself before making your final decision. Nearly all "golden" treatments end up with the same cureative rates - however proton radiation exceeds in the areas of quality of life issues.

active surveillance
My numbers are almost the same as you; 66, psa 2.2, gleason 3+3+6, 2 of 12 cores with less than 5 percent involvement.T1. Diagnosed in the beginning of March, 2009. My doctor who is a robotic surgeon at UCLA recommended active surveillance instead of surgery, saying that there is a very good chance that my cancer is indolent, not likely to spread. I had a endorectol MRI with Spectroscopy which confirmed TI with no focal nodules identified.

I plan to stay with active surveillance as long as possible(better quality of life), then I am leaning toward robotic surgery, if necessary.

Ira

channelsurferdude

lewvino said:

The only problem with Proton
The only problem with Proton therapy is there are currently only 5 centers in the USA that offer it. A man has to travel to one of these centers and has additional living expenses of a place to stay at for the 35 plus treatments. Also Many insurance companies deny coverage for Protons. It was going to be my first choice since My dad had Proton therapy back in 1997. But insurance denied mine since it cost's considerably more then other treatments.

If a man can afford it or has insurance that covers it then it is a Good Choice.

They will only treat Gleason 7 and Under with Proton. Some side effects from Proton are painful/frequent urination and blood/mucus discharge in the bowel.

6 Centers Now Open
Actually there are now 6 centers offering Proton Beam Therapy. Oklahoma just came online this summer. I have Aetna and they are covering the treatment 100%.

The additional expense of living away from home is a small price to pay for fewer and less severe side effects and a non-invasive procedure for me. I wish someone had told me about Protons when I was first diagnosed. I only found out about it after much research. If we are to make the decision about which modality, they could at least tell us about ALL the options.

Only together through this type of forum can we educate ourselves and find the right treatment for ourselves. I am grateful that I can read and learn so much from all of your experiences and research.

MIKEOSH

hopeful and optimistic said:

active surveillance
My numbers are almost the same as you; 66, psa 2.2, gleason 3+3+6, 2 of 12 cores with less than 5 percent involvement.T1. Diagnosed in the beginning of March, 2009. My doctor who is a robotic surgeon at UCLA recommended active surveillance instead of surgery, saying that there is a very good chance that my cancer is indolent, not likely to spread. I had a endorectol MRI with Spectroscopy which confirmed TI with no focal nodules identified.

I plan to stay with active surveillance as long as possible(better quality of life), then I am leaning toward robotic surgery, if necessary.

Ira

GUYS SORRY FOR NOT GETTING BACK TO YOU. I HAD A LOT OF THINKING AND READING TO DO SINCE I SAW THE DR LAST TUESDAY
SO HERE ARE THE RESULTS GLEASON SCORES TWO AT 3+4=7 ONE AT 3+3=6 INTERMEDIATE CANCER HE SAYS. WE TALKED AND TALKED AND I WROTE THINGS DOWN AS WELL AS MY WIFE DID. I DECIDED TO GO WITH ROBOTIC WHILE AT HIS OFFICE AND HE DID A BLADDER TEST WHILE THERE THAT WASN'T CONFROMTABLE AT ALL, BUT THE RESULTS WERE GOOD ON THE BLADDER AND ALSO GOOD AT WHAT HE SAW GOING THRU THE PROSTATE. HE APOLOGIZED FOR PUTTING ME THRU THE ANXIETY BUT HE HAD SURGERY THAT I SAID I UNDERSTAND THAT BUT AT SOME POINT A PHONE CALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE, TOLD HIM I WASN'T AWARE THAT THE BONE AND CAT SCANS WERE PROTOCOL AND THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MENTIONED. AFTER LEAVING HIS OFFICE I DECIDED TO GET A 2ND OPINION THE NEXT DAY, THIS DR
SAYS I HAVE HIGH GRADE PROSTATE CANCER BASED ON THE FACT THAT HE TAKES THE GLEASON SCORE OF 7 AND PUTS THAT IN THE HIGH AREA WITH 8 AND 9'S. SO CONFUSED I GO. I MENTIONED TO HIM ABOUT MY TIME IN VIETNAM AND IT RAISED HIS EYEBROWS, HE TOLD ME OF THE STORY THAT THE VA AND MEDICAL RECORDS OF ALL VIETNAM VETS WERE DESTROYED IN A FIRE SOME TIME BACK IN THE 80'S AND THAT CONGRESS WITHIN THE PAST 5 OR SO YRS SAID THEY COULDN'T DEAL WITH THE ONSLAUGHT OF CASES AND DECLAIRED THAT ALL VETS OF THE VIETNAM CONFLICT ARE ELIGABLE FOR COMPENSATION FROM THE VA. FOR PROSTATE CANCER AS WELL AS OTHER CANCERS DUE TO AGENT ORANGE. IF ANY OF YOU GUYS SERVED IN VIETNAM BELIEVE ME YOU WERE EXPOSED REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU WERE STATIONED. I CHECKED INTO THAT AND WENT TO THE VA AND FILLED OUT THE PAPERWORK. ACCORDING TO THE WEB SITE VETS WHO REGISTER BEFORE TREATMENT LIKE ME ARE ENTITLED TO FULL 100% WITH A SMALL AMOUNT TO MY SPOUSE. THIS IS FOR SIX MONTHS ONLY TILL THE VA EXAMINES ME. AFTER THAT I BELIEVE IT DROPS TO A MINIMUM OF 30%. THE PROCESS WON'T REALLY START TILL AFTER SURGERY WHEN THE DR SENDS THE PATHOLOGY REPORT TO THEM.
SO THE 2ND OPINION DR SEEMS THE BEST WAY FOR ME AT THIS POINT, HE ALSO SAYS THAT HE WANTS TO WAIT AT LEAST 8 WEEKS AFTER THE BIOPSY SO IT CAN HEAL. HE ALSO SAYS HE WILL TAKE THE PROSTATE OUT, THE TWO LYMPH NODES AND NERVES ON THE AFFECTED SIDE. ALSO SAID I WILL BE DRY BUT THAT OPEN SURGERY TAKES TWO WEEKS LONGER THAT ROBOTIC TO HEAL. I AM TO SEE MY FAMILY DR TOMORROW TO DISCUSS ALL OF THE ABOVE AND THE TWO DR'S. AND GET PRE TESTS SCHEDULED FOR LATER IN SEPT.
I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED AGAIN FOR THE 2ND OPINION DR ON WED TO FINALIZE EVERYTHING.
SO IF YOU ANY OF YOU GUYS OUT THERE HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD ABOUT THE TWO SURGERIES OPEN OR ROBOTIC I WILL WELCOME YOUR THOUGHTS.

SO ITS BEEN A LONG WEEK TO SETTLE THINGS IN MY MIND, I DIDN'T MENTION ABOVE THAT THE BONE AND BLOOD AND CAT SCANS CAME BACK OK. NEITHER DR HAS MENTIONED A SURVIVAL TIME FRAME BUT BOTH SAID THEY THINK I GOT IT AT A GOOD TIME.

I WILL UPDATE AFTER WEDNESDAYS MEETING, TAKE CARE GUYS AND THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT SUPPORT

STILL WORRIED YOUR FRIEND MIKE

shubbysr

MIKEOSH said:

GUYS SORRY FOR NOT GETTING BACK TO YOU. I HAD A LOT OF THINKING AND READING TO DO SINCE I SAW THE DR LAST TUESDAY
SO HERE ARE THE RESULTS GLEASON SCORES TWO AT 3+4=7 ONE AT 3+3=6 INTERMEDIATE CANCER HE SAYS. WE TALKED AND TALKED AND I WROTE THINGS DOWN AS WELL AS MY WIFE DID. I DECIDED TO GO WITH ROBOTIC WHILE AT HIS OFFICE AND HE DID A BLADDER TEST WHILE THERE THAT WASN'T CONFROMTABLE AT ALL, BUT THE RESULTS WERE GOOD ON THE BLADDER AND ALSO GOOD AT WHAT HE SAW GOING THRU THE PROSTATE. HE APOLOGIZED FOR PUTTING ME THRU THE ANXIETY BUT HE HAD SURGERY THAT I SAID I UNDERSTAND THAT BUT AT SOME POINT A PHONE CALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE, TOLD HIM I WASN'T AWARE THAT THE BONE AND CAT SCANS WERE PROTOCOL AND THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MENTIONED. AFTER LEAVING HIS OFFICE I DECIDED TO GET A 2ND OPINION THE NEXT DAY, THIS DR
SAYS I HAVE HIGH GRADE PROSTATE CANCER BASED ON THE FACT THAT HE TAKES THE GLEASON SCORE OF 7 AND PUTS THAT IN THE HIGH AREA WITH 8 AND 9'S. SO CONFUSED I GO. I MENTIONED TO HIM ABOUT MY TIME IN VIETNAM AND IT RAISED HIS EYEBROWS, HE TOLD ME OF THE STORY THAT THE VA AND MEDICAL RECORDS OF ALL VIETNAM VETS WERE DESTROYED IN A FIRE SOME TIME BACK IN THE 80'S AND THAT CONGRESS WITHIN THE PAST 5 OR SO YRS SAID THEY COULDN'T DEAL WITH THE ONSLAUGHT OF CASES AND DECLAIRED THAT ALL VETS OF THE VIETNAM CONFLICT ARE ELIGABLE FOR COMPENSATION FROM THE VA. FOR PROSTATE CANCER AS WELL AS OTHER CANCERS DUE TO AGENT ORANGE. IF ANY OF YOU GUYS SERVED IN VIETNAM BELIEVE ME YOU WERE EXPOSED REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU WERE STATIONED. I CHECKED INTO THAT AND WENT TO THE VA AND FILLED OUT THE PAPERWORK. ACCORDING TO THE WEB SITE VETS WHO REGISTER BEFORE TREATMENT LIKE ME ARE ENTITLED TO FULL 100% WITH A SMALL AMOUNT TO MY SPOUSE. THIS IS FOR SIX MONTHS ONLY TILL THE VA EXAMINES ME. AFTER THAT I BELIEVE IT DROPS TO A MINIMUM OF 30%. THE PROCESS WON'T REALLY START TILL AFTER SURGERY WHEN THE DR SENDS THE PATHOLOGY REPORT TO THEM.
SO THE 2ND OPINION DR SEEMS THE BEST WAY FOR ME AT THIS POINT, HE ALSO SAYS THAT HE WANTS TO WAIT AT LEAST 8 WEEKS AFTER THE BIOPSY SO IT CAN HEAL. HE ALSO SAYS HE WILL TAKE THE PROSTATE OUT, THE TWO LYMPH NODES AND NERVES ON THE AFFECTED SIDE. ALSO SAID I WILL BE DRY BUT THAT OPEN SURGERY TAKES TWO WEEKS LONGER THAT ROBOTIC TO HEAL. I AM TO SEE MY FAMILY DR TOMORROW TO DISCUSS ALL OF THE ABOVE AND THE TWO DR'S. AND GET PRE TESTS SCHEDULED FOR LATER IN SEPT.
I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED AGAIN FOR THE 2ND OPINION DR ON WED TO FINALIZE EVERYTHING.
SO IF YOU ANY OF YOU GUYS OUT THERE HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD ABOUT THE TWO SURGERIES OPEN OR ROBOTIC I WILL WELCOME YOUR THOUGHTS.

SO ITS BEEN A LONG WEEK TO SETTLE THINGS IN MY MIND, I DIDN'T MENTION ABOVE THAT THE BONE AND BLOOD AND CAT SCANS CAME BACK OK. NEITHER DR HAS MENTIONED A SURVIVAL TIME FRAME BUT BOTH SAID THEY THINK I GOT IT AT A GOOD TIME.

I WILL UPDATE AFTER WEDNESDAYS MEETING, TAKE CARE GUYS AND THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT SUPPORT

STILL WORRIED YOUR FRIEND MIKE

It's time to take a stand! Its your decision and not the doctors
Wow, I wish I was on line last week. I am 55 and almost 4 months post robotic. It took me 18 days to get results from the urologist. I was to call the office, they do not call me! Finally after many calls, my wife stepped in and demanded an expalnation. She was told that I have to call the doctor for the results.
My PSA went from 3.6 range to 4.8. . Well, this urologist did not make me very comfortable. He was very skillful in answering my questions as if why should I ask, he has everything under control. After a few words he wisely left us to make our own choice. The urologist was a "jerk".
The rest of my story is history and I am recovering slowly. 2nd opinion at John Hopkins, urologist does many Robotics per year 115 as I remember. My Gleasonn was 4+3 and 2 0f 12 cores were cancer.
I was worried as hell! My wife and I are both RN's, so we realized thta we may be treated as if we knew what to expect. Well, my experience at John Hopkins was excellent, high quality, and I would do it again., Ha Ha.
Mike you are in my prayers and welcome to the club!

jim (shubbysr)

tpelle

MIKEOSH said:

GUYS SORRY FOR NOT GETTING BACK TO YOU. I HAD A LOT OF THINKING AND READING TO DO SINCE I SAW THE DR LAST TUESDAY
SO HERE ARE THE RESULTS GLEASON SCORES TWO AT 3+4=7 ONE AT 3+3=6 INTERMEDIATE CANCER HE SAYS. WE TALKED AND TALKED AND I WROTE THINGS DOWN AS WELL AS MY WIFE DID. I DECIDED TO GO WITH ROBOTIC WHILE AT HIS OFFICE AND HE DID A BLADDER TEST WHILE THERE THAT WASN'T CONFROMTABLE AT ALL, BUT THE RESULTS WERE GOOD ON THE BLADDER AND ALSO GOOD AT WHAT HE SAW GOING THRU THE PROSTATE. HE APOLOGIZED FOR PUTTING ME THRU THE ANXIETY BUT HE HAD SURGERY THAT I SAID I UNDERSTAND THAT BUT AT SOME POINT A PHONE CALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE, TOLD HIM I WASN'T AWARE THAT THE BONE AND CAT SCANS WERE PROTOCOL AND THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MENTIONED. AFTER LEAVING HIS OFFICE I DECIDED TO GET A 2ND OPINION THE NEXT DAY, THIS DR
SAYS I HAVE HIGH GRADE PROSTATE CANCER BASED ON THE FACT THAT HE TAKES THE GLEASON SCORE OF 7 AND PUTS THAT IN THE HIGH AREA WITH 8 AND 9'S. SO CONFUSED I GO. I MENTIONED TO HIM ABOUT MY TIME IN VIETNAM AND IT RAISED HIS EYEBROWS, HE TOLD ME OF THE STORY THAT THE VA AND MEDICAL RECORDS OF ALL VIETNAM VETS WERE DESTROYED IN A FIRE SOME TIME BACK IN THE 80'S AND THAT CONGRESS WITHIN THE PAST 5 OR SO YRS SAID THEY COULDN'T DEAL WITH THE ONSLAUGHT OF CASES AND DECLAIRED THAT ALL VETS OF THE VIETNAM CONFLICT ARE ELIGABLE FOR COMPENSATION FROM THE VA. FOR PROSTATE CANCER AS WELL AS OTHER CANCERS DUE TO AGENT ORANGE. IF ANY OF YOU GUYS SERVED IN VIETNAM BELIEVE ME YOU WERE EXPOSED REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU WERE STATIONED. I CHECKED INTO THAT AND WENT TO THE VA AND FILLED OUT THE PAPERWORK. ACCORDING TO THE WEB SITE VETS WHO REGISTER BEFORE TREATMENT LIKE ME ARE ENTITLED TO FULL 100% WITH A SMALL AMOUNT TO MY SPOUSE. THIS IS FOR SIX MONTHS ONLY TILL THE VA EXAMINES ME. AFTER THAT I BELIEVE IT DROPS TO A MINIMUM OF 30%. THE PROCESS WON'T REALLY START TILL AFTER SURGERY WHEN THE DR SENDS THE PATHOLOGY REPORT TO THEM.
SO THE 2ND OPINION DR SEEMS THE BEST WAY FOR ME AT THIS POINT, HE ALSO SAYS THAT HE WANTS TO WAIT AT LEAST 8 WEEKS AFTER THE BIOPSY SO IT CAN HEAL. HE ALSO SAYS HE WILL TAKE THE PROSTATE OUT, THE TWO LYMPH NODES AND NERVES ON THE AFFECTED SIDE. ALSO SAID I WILL BE DRY BUT THAT OPEN SURGERY TAKES TWO WEEKS LONGER THAT ROBOTIC TO HEAL. I AM TO SEE MY FAMILY DR TOMORROW TO DISCUSS ALL OF THE ABOVE AND THE TWO DR'S. AND GET PRE TESTS SCHEDULED FOR LATER IN SEPT.
I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED AGAIN FOR THE 2ND OPINION DR ON WED TO FINALIZE EVERYTHING.
SO IF YOU ANY OF YOU GUYS OUT THERE HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD ABOUT THE TWO SURGERIES OPEN OR ROBOTIC I WILL WELCOME YOUR THOUGHTS.

SO ITS BEEN A LONG WEEK TO SETTLE THINGS IN MY MIND, I DIDN'T MENTION ABOVE THAT THE BONE AND BLOOD AND CAT SCANS CAME BACK OK. NEITHER DR HAS MENTIONED A SURVIVAL TIME FRAME BUT BOTH SAID THEY THINK I GOT IT AT A GOOD TIME.

I WILL UPDATE AFTER WEDNESDAYS MEETING, TAKE CARE GUYS AND THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT SUPPORT

STILL WORRIED YOUR FRIEND MIKE

Moving Too Fast
Friend Mike: Second Opinion doctor tells you that Gleason 7 puts you in the HIGH GRADE PROSTATE CANCER category in his mind and HE WILL TAKE THE PROSTATE OUT, THE TWO LYMPH NODES AND NERVES ON THE AFFECTED SIDE. I'd check this out even getting third and fourth opinions. He's even telling you that you WILL BE DRY. He's very good if he can make this prediction. You've lots of time to check this out.

wxman

VA doctor
I have been told that there is a surgeon at the VA hospital in Atlanta Georgia that has a very
good reputation for treating prostate cancer. His name is Dr. Mutta Isa. He was recommended to
us by someone at John's Hopkins. He was at Emory Hospital but is now at the VA. Therefore we were not able to see him. It may be worth researching since you are a veteran to see if you could get his opinion on your case.

My husband is scheduled for robotic surgery this Thurs. 9/3 at Vanderbilt with Dr. Smith. We leave for Nashville on Wednesday. This forum has been a huge resource for us.