Just found out I've got Prostate Cancer

recordal said:

decisions - decisions - decisions
K

Thanks for your reply. I understand your desire to get all the facts straight so one can make an "informed" decision. My problem from the start was finding too much information. It's everywhere - internet, books and pamphlets supplied by treatment providers, men to men support groups, cancer survivors, advertisements and more. I couldn't understand why the doctors just didn't recommend a certain treatment.

Speaking to as many relevant people as possible including speaking to doctors on a human to human level as opposed to a provider to consumer level I found even the most up to the minute information is subject to discretion.

The final piece of information I received was from the American Cancer Society itself. I thought surely they know the bottom line. Their DVD was most helpful yet contained information that to me did not seem completely accurate and up to date.

Having all this wonderful knowledge I still had many questions. I laid out all the "facts" in front of myself, the pros and the cons, and I was still left with a very difficult decision - mainly because there were no guarantees.

The final decision probably came from my heart and not my head. I place more value on faith and prayer than on all the information in the world.

My primary desire for posting on this forum is to help other men, on a human level, come to a final - good - decision. Keep up the good work and as you say there are always (at least) two sides to the story.

Thanks again.

Record Al

Frustrations
Al,

I completely agree with your perspective above and share your motivations in posting. I also believe "passing it forward" is not only theraputic but just the right thing to do.

I share your frustrations with the abundance of information about potential treatments for prostate cancer. Much of it is presented in a very slanted light to show a particular piece of equipment or procedure in its best light. Sorting through the studies is also daunting, particularly if men are not trained in statistical analysis, normalization techniques, or take the time to carefully examine the control groups and screening factors. To top it off, the experts in the field disagree significantly about the correct course to take when faced with a diagnosis. For many men and their families this is an almost overwhelming challenge.

I've learned to be an aggressive advocate of my own rights and now tend to question my doctors (even my dentist, much to his annoyance I'm sure) about what they're doing and why and what are the potential side effects of a recommended action. I think to reach a successful outcome, patients need to be as informed and educated as possible so that they can form a meaningful partnership with their medical team. Unfortunately, this places a large responsibility on the prostate cancer patient but I don't see any other way to get through it.

K