Just getting started

NM
NM Member Posts: 214
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
Hi I am new to all this as having been just diagnosed and seem to be rushed into a quick decision by my urologist (he wants robotic surgery for me) My gleason scores all seem to be 3+4=7 and some segments say positive for perineural invasion. I am trying to research all this and am now completely lost. Any advice from others I will be so thankful....thanks ..I am 52 years old. My PSA is 7.5. 6 out of 7 samples showed 3+4=7...1 was negative 4 showed perineural invasion.

Comments

  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #2
    What was your PSA, and how
    What was your PSA, and how many samples were taken and how many had the gleason score of 7?
    Where do you live? There are many men on here that give excellent ideas and Doctors names that they have dealt with. Don't rush into anything, do some research and learn what you can. This is your decision to make since it impacts you and your partner for the rest of your life.

    I found out in April this year and similar in a way towards you. I had 5 samples come back as Gleason 7's. Three of samples were 4+3 and two at 3+4. Perineural invasion also noted and My PSA was 5.1 and I'm age 54.

    After much research I have decided on the DaVinci Robot procedure on August 12th. So counting down the days.

    If you go with the DaVinci you want the BEST surgeon you can find. It has a very high learning curve so ask the Doctor how many he has done. You want someone with at least several hundred performed.

    Larry
  • lshick
    lshick Member Posts: 62
    #3
    lewvino said:

    What was your PSA, and how
    What was your PSA, and how many samples were taken and how many had the gleason score of 7?
    Where do you live? There are many men on here that give excellent ideas and Doctors names that they have dealt with. Don't rush into anything, do some research and learn what you can. This is your decision to make since it impacts you and your partner for the rest of your life.

    I found out in April this year and similar in a way towards you. I had 5 samples come back as Gleason 7's. Three of samples were 4+3 and two at 3+4. Perineural invasion also noted and My PSA was 5.1 and I'm age 54.

    After much research I have decided on the DaVinci Robot procedure on August 12th. So counting down the days.

    If you go with the DaVinci you want the BEST surgeon you can find. It has a very high learning curve so ask the Doctor how many he has done. You want someone with at least several hundred performed.

    Larry

    Suggestions for research
    Welcome to the club nobody wants to be in. Lots of good people here to help.

    First of all, don't let anyone rush you. PC usually proceeds slowly, so you almost certainly have all the time you want to make your decisions.

    For your research, you can do worse than look over in the left column of this page and go to "Treatment Decision Tools." It will ask for lots of information, much of which you won't have, but fill in what you can. Out the other end comes a lot of data plus access to the underlying clinical studies.

    Also go to yananow.net for stories of guys who went down this path before you. You can use their search function to find guys' experience with a certain doctor or treatment.

    Healingwell (http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35) has a pretty active forum of guys (and their wives sometimes)--helpful bunch.

    UsToo.com has local chapters, may be one in your area.

    Your numbers are similar to what mine were. For what it's worth, my story is at www.sv-moira.com and scroll down to the "Prostate Cancer" link.

    Good luck. We're here for you.

    The other Larry
  • shubbysr
    shubbysr Member Posts: 87
    #4
    Good Advice but, take your time
    Heelo NM,

    I also welcome you to the club nobody wants to join. Come on in, the water's fine!
    Larry and Larry too have good advice. I suggest reading Dr. Patrick Walsh's guide to surviving prostate cancer by Walsh, Patrick C. You may find it at your local library or bookstore. This book gave my wife and I a hugh sigh of relief as Dr. Walsh covered most all there is to know about PC!
    Do not let the doctors "push you around". You are the best one knowledgable about your body and doing the research is to your advantage.

    Good thoughts and prayers your way!

    Jim (shubbysr)
  • NM
    NM Member Posts: 214
    #5
    lewvino said:

    What was your PSA, and how
    What was your PSA, and how many samples were taken and how many had the gleason score of 7?
    Where do you live? There are many men on here that give excellent ideas and Doctors names that they have dealt with. Don't rush into anything, do some research and learn what you can. This is your decision to make since it impacts you and your partner for the rest of your life.

    I found out in April this year and similar in a way towards you. I had 5 samples come back as Gleason 7's. Three of samples were 4+3 and two at 3+4. Perineural invasion also noted and My PSA was 5.1 and I'm age 54.

    After much research I have decided on the DaVinci Robot procedure on August 12th. So counting down the days.

    If you go with the DaVinci you want the BEST surgeon you can find. It has a very high learning curve so ask the Doctor how many he has done. You want someone with at least several hundred performed.

    Larry

    August12
    Good luck to you Larry. Hoping all goes well and you have a recovery according to your wishes Thanks for replying.... NM

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