Recently Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
I am a 52 y/o very active male and the Doc is saying that I should have it removed because of my age. I'm trying to find a urogolist that works with this in South Florida and have coma across a Dr Leveille or Dr Soloway, who are supposed to be pretty good. Problem is they cannot see me until late May - June...(must be a pretty common problem here in SFL). My urologist says that this type of cancer is pretty agressive and I should have the procedure done sooner than later, (he is suggesting the next two to three weeks). Now I am wondering if I should look outside the US? I have read abou this new, (well not so new outside the US) called High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. From what I have read it sounds promising, but then I don't know.
With what the doctors have been talking about I have to consider the other issues the after effects, incontinence and erectile dysfunction, (to name two biggies). I have read several posts on here concerning the quality vs quanity of life. I can definatly say I prefer the Quality of life vs the quanity and not sure I can deal with the after effects if they are permanent. I am still young and active, both sexually and physically. I am not sure I can give that all up. Are there any options?? or am I just done with that part of my life ?
As I am sure you all can imagine I am feeling pretty low right now and trying to figure out how to beat this, as most reading this have been in this position. I don't have all the answers, or even enough information to make an informed decison on how I am going to let this effect my life.
Appreciate any and all positive comments or direction as I am trying to get through this
Comments
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SORRY TO HEAR.
Welcome to the club where we really don't want any more members.
But since you're here, we'd love to have you , just deposit your $500.00 FEE to this account.
Sorry, humor, however sick, sometime can kick in extra endorphins to make you feel better.
Everyone here knows what you've gone through, and what you're going through. Just to let you know, we're here for you, we're here to listen, possibly give words of advice.
Keep an open mind about everything that you hear, and read.
When you make your decision, make sure you feel good about it. If you don't feel good about it, rethink it another time.
In my humble opinion, you don't need to look outside the US for treatment.
We have high caliber urologists, surgeons, radiologists in this country that foreigners flock to. Do you research, ask questions, question and doubt each answer until you're satisfied.
Da Vinci surgery, open surgery, radiation, proton, etc. Start learning about each one of them, their advantages and disadvantages. You need to stand back a bit and take stock of what you have and what you want.
(LIFE IS GOOD) my friend, it still is.0 -
Options
I was 52 with psa 24 and gleason 9. Given a 50% chance to live 2 years. Had to take one shot of lupron to shrink the tumor then took radiation treatments. Have had no treatment since. Radiation killed ALL cancer in the prostate which was confirmed by a biopsy 16 months ago. I am now 59 and doing well though the cancer had already spread and I have to accept that. If I had not had the hormone treatment I probably would not have lost my sex drive/ ability to perform. I have very little side effects from the radiation. I have bone pain now because thats where the cancer is. Talk to a radiologist and see what he thinks. You may find that using that treatment will give you much less side effects. Whatever you decide will change your life so get used to it and try to keep undo stress out of your life from now on. All the best, Mark0 -
Boatteam,Welcome to our
Boatteam,
Welcome to our forum that no one really wants to join! But glad you are here.
Your Doc is correct with the Gleason 7 is typically called a 'borderline aggressive'. I'm 55 and had 5 cores positive at Gleason 7. I opted for Davinci in Aug. 2009.
Continue reading as you have, There are several great books. May - June is OK to wail till. I waited about 5 months for my surgery and explored every option out there.
If you want to chat let me know and I'll be glad to talk to you via phone or private email.
We have free long distance calling so the cost is not a factor.
Hifu - I don't think HIFU will treat you but you can double check. They told me no. Plus for other reasons I decided against it.
The big thing is if you decide on Davinci Look for experience. LOTS OF EXPERIENCE! As you know you get one chance at primary treatment.
Good luck and let me know if you want to chat offline. You can ask me the 'frank questions' and I'll answer!
Larry age 55
DaVinci - Aug. 2009
Gleason 3+4 (7)0 -
You may want to check out
You may want to check out this site: http://www.globalroboticsinstitute.com/
I am in a somewhat similar situation although I am older than you. I feel that it is important to get rid of the cancer before it metastasizes and have opted for DaVinci Robotic surgery at the Mayo Clinic. I have read and heard of good reviews at this clinic in Florida. Best of luck to you.0 -
Thanks Larrylewvino said:Boatteam,Welcome to our
Boatteam,
Welcome to our forum that no one really wants to join! But glad you are here.
Your Doc is correct with the Gleason 7 is typically called a 'borderline aggressive'. I'm 55 and had 5 cores positive at Gleason 7. I opted for Davinci in Aug. 2009.
Continue reading as you have, There are several great books. May - June is OK to wail till. I waited about 5 months for my surgery and explored every option out there.
If you want to chat let me know and I'll be glad to talk to you via phone or private email.
We have free long distance calling so the cost is not a factor.
Hifu - I don't think HIFU will treat you but you can double check. They told me no. Plus for other reasons I decided against it.
The big thing is if you decide on Davinci Look for experience. LOTS OF EXPERIENCE! As you know you get one chance at primary treatment.
Good luck and let me know if you want to chat offline. You can ask me the 'frank questions' and I'll answer!
Larry age 55
DaVinci - Aug. 2009
Gleason 3+4 (7)
I have been reading a bit about the HIFU. Everything I have read was very positive, however you decided against it, can I ask why?
Also, why wouldn't they treat you, is it the gleason number being so high?
Thanks for the info Larry, I really appreciate everything from someone that has already been there.
best
Brad0 -
ThanksFeb2010 said:SORRY TO HEAR.
Welcome to the club where we really don't want any more members.
But since you're here, we'd love to have you , just deposit your $500.00 FEE to this account.
Sorry, humor, however sick, sometime can kick in extra endorphins to make you feel better.
Everyone here knows what you've gone through, and what you're going through. Just to let you know, we're here for you, we're here to listen, possibly give words of advice.
Keep an open mind about everything that you hear, and read.
When you make your decision, make sure you feel good about it. If you don't feel good about it, rethink it another time.
In my humble opinion, you don't need to look outside the US for treatment.
We have high caliber urologists, surgeons, radiologists in this country that foreigners flock to. Do you research, ask questions, question and doubt each answer until you're satisfied.
Da Vinci surgery, open surgery, radiation, proton, etc. Start learning about each one of them, their advantages and disadvantages. You need to stand back a bit and take stock of what you have and what you want.
(LIFE IS GOOD) my friend, it still is.
for a bit of humor and some good advice. I am doing what your suggesting and taking a step back to see wher ethis will all go, trying to get as much information as possible and make that informed decison. I understand that there are many fine surgens in the US, but I have been traveling overseas for years and there are many fine doctors over there also, (most trained in the US).
Check the account.. I am sure the transfer happened!!
Be well0 -
52-too
I also was diagnosed at 52 and for reasons I wont go into here(already posted earlier if you want to see why).
First your cancer might be agressive but if you have had the psa tests for 2 years I wouldnt rush. I cant see making this decision on a spur of the moment. Research read here ask questions and make sure of 1 most important thing-you are satisfied with the treatment you choose because ultimately you and you alone must live with it.
I really wanted to say god bless you and my prayers are with you. As for quality over quantity ask you kids that question or your wife or if you have them your grandkids
Surgery Sept 3 2009...24 needle biopsy broken down into 6 sections..5 positive for cancer...gleason around 6 something(I cant remember exactly). After surgery no positive margins and 2 3 psa tests since all 0. Hope this encourages you some.
Nick0 -
ThanksNM said:52-too
I also was diagnosed at 52 and for reasons I wont go into here(already posted earlier if you want to see why).
First your cancer might be agressive but if you have had the psa tests for 2 years I wouldnt rush. I cant see making this decision on a spur of the moment. Research read here ask questions and make sure of 1 most important thing-you are satisfied with the treatment you choose because ultimately you and you alone must live with it.
I really wanted to say god bless you and my prayers are with you. As for quality over quantity ask you kids that question or your wife or if you have them your grandkids
Surgery Sept 3 2009...24 needle biopsy broken down into 6 sections..5 positive for cancer...gleason around 6 something(I cant remember exactly). After surgery no positive margins and 2 3 psa tests since all 0. Hope this encourages you some.
Nick
Aye Nick, it is encourging and I am getting alot of information. Feel like I'm getting fed with a fire hose sometimes. I am find out that nothing is absolute and there are some that come out with no side effects and then some that do. I am glad that you were able to beat you demon and get on with your life. I am a bit to new to this website to be able to find your older posts, (and not very computer literate).. but you're clean after almost a year and that is encouraging.
Regarding Quality over Quanity. I am sure that my kids or wife would agree that quanity over quality, however they don't have to live in my shoes. Hopefully, with the new technology we will not have to cross that bridge, that is what I am praying.
Happy with your sucesses and pray that they continue for you
Be well0 -
I explored every option Iboatteam said:Thanks Larry
I have been reading a bit about the HIFU. Everything I have read was very positive, however you decided against it, can I ask why?
Also, why wouldn't they treat you, is it the gleason number being so high?
Thanks for the info Larry, I really appreciate everything from someone that has already been there.
best
Brad
I explored every option I could think of before I had my surgery. The reason was I didn't want to come back down the road and say "I Wish I would have looked into it".
A few reasons why I decided against HIFU - Gleason 7 there were not many stats on long term effectivness with HIFU.
I did not like the idea of Having to go out of country. Insurance would most likely not pay since it is not approved. If you search Hifu Side effects there really wasn't much advantage. If I would have decided to pay out of pocket I would have went with PROTON over HIFU since my Dad had PROTON back in 1997 and has no signs of cancer now.
Insurance did cover Davinci for me so I was impressed with the technology and the Doctor I chose.
Larry0 -
How does one decide?lewvino said:I explored every option I
I explored every option I could think of before I had my surgery. The reason was I didn't want to come back down the road and say "I Wish I would have looked into it".
A few reasons why I decided against HIFU - Gleason 7 there were not many stats on long term effectivness with HIFU.
I did not like the idea of Having to go out of country. Insurance would most likely not pay since it is not approved. If you search Hifu Side effects there really wasn't much advantage. If I would have decided to pay out of pocket I would have went with PROTON over HIFU since my Dad had PROTON back in 1997 and has no signs of cancer now.
Insurance did cover Davinci for me so I was impressed with the technology and the Doctor I chose.
Larry
Thanks for the reply Larry. I have an appointment tomorrow at the U of Miami Cancer clinic. A DR MANOHARAN one of the staff urologists. I have read so much and so many different treatments for this,, how does one really make up their mind which is the right procedure? I am considering the robotic surgery, but am concerned with the after effects, although some websites say there is miniumal risk. Others say that the radiation is the way to go, whether Proton, HIFU, the seeds ect.. how do you seperate the hype from the facts?? All sites say their way is the best, and knock down the other treatments. I've been trying to look at the good with the bad, but seems like everything has serious implications.
All pretty confusing right now. I have heard good things about the University of Miami and they are local, (which is probably why I hear good things). The other way I am leaning right now is to go to Jacksonville for the protron treatment, but understand that is for 8 weeks.
Soliciting inputs from any body that has some.
Be well.0 -
As you are learning aboatteam said:How does one decide?
Thanks for the reply Larry. I have an appointment tomorrow at the U of Miami Cancer clinic. A DR MANOHARAN one of the staff urologists. I have read so much and so many different treatments for this,, how does one really make up their mind which is the right procedure? I am considering the robotic surgery, but am concerned with the after effects, although some websites say there is miniumal risk. Others say that the radiation is the way to go, whether Proton, HIFU, the seeds ect.. how do you seperate the hype from the facts?? All sites say their way is the best, and knock down the other treatments. I've been trying to look at the good with the bad, but seems like everything has serious implications.
All pretty confusing right now. I have heard good things about the University of Miami and they are local, (which is probably why I hear good things). The other way I am leaning right now is to go to Jacksonville for the protron treatment, but understand that is for 8 weeks.
Soliciting inputs from any body that has some.
Be well.
As you are learning a surgeon pushes surgery either traditional or Robotic depending on what he is expert at.
The Radiation docs push rad. Proton pushes Proton, etc.
That is the one thing with this cancer you can pick your initial treatment and it is a maze of choices!
How to seperate the yhpe form the hype? Keep reading and keep asking those questions. Of course if you believe in a higher power you can also pray and ask others to pray for you also.
Just remember they will all treat your cancer. One thing important to many is having a second line of defense and for others it is trying to eliminate the side effect factors that all will face to some degree with Surgery.
Larry0 -
I am learning that..lewvino said:As you are learning a
As you are learning a surgeon pushes surgery either traditional or Robotic depending on what he is expert at.
The Radiation docs push rad. Proton pushes Proton, etc.
That is the one thing with this cancer you can pick your initial treatment and it is a maze of choices!
How to seperate the yhpe form the hype? Keep reading and keep asking those questions. Of course if you believe in a higher power you can also pray and ask others to pray for you also.
Just remember they will all treat your cancer. One thing important to many is having a second line of defense and for others it is trying to eliminate the side effect factors that all will face to some degree with Surgery.
Larry
yes.. I read these websites about the different types of treatments and there is a maze of them. All of them use different scales to make their sucess rates look good and I am finding out that, like any good sale pitch, most have side/after effects that nobody like too talk about.
I was reading a brochure from a place in Atlanta, Prostrcision:
(http://storage.pardot.com/1174/29064/Q_A_Cancer_Free_Guide.pdf)
They are an implant place, but their brochure brought up a very good point that I really hadn't considered, not too many of the website that I have read about talk of cure vs treatment. I am finding out many way and methods of treating what I have been curesed with, but few talk about what we all really want is cure. Of course this is another sales brochure pumping their methods over others, but they do make some interesting points. One with surgery, I may be stuck with incontenence for several months after surgery. These folks near guarentee that there is no issues with that (unless you have it when you go in)because there is no surgery involved. Some implanting of seeds and the some Xray type rays shot into the area over a 6 week period. One down side to them is they only do it in GA and taking 6 weeks off work might be an issue.
Another good point them make is the Individual Cure Rate, that they suggest all doctors should have. It is basically following their patients for 10 yrs after the procedures and tracking if the issue returns. According to their brochure, the covered most all the procedures out there, with the different types of methods used to determine cure and theirs (of course) is the highest with 88% cure (defined as a PSA of <.02ng/ml after 10yrs). The surgery is next with around 80% and then heads down from there. The biggest difference between the two is the incontenence issue.
Another important point the brochure made is to get a second opinion on the biopsy results from another lab all together. As the warning signs go, I shouldn't have this, My father or uncles or grandfathers on either side never had an issue. Other than a high PSA count, (which my dad has had for years and several negative biopsys) I have none of the warning signs or symptoms. Even my personal Doc was surprised with the findings came back positive. So I will definatly be asking for another opinion, although not expecting anything different in the results, I feel I should. Being Half Irish, if it wasn't for bad luck I would have any at all, and that said, my biopsy would have been one of twenty that the lab was working on before lunch and mixed up with someone elses. Maybe this is Gods way of telling me to straighten up a bit of a wake up. At this point, I don't know, but will be getting the second opinion and possibly a second biopsy, (which to date has been the most painfully thing I have ever had done, (and I have been shot twice, stabbed once and broke a bunch of bones and none of those compared to that biopsy).
I have an appoint this morning with Dr. Manoharan at the University of Miami Cancer center. I'll be talking to him about some of these other treatments and trying to get the straight skinny of what I am dealing with. His resume states that he is a proponent of new treatments and procedures to treat cancers. He works for Dr Soloway and with Dr. Kava, all who have stellar reputations (from what I have read) in this field.
Thanks for all the replies and support from you and the others.0 -
Boatteam....Interesting youboatteam said:I am learning that..
yes.. I read these websites about the different types of treatments and there is a maze of them. All of them use different scales to make their sucess rates look good and I am finding out that, like any good sale pitch, most have side/after effects that nobody like too talk about.
I was reading a brochure from a place in Atlanta, Prostrcision:
(http://storage.pardot.com/1174/29064/Q_A_Cancer_Free_Guide.pdf)
They are an implant place, but their brochure brought up a very good point that I really hadn't considered, not too many of the website that I have read about talk of cure vs treatment. I am finding out many way and methods of treating what I have been curesed with, but few talk about what we all really want is cure. Of course this is another sales brochure pumping their methods over others, but they do make some interesting points. One with surgery, I may be stuck with incontenence for several months after surgery. These folks near guarentee that there is no issues with that (unless you have it when you go in)because there is no surgery involved. Some implanting of seeds and the some Xray type rays shot into the area over a 6 week period. One down side to them is they only do it in GA and taking 6 weeks off work might be an issue.
Another good point them make is the Individual Cure Rate, that they suggest all doctors should have. It is basically following their patients for 10 yrs after the procedures and tracking if the issue returns. According to their brochure, the covered most all the procedures out there, with the different types of methods used to determine cure and theirs (of course) is the highest with 88% cure (defined as a PSA of <.02ng/ml after 10yrs). The surgery is next with around 80% and then heads down from there. The biggest difference between the two is the incontenence issue.
Another important point the brochure made is to get a second opinion on the biopsy results from another lab all together. As the warning signs go, I shouldn't have this, My father or uncles or grandfathers on either side never had an issue. Other than a high PSA count, (which my dad has had for years and several negative biopsys) I have none of the warning signs or symptoms. Even my personal Doc was surprised with the findings came back positive. So I will definatly be asking for another opinion, although not expecting anything different in the results, I feel I should. Being Half Irish, if it wasn't for bad luck I would have any at all, and that said, my biopsy would have been one of twenty that the lab was working on before lunch and mixed up with someone elses. Maybe this is Gods way of telling me to straighten up a bit of a wake up. At this point, I don't know, but will be getting the second opinion and possibly a second biopsy, (which to date has been the most painfully thing I have ever had done, (and I have been shot twice, stabbed once and broke a bunch of bones and none of those compared to that biopsy).
I have an appoint this morning with Dr. Manoharan at the University of Miami Cancer center. I'll be talking to him about some of these other treatments and trying to get the straight skinny of what I am dealing with. His resume states that he is a proponent of new treatments and procedures to treat cancers. He works for Dr Soloway and with Dr. Kava, all who have stellar reputations (from what I have read) in this field.
Thanks for all the replies and support from you and the others.</p>
Boatteam....Interesting you mention the clinic in Atlanta - Prostrcision. As part of my research I talked to Dr. Critz (Founder of the clinic) and also went down to their clinic for a consult.
Very nice facilities. Their treatment and brochures do seem to all be valid. My Appointment was at 2pm on Friday. After numerous tests, etc. Dr. Critz met with me and discussed everything in detail. Even staying 'after hours' on Friday till around 5:30 - 5:45pm
The bottom line...yes he showed me a cure rate chart and only gave me a 56% chance of being cancer free in 10 years following his treatment. That was to low of a number for me for first line of attack. He asked if I was ready to decide on treatment (No not pushy at all just a valid question) I responded No, I had one more Appointment up at Vanderbilt and then would be making my final decision. He asked are you seeing Dr. Smith at Vanderbilt? I replied yes and he stated "He is one of the best you can find, please give him my regards when you see him."
After visiting with Dr. Smith I 'signed' the dotted line so to speak and had the Davinci with Dr. Smith at the controls.
Let us know how your appointment goes with Dr. manoharan this morning.
Larry0 -
Boatteam -boatteam said:Thanks
Aye Nick, it is encourging and I am getting alot of information. Feel like I'm getting fed with a fire hose sometimes. I am find out that nothing is absolute and there are some that come out with no side effects and then some that do. I am glad that you were able to beat you demon and get on with your life. I am a bit to new to this website to be able to find your older posts, (and not very computer literate).. but you're clean after almost a year and that is encouraging.
Regarding Quality over Quanity. I am sure that my kids or wife would agree that quanity over quality, however they don't have to live in my shoes. Hopefully, with the new technology we will not have to cross that bridge, that is what I am praying.
Happy with your sucesses and pray that they continue for you
Be well
I'm 47 and chose
Boatteam -
I'm 47 and chose to have the robotic surgery in 2/09. Like many who have posted have stated research and more research is key. You have made the first positive step by joining this discussion board to learn from so many of us. At the beginning I too was overwheled with the options and of course scared to know I had cancer.
I agree with an earlier post about each doc who specializes in a different treatments are confident in what they do but it may not be for you. You have to feel comfortable with the doctor you eventually choose and the treatment that is best for YOU and you specific case.
I learned after my surgery that the cancer had already metastized into my pelvic area which required Hormone Therapy and radiation. I'm happy to report that I went from a PSA of 16 post-surgery in May of 2009 to undetectable this past March.
As for the side effects of Lupron, I have learned to live with them and feel very fortunate compared to so many cancer patients who are truly suffering.
I wish you well and what ever your decision is will be the right one for YOU.
Peter -0 -
Docs Visitlewvino said:Boatteam....Interesting you
Boatteam....Interesting you mention the clinic in Atlanta - Prostrcision. As part of my research I talked to Dr. Critz (Founder of the clinic) and also went down to their clinic for a consult.
Very nice facilities. Their treatment and brochures do seem to all be valid. My Appointment was at 2pm on Friday. After numerous tests, etc. Dr. Critz met with me and discussed everything in detail. Even staying 'after hours' on Friday till around 5:30 - 5:45pm
The bottom line...yes he showed me a cure rate chart and only gave me a 56% chance of being cancer free in 10 years following his treatment. That was to low of a number for me for first line of attack. He asked if I was ready to decide on treatment (No not pushy at all just a valid question) I responded No, I had one more Appointment up at Vanderbilt and then would be making my final decision. He asked are you seeing Dr. Smith at Vanderbilt? I replied yes and he stated "He is one of the best you can find, please give him my regards when you see him."
After visiting with Dr. Smith I 'signed' the dotted line so to speak and had the Davinci with Dr. Smith at the controls.
Let us know how your appointment goes with Dr. manoharan this morning.
Larry
Well I guess I feel a bit better after speaking to Dr Manoharan. He is a pleasant guy and seems to be very knowledgable. He has a good repuatation from what I have been told by his collegues and very professional kind of guy. He was very understanding about my apprehensions regarding surgery vs radiation and wants to second opinion my pathology slides from my biopsy. One thing I liked is he didn't try and sell me on anything. He explained what his opinion was based on the results that were laid in front of him, but he did state that before he did anything, he wanted to see the slides and determine how "right" they were. I'm not sure how to interpet that, however, I am with him currently. He encouraged me to call the University of Florida in Jax that does the Proton therapy and to engage the guys at Prostrcision, which right now are the three choices I have narrowed down to. He explained to me though that he has a better than 90% sucess rate with incontenience and better than 70% with ED. He also gave me, (based on what he had in front of him) better than 90% cure rate, (at the 0.2ng/ml rate) but quickly quanified it with he hadn't personnally reviewed the pathology slides, just the report. He is willing to back up what he said with hard numbers that the University keeps in their data base and he is still dealing with fully cured clients 12-15 years after their treatments.
At least he shed a little light on my options and told me things to watch out for. The Cancer business in the US is a multi-billion dollar industry. Everybody has a product or procedure to sell. I still have a bit more investagation to do, but I can say I am leaning told the radical procedure, whether open or with the robot, (he does both).
Another important plus with Dr Manoharan, he has a female assistant, a Dr Santos, that is very nice, knowledgable and has small skinny fingers, (which was a god send after the biospy).
I'll keep you posted Larry.
Stay well
Brad0 -
Thanks for the infopwiggins said:Boatteam -
I'm 47 and chose
Boatteam -
I'm 47 and chose to have the robotic surgery in 2/09. Like many who have posted have stated research and more research is key. You have made the first positive step by joining this discussion board to learn from so many of us. At the beginning I too was overwheled with the options and of course scared to know I had cancer.
I agree with an earlier post about each doc who specializes in a different treatments are confident in what they do but it may not be for you. You have to feel comfortable with the doctor you eventually choose and the treatment that is best for YOU and you specific case.
I learned after my surgery that the cancer had already metastized into my pelvic area which required Hormone Therapy and radiation. I'm happy to report that I went from a PSA of 16 post-surgery in May of 2009 to undetectable this past March.
As for the side effects of Lupron, I have learned to live with them and feel very fortunate compared to so many cancer patients who are truly suffering.
I wish you well and what ever your decision is will be the right one for YOU.
Peter -
I appreciate the post Peter. Sorry to hear that you's was far gone. I just had my first Dr. visit since being diagnosised and came away a bit relieved in some ways. Doc said because my PSA was only 8 and only 2 cores out of 14 came back positive, he felt good that I had not metastized and a CT scan came back pretty good also. I guess I can only hope.
I am not sure yet which way I will be going. My doctor is getting my path slides to review the findings and see what he will recommend. I liked the guy because all the did today was explain things and suggest alternatives to me to research before making a decision. I have to go back and see him in thress weeks for a follow up and I suppose I should have enough information to make a decision by then.
I am leaning toward the surgery, however, I am still open to suggestions. I have not heard of the side effects from Lupron, however if they are anything like the side effects I have read about from other treatments, I wish you all the best.
Stay well and thank you for your support0 -
Hiboatteam said:Thanks for the info
I appreciate the post Peter. Sorry to hear that you's was far gone. I just had my first Dr. visit since being diagnosised and came away a bit relieved in some ways. Doc said because my PSA was only 8 and only 2 cores out of 14 came back positive, he felt good that I had not metastized and a CT scan came back pretty good also. I guess I can only hope.
I am not sure yet which way I will be going. My doctor is getting my path slides to review the findings and see what he will recommend. I liked the guy because all the did today was explain things and suggest alternatives to me to research before making a decision. I have to go back and see him in thress weeks for a follow up and I suppose I should have enough information to make a decision by then.
I am leaning toward the surgery, however, I am still open to suggestions. I have not heard of the side effects from Lupron, however if they are anything like the side effects I have read about from other treatments, I wish you all the best.
Stay well and thank you for your support
If I was you I would definitely pursue finding more about active surveillance as a treatment option.......it may well be that you have indolent cancer, which means not likely to spread.there may be a very good chance that you can continue the rest of your life without any other treatment..did the doc that you saw discuss active surveillance as a treatment option.I've done a lot of research during the past year since I've been diagnosed.......before my diagnosis I did not know what a prostate was, now I am a prostate cancer groupie.
If you click on my name you will find what I have done, and rational for treatment.
Ira0 -
Interesting theroyhopeful and optimistic said:Hi
If I was you I would definitely pursue finding more about active surveillance as a treatment option.......it may well be that you have indolent cancer, which means not likely to spread.there may be a very good chance that you can continue the rest of your life without any other treatment..did the doc that you saw discuss active surveillance as a treatment option.I've done a lot of research during the past year since I've been diagnosed.......before my diagnosis I did not know what a prostate was, now I am a prostate cancer groupie.
If you click on my name you will find what I have done, and rational for treatment.
Ira
Ira,
yes, Doc did mention the active survelience, or watch and wait. He currently has over 250 patients in this program. He did not discount the program for me, however because my gleason was 7 and my PSA's has been rising, he didn't feel comfortable in recommending it. He did however want my pathology slides to review. He said in some cases his diagnosis of the issue differed from the Pathologist. Sometimes going up in Gleason, sometimes going down. Because I only had a 10% and 20% in the only two positive cores, I think their might be hope that my gleason goes down and we can open our option range.
I undertand what you mean about becoming a resident expert.I am learing alot. I have always had DRE's every three years for the last 15 as part of my annual physical, then when I turned fifty thress years ago, seem more doctors are fasinated with sticking their finger up my bum and drawing blood. Always was a kind of a joke between me and whoever the unfortuante doc was that got elected to do it..(Gonna buy me dinner after this doc??).
Not sure which way I am going now.. I have a serious headache from reading posts and brochures on all the different treatments. Never know who is telling the truth or is it a sales pitch for some clinic somewhere. Doc told me yesterday that the Cancer business in the US is a multi BILLION dollar industry. With that much money involved in anything, opinions get swayed and truths gets streached. Guess we just do our home work and find someone we trust to guide us through this process.
I wish there was a website that gave unbiased numbers on individual doctors sucess rates and failures so you are able to compare apples to apples instead of going off what the brochure says all the time.
Good luck with your program, I'll read about it today and may have more question after.
Stay well0
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