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Posted 1/5/2008 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I am new to this forum. So I will have to learn how to post in the proper format.

Two years ago my PSA was 3.5. I forgot to get a test a year ago. I had a PSA test

last month and It had increased to 7.1. I had a biopsy. I had very little discomfort with it which was done in the doctor's office. It was positive for cancer. I have not had any symptoms.

I have some of the results:

T1c

MX

Gleason 7

3 0f 12 samples positive

DRE Negative.

AGE: 68

I don't know at this point which treatment to have.

The Dr. gave me several options. He seems to favor IMRT.

It seems that most people on this forum have the DaVinci surgery.

They just started doing it in my city (Tyler, Tx) last mo.

I would like some feedback as I new to this.

 PWB

Posted 1/5/2008 6:37 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome, PMB.  I hope you find the help, information and support you are looking for here. The good news is that you have options.  I would suggest researching what is the best cancer treatment for you, based on your own situation.  Knowledge is power. 

I was 57 when my prostate cancer was diagnosed and after much reading and discussions with my doctor, who supported me as I weighed the options, it boiled down to two: (1) brachytherapy and (2) prostatectomy. 

It could have gone either way for me, but what finally pushed me in the direction of surgery were several factors that were important to me. (1)Its its success rate.  (2) The fact that my prostate would be removed along with associated structures for pathological examination and I would know the extent of the cancer with some exactness. (3) Lastly, if I required further treatment, radiation could be initiated more effectively than after brachytherapy (seed implants).  

It's a personal choice, but if it is an educated decision, you are more likely to make the best decision for you.  Take care and hang in there...Tim 

Posted 1/5/2008 11:09 AM (GMT 0)

Regardless of which treatment you undertake, choice of a top doctor is the most important aspect, as this will have a great impact on potential side effects and prognosis. This can be more important than the kind of treatment being considered, and whether the preference is for Robotic or open surgery for example.

It's worth reading a good book on the subject: especially for someone considering surgery, the book by Dr Scardino is very informative. Although it was written a few years ago, the book by Lee Nelson M.D. "Prostate Cancer Prevention and Cure" is very comprehensive and covers diagnosis, selecting a doctor, treatment options, lifestyle changes etc.

Posted 1/5/2008 12:18 PM (GMT 0)

Hi PMB.  Welcome to the forum but sorry you have to be here.  I was diagnosed on Jan 29, 2007.  I had the radical open procedure on May 29, 2007.  It is a personal choice.  research all you options including getting several good books on the subject and seek out another opinion from another doctor not associated with you other doctor.  The problem is there are many treatments for this disease.  The stats show most of them to be similar in their results.  Get educated, trust in God, make your decision, go forward and don't look back.  Good luck to you and don't be a stranger on the forum

Mika

Posted 1/5/2008 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, PWB. You'll be in good hands here (along with your doctors, of course). We're just up the road from you between Pittsburg and Mt. Pleasant. We had our da Vinci done in Aug. of '06 and went to Austin. However, at the time, Dr. Andrew Kirkpatrick in Tyler had been doing da Vinci there for a few months. At that point, he probably had about 100 surgeries under his belt, so we looked for more experience. If we were looking right now, we would certainly seek a consult with him.

You really want to go "tire-kicking" among the specialties to figure out which one is right for you. Then, come here and ask questions, too, as the docs will be pushing their own "faves." Our first visit was to a radiologist, then we decided that if there weren't any underlying issues, we would seek surgery first and keep radiation as a backup.

Everyone is different and you'll work it out, even though it seems pretty daunting right now.
Posted 1/5/2008 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
As others have said, the type of treatment you select is really a personal choice. For my husband, the success rate of both surgery and brachytherapy were expected to be the same so it came down to a choice between anticipated side effects of the treatments. You should make sure you speak to both radiation oncologists and urologists/surgeons as each will typically advocate their specialty as the treatment of choice. After listening to everything they have to say, you'll be able to make an informed choice.
Posted 1/5/2008 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
  Hi ~ PWB,   W elcome     to…    ~ HealingWell ~   and   A    “ Special ”    Warm Welcome   to   You !   Knowledge gives us POWER….   POWER takes away the fear.   ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~     Click   on   link   below for important information that will help you ~ help us!!   Welcome New Members ~ to HealingWell       The information (link) listed above is to help you get around the forum!       This is a journey best traveled with friends.            Welcome ~ New Friend from all the members here... on HealingWell.com   v       IdahoSurvivor ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/1313099593_9f819e3ff8.jpg   v       bluebird ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/mamabluebirdWelcome.jpg
Posted 1/5/2008 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
  Hey ~ PWB,   We are here to help in anyway possible. The most important thing is that you keep posting .   The Helpful Hints link in the Welcome New Members link above will help to guide you.   Knowledge is Power and Power takes away the fear… You make the decisions and your decision will be the right one for you.   We are so happy you’ve reached out to all of us. Buddy & I invite you to read our personal journey…. listed in our Signature below. Take time to read as many other member’s journeys as well ~ this will help you to know there are options and you are not alone.   Stay Close… In New Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 1/5/2008 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PWB and welcome to the forum nobody want to be in, but almost all are grateful they found.
The choice for treatments is diverse, and on this website you can find people who have had the full range. Your numbers indicate you can take some time and do some research. Is your Gleason score 3+4=7 or a 4+3=7? This can help determine how aggressive your cancer is. Whatever treatment you chose we will all be here to offer encouragement and advice when asked. Good Luck!
Best,
Mike
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