Just found out that I had Prostate Cancer

Hi KrisP,

Welcome. We cannot help you with choices re. treatment or centres (I post on behalf of my hubby and we live in Australia),  however in terms of gaining info, we ended up with 4 x folders FULL of Pca info - We recorded every question, every consult, every decision and included any relevant research articles or internet info we found, as well as healing well advice etc,  which was pertinent for our situation. My husband chose surgery and has now made an almost full recovery (including ED recovery of about 85% with oral meds - we are expecting this to improve too,  with the next 12 months),  and we had stats similiar to others who have replied but higher than yours initially.

My husband had a Gleeson 7 at biopsy, which was why we chose surgery (and also a personal choice). Our only suggestion is to gather as much info as you can, and use this info in your consults with all medicos. Write everything down, ask any question no matter what it is, check out the treatment with as many consults as you can afford (!!) or wish to. I think it is good to get second and third opinion. We had 3 specialist consults and did not end up choosing the one recommended by original doctor. We made the decision within 4 weeks of diagnosis, but waited 4 months for the surgery as we needed to give it more thought. It was probably a bit long (4 months) as this increased the anxiety, however it assisted us to adapt to the situation better (and again this was a personal choice) and worked out well in the end.  Good luck with your decisions and remember you are in control of this. You can choose,  and you can choose the best for you. Ask any questions as you go through this difficult process and the more informed you are, the better you will be able to sift through the options available and the recommendations by doctors, who has others have said may disagree or have conflicting opinions. Great idea checking out people so thoroughly - when your life is in their hands, most necessary! Good luck and all the best to you and your loved ones. The question about the scanning tests is an important one to have clarified for your personal situation, and for your peace of mind. Ask everyone you see about it, and compare the explanations they offer you about why it is not necessary in your situation.

cheers,  Lana & CJ.

Hello my dear friends – KrisP again asking for some advice.
In January 08, I did not renew my life 5yr term insurance policy because I thought the increase in premium was too much and I could get a better deal if I shop around. Obviously, I did not know about the Prostate cancer at that time and I took a few weeks before I start to shop around. In February, I started to shop around and found a company that had a rate I can work with. The problem is since late February, they sent me the forms to fill out and I’m supposed to do the physical today 3/17/08 and return the form to the examiner. At the time, I filled out the questions, I didn’t know about the cancer but I did put that I’m in the process of seeing a urologist and result is not available yet. I am planning to tell the examiner about the result of my biopsy this afternoon.
The question I have is “Should I still continue with the examination although I think they will either jack up the premium or not give me insurance or just cancel the deal and take out a policy after whatever option I choose to remove the prostate cancer.”
Has anyone here had to deal with a situation like this?
Thanks again for all the kind words and help.
By the way, since yesterday, when I first found this site. I'm starting to feel much more positive.
Thanks to all your support.
KrisP

I'm a little confused about the PSA after surgery.
The prostate is supposed to produce some sort of PSA, correct? So if the prostate is removed then there should be no sign of PSA because there is no prostate to give off PSA. Maybe someone can explain this or I'll ask my Urologist on Thursday. I guess the question is if there is no prostate then there should be no PSA in the blood.
Kris.

KrisP,

You are right, without a prostate their should not be any PSA. Prostate cancer cells produce more PSA then normal prostate cells. If the cancer is not confined to the prostate or the post path report indicates positive margins indicating the cancer has bulged outside of the prostate capsule and some cells have escaped over time after the removal of the prostate the PSA will be detectable from these cells. One reason that I along with many others chose surgery over radiation is because if this had occurred I would have had the option of using radiation as the secondary treatment. If radiation is chosen as the primary treatment in general it precludes any followup surgery due to the damage to the tissues around the prostate.

Tamu

Thanks Johnny Canuck I guess its too late now because I called yesterday and told them about my situation and they said that I have to be clean of cancer for at least 3 years before they issue a policy and that I should call them back then. Update on my research. With all the I got from this site and the internet, I’m leaning towards the Robatic surgery (haven’t decided for sure yet). My thinking is that if they can remove all the cancer and be cancer free, I can live with the inconsistent and Mr. Willy thing. At least I will have the peace of mind that there is no more cancer in me. Hopefully the side effects will be minimal. Also if the prostate is still there after undergoing other methods to remove the cancer, I will always have a fear that this monster will re appear. My first goal is to be cancer free and the other stuff (side effects) is secondary. I want to see my grand children and probably their children grow up.   As someone mentioned, the prostate failed me once, who’s to say it wouldn’t fail me again.   I’m not new to surgery. I’ve had three herniated disc operation (Cervical Spine – 1/1991, 4/1991 and 11/2005). I have an appointment 4/2/08 with Dr. Randy Fagin from Austin. I understood he has performed the most daVanci operation in Texas and # 8 in the country. The only problem is, I have to travel about 3.5 hours to Austin and after the surgery I might have to stay there till they take out the catheter. Lets see what the Dr advices me. Have anyone here have their surgery done by Dr Fagin? Would love some informatioin. Thanks again to everyone for their support. I’ve come a long way since last Friday. KrisP

Krisp,

I just found this site today, so I haven't much experience with the forum or the protocol. Since I had prostate surgery just 3 months ago, I'm also something of a noob when it comes to post-surgery issues. However, I'm already pretty well-versed in struggling with PC and the inevitable "collateral damage." But that's not why I'm writing.

I just wanted to say this: be as informed as you can be, make the best choices you can, and get Zen about what lies ahead of you as quickly as possible. When I was diagnosed, I visited three highly-recommended doctors here in Austin: a Robotics surgeon, a conventional surgeon, and an oncologist (to get some impartial perspective). I went with the Robotics surgeon (Dr. Randy Fagin) not only because his success rate was superior to the conventional surgeon, but because he exuded confidence. His colleague related so many negative stories and seemed so cynical that--in spite of a stellar recommendation--he undermined my confidence in him completely. I'm a firm believer in the mind-body connection, and I had to be able to relax and trust the man who was about to pluck out a small but important part of me.

I'm grateful to be alive, in spite of the shields and the ED. Before surgery, wife and I enjoyed a vigorous sex life (4-5 times a week on average) for the 14 years we've been together. We both miss that remarkable connection. But being alive and investigating other options together is WAY superior to the alternative.

Best of luck to you, Krisp. This seems like the kinda place where guys like us can relax and learn how to make the most of what we have to work with.

Silkflour

Update: Just got back from talking to one surgeon who does the robatic surgery and he recommended that surgery is my best option but he suggested also that I explore all the other options. He said that in my case as to his opinion, I have a 90% chance of being cancer free as to 80% chance with the other two options. He also ordered a bone scan since I’m having pain in my lower hip for the past two to three years. He said they will not find any cancer there but he just wants to ease my mind as I asked why the my urologist did not ordered one. He has done 200 robatic surgery and have assisted in another 150. He said I should have right nerve sparing and left partial nerve sparing. He also said that I have months to decide which option I perfer.