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Posted 6/9/2008 6:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I got the news last week that I had one biopsy core (of 12) positive with 5% cancer. Gleason 6 (3+3), with PSA 5.9. Been trying to educate myself and discovered this forum, which I've found very helpful. I'm in the Maryland/DC area, and am thinking about trying to get a consultation with one of the doctors at Hopkins. Does anyone know if Dr. Walsh still sees new patients, or have any experience (positive or negative) dealing with any of the other Hopkins doctors or how available they are? I also could go to any of the DC area hospitals for consulting or treatment, and would ask if anyone has been treated by doctors at George Washington or Georgetown or Sibley hospitals or has information about the doctors there. Still too early to know what treatment to choose, but at 54 I'm thinking that if the cancer is confined to the prostate having it removed may be a better approach than trying to kill the cancer with radiation or some other therapy.

Thanks NRC
Posted 6/9/2008 10:05 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to healing Well NRC. Sorry you have to be here, but you will find a wonderful family of folks ready and willing to fight this battle with you. I personally am from TN so I cannot give you any info about that area, I am sure however that others will jump in and offer some insight. Stay strong my friend and please know that this is just a new chapter in the book of life, and many blessings will come of this. I know that is hard to believe right now, but we have to try to find blessings amidst the chaos. Stick with us and again welcome.

peace and love
Dale
Posted 6/9/2008 11:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi NRC, and welcome to the club that nobody wants to join.

Because your cancer is not too threatening, you can take your time to decide on the treatment option that is best for you. A lot of us here have had surgery, but one of the other options may well be suitable for you and give just as good a chance of a "cure". Good luck with whatever you decide, and keep us posted.

I'm not from your area so can't comment on the doctors or hospitals, but others will be along soon who can....
Posted 6/9/2008 11:08 AM (GMT 0)

Biopsy readings are subjective: if you havn't already done so, arrange for a 2nd reading of your slides to confirm that your PC is in the tiny category suggested, and where you stand.

To view a vidio clip of an  interview with Dr Walsh, type "beta charlie rose" into Google

Click on the first reference dyou see: " The Charlie Rose Science Seruies; Stem Cell Research - Charlie Rose"

Type "Dr Patrick Walsh" in the search box at the page top

Click on the pic of Dr Walsh.

Posted 6/9/2008 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
A childhood friend of mine had his prostate surgery done by Dr. Ballentine Carter of Johns Hopkins.
Posted 6/9/2008 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
NRC,

I'm in the D.C. area also.  The appointments phone number for Johns Hopkins Urology is 410-955-6100.  They can tell you if Dr. Walsh is still seeing patients.  I have seen both Dr. Alan Partin and Dr. David Chan and thought highly of both.  Good luck.

BooMan 

Posted 6/9/2008 1:46 PM (GMT 0)

NRC,

Sorry your here but glad you came. This is most likely the best site to learn and share experiences in your situation.  I am 54 as well.  My advise to you is to take a breath and educate yourself.  There are a lot of treatment options out there.  I saw three surgeons before deciding on my plans and would have done it differently knowing what I know now. I would see at least one or two surgeons (urologists), a regular oncologist and a radiation oncologist.

No matter what treatment option you choose you need to be happy with it.  Remember the Doc you choose is an artist.  His experience is what makes the difference.  In my case I choose a Doc that had done at least 400 (700 actually).  Explore all your options even though you and or your family are leaning to "lets just get it out".  This way when you do decide you will have no treatment remorse.

All the best,

Frank

Posted 6/9/2008 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi NRC,
Welcome to this great forum that nobody wants to join. Your numbers look very good and the cancer is obviously in its early stage. Sounds like you have things well in hand. Trying to find a good professional, in whatever procedure you choose for a cure, seams like a very good place to start attacking this cancer.
All the best to you.

Magaboo
Posted 6/9/2008 4:19 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome NRC.  Thanks for your willingness to reach out and be a part of the incredible community we have here at HW.  I have no doubts you will get excellent information to help you in your journey! Please stick and around and continue to share! Best wishes for a speedy recovery and cancer free future! 

Doting

Posted 6/9/2008 10:04 PM (GMT 0)

NRC-

Considering Dr. Walsh's reputation for only taking cases for which he anticipates a positive outcome (keeps his statistics up, dontcha know), you should have no trouble getting in to see him.

Good luck.

-Les

Posted 6/10/2008 12:53 AM (GMT 0)

NRC

Welcome to HW and the best to you no matter what treatment plan you settle on.  Consider Proton therapy (radiation) if you can afford to travel.  You will find no finer group of support people than here.

yeah   tongue yeah hard

Posted 6/10/2008 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ~ NRC and Loved Ones,   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                                                                       Forum Moderators   v       IdahoSurvivor ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/1313099593_9f819e3ff8.jpg   v       TC-LasVegas ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum   v       Doting Daughter  ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum   v       James C  ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum
Posted 6/10/2008 4:32 AM (GMT 0)

Hi NRC,

Welcome to a wonderful forum.  tongue

I'm sorry for the reason you sought us out, but in my humble opinion, you've come to the right place.

The people here have helped me through some dark days of uncertainty and given me a lot of information and comfort.  I'm sure you'll find the same.

Please consider yourself as one who has always been here. 

You are early in your treatment consideration.  Only you can make the "right" decision for you.

Consider reviewing links in a post at the top of this forum.  With your diagnosis, you have some time.

Several of us are very happy with our diverse treatments.  Ask as many questions as you wish.

Again, welcome to your new group of friends.

Kind regards,

Posted 6/10/2008 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
NRC, Seems lots of folks have Welcomed you, but Welcome anyway....lol
Posted 6/10/2008 2:14 PM (GMT 0)

hi  NRC

you have to decide: I opted for robitic Live in SC had surgery in Detroit at Henry Ford, by Dr. Menon, he has done over 3000 and is one of the pioneers of Robotic. Nothing wrong with Hopkins, had good friend go there.  My bios were sent to Hopkins because local patho, could not get good reading on them, mine was contained but worse than bios showed, still have psa of 0.1,  original was 10.2

Posted 6/11/2008 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome aboard and sorry you had to get in the boat. This is a good place to be and learn. I was where you are now two years ago at age 57, what a hammer to the chest. I had the DaVinci surgery 10/2006 and for me it was the best choice. Get the cancer out of the body was my thinking.  Everything is working very nicely now no incontinence, love life came up  yeah   well enough to do the job at 10 months after surgery and is still improving. You will learn a lot in the coming months and will become very familar with this disease. Take your time and ask lots of questions then decide on the treatment for you. There should be many competent surgeons in your area if you opt for surgery.  Try to stay positive every day is a gift.
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