n-line discussions are worthless and don't do anyone any good. Only the doctors know what is best for you. What do a bunch of mechanics, salesmen and accountants and teachers know about prostate cancer?
Actually, I have never heard anyone make the above statements, but early on I sensed that new posters had concerns about the information that is generated here and at other internet sites. They were freightened and wanted answers. They wanted to learn. Actually my first "name" when I signed on in July of 2006 was "Willingtolearn" I have learned a whole bunch since that time. My first post was angry, apprehensive and in retrospect, sort of stupid.
I have been clicking on here now for two years. During that time I have seen people come and go, but what I always see, almost every day is SOMEONE NEW who either has prostate cancer or is worried that they might have prostate cancer. I am still here, two years later, because I care and because this particular on-line discussion might be the best there is for prostate cancer. I admire and thank our volunteer moderators, who must respond to each and every one of those people who want to learn.
I am told that there are more than 20,000 new prostate cancer cases diagnosed every year. That means that since my diagnosis over 40,000 new cases have been diagnosed and "treated (a)" in the USA alone..A lot of them find their way here, if more of them did, we could not cope. I can't imagine...(a)treatment of course varies. edit...I think I forgot a zero in the numbers of prostate cancers a year. I guess that number is the number of deaths and the diagnosis level is more like 500,000.
So, I support on line discussions of medical problems, particularly prostate cancer.
Today I went golfing with a group of four old friends. By chance each and every one of us has been treated for prostate cancer during the past 36 months. The first had open surgery and says, he has no "serious" problems. The second had brachytherapy two and one half years ago and is doing well except some urinary blockage and minor ed problems at times. The third just finished an IGRT therapy program and is on 18 month Lupron therapy. The lupron guys know what he is going through. I had DaVinci surgery and at this time show no new PSA involvement despite a gleason 8 beginning. My gleason 8 was the highest of our group.
I am the only one who admits to using the internet for support. I am the one who the others ask questions of regarding recovery.
I certainly don't have the answers, but thanks to all of you I have more knowledge than before.