HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Prostate cancer treatment successes

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/21/2009 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
ttrapski,

Wanted to re-answer part of your concern. The should I wait longer is the toughest part of your decision in disguise. It will purely a gamble on your part. You have been dx. with a Gleason 7 mildly agressive PC. If it were a 6, you generally have more time and more options.

You also have to realize that your PC may stay a Gleason 7 after surgery, or it may be upgraded. Based on what I learned from both my surgeon and the radiation oncologist I talked to, when you are in a Gleason 7 situation, it can cross the line and change quickly. A PC that might be contained today, in six month might be outside the capsule and you end up with the added burden of being a Stage 3 or worse guy.

Not trying to push you into anything, it is your decision and your choice. I still say you will do fine with an open surgery, it was the gold standard for decades and they have improved the techniqe over the years.

I worry a lot about any Gleason 7 guy here, my self included in the beginning of my PC travels, after my surgery, it was evident that my cancer was about to run away from me, so a delay on my end against doctor's advice would have been a foolish gamble on my part.

Think through it all, and then make your decision, and then stick to it. We are here to support you all the way through the process.

David in SC
Posted 7/21/2009 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Jacketch--Attaboy!
Posted 7/21/2009 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Jacketch
Posted 7/21/2009 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Ttrapski:

I am another who had open surgery. From my reading of these forums, my recovery was comparable to those those who had robotic. No incontinence, but ED which is to be expected with non-nerve-sparing surgery.

I am reasonably fit, not overweight, and both before and after surgery walked and walk for at least an hour each day. I could have returned to work at about 2-weeks (at least part time). Being semi-retired, I was back at "work" from home on my part-time internet job as soon as I returned from hospital.

The main problem I noticed for about a month after, was not being able to sit bolt upright -- abdominal soreness -- not a problem with a desk job where I normally slouch back anyway. And of course, following doctor's orders, no heavy lifting for that time either.

With a Gleason 7, you do have some time (a few months) to research the options and make your decision. As others have noted, we are mostly surgery guys here, so don't let us sway you. Look into the seeds, proton and any other treatment that is accessible to you. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Posted 7/24/2009 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all who have commented. As it stands , I'm booked in to see a radiologist Aug. 25 to discuss treatment options . Given my numbers I am thinking that seeds may not be a sure enough treatment , therefore I am leaning more towards open surgery. I'm sure we don't have proton therapy here since no one has mentioned it as an option. If I go ahead with surgery it will probably happen around Nov. 1.

My wife is exploring treatments out of Cuba. Has anyone heard of anything on that subject ??

T.
Posted 7/24/2009 2:46 PM (GMT 0)

I believe there are currently only 5 places in the USA offering Proton Treatment. The first and most experienced is at Loma Linda California. My father was treated for his Prostate Cancer there in 1997. He turns 77 in August. Other centers that offer Proton treatment are in Jacksonville, Florida. Central Indiana. I think one in Texas and 1 or two up in the North East Corridor.

I researched having the Proton treatments since my father did great with them but my insurance carrier denied coverage. I'm scheduled Aug. 12th for the DaVinci procedure.

Larry

Posted 7/24/2009 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Ttrapski:

Please see thread posted under "Message for ttrapski".

Good luck in your decision.  I totally stand my my recommendation of Dr. Crook for Brachytherapy

Posted 8/14/2009 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
Just a quick update to all to keep you all informed. Have an appointment in an hour with the surgeon and I will book the surgery today as it takes 6-8 weeks to get in. In the meantime I have an appointment with the top radiologist in the country (thanks Just Julie ) on Aug. 25th. I'll hear what she has to say and then make a final decision. If she is confident that radiation will do the trick then I can always cancel the surgery.

T.
Posted 8/15/2009 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
ttrapsk: I had a gelason 7 3+4 and my Dr advised open for him to be able to feel the lympth nodes. Surgery was a snap. Was offered to go home the next day. I chose to say an addition day. Then I was ready for home. Surgery was on Tuesday I was at a house party for an LSU football game with friends on Saturday. I was off of pain meds on the 3rd day. No Incontanance still batteling with ED after 10 months. Dr. seems to think the stick will be back.

This is just for info not trying to convince you either way. Take it for what it is worth. Good Luck and keep us posted we are all brothers in this trip.

Jeff T
Posted 8/17/2009 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Jeff, I'll let you know.

T.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12