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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 10/24/2009 5:50 AM (GMT 0)

Before I got prostate cancer, I was tested every year beginning at age 40, but never gave  the reality of a prostate cancer diagnosis more than a fleeting thought.

One of the problems, in my opinion, with many so-called experts on prostate cancer treatment, is that it remains merely theory without first-hand, personal experience.  

The reason that so many of us, I think, are so ferociously adamant about screening is that we know what it is to hear the words, "You have prostate cancer."  We don't look at cancer through the lens of statistical algorithms.  It has struck each one of us individually and personally, not as just another statistic.

How can someone who has not had prostate cancer understand our strong, heartfelt opinions, no matter how "expert" they are.  I consider myself lucky that my cancer was found at a very early stage. Many men are not so fortunate.  They are true heroes to me.

Tim

P.S.  Occasionally, on public prostate cancer forums like this, people post who have not had prostate cancer and they are sharing theory only.  Personal experience with prostate cancer is a whole different story.

'How can someone who is warm understand someone who is cold'

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Posted 10/24/2009 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
Tim, I agree whole heartedly with the heart of your post. I started PSA testing at age 50, just because my GP said so, and my nurse wife said it was a good idea. I don't think I had ever thought about having a prostate, let alone getting cancer in mine.

And yes, I think some of the expert professional level people that debate treatments vs. overtreatment, testing vs. over testing, etc, are just talking textbook debate.

They surely didn't have PC themselves, or have a close blood relative or friend with it, or even had a glimpse of the day to day feelings of living with the Beast.

They sure haven't visited a hospice room where a brave advanced brother has ran out of all options and is waiting to join the next world.

If they had, then they would have some compassion, empathy, and basic human understanding of our cancer.

David in SC
Posted 10/24/2009 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
I to am with you Tim. As part of my personal mission I go visit the sick and shut in and I always took special interest in people with cancer especially those dying. Once I got diagnosed it truly opened my eyes to a world I thought I understood but had no idea. I would say that most theorist mean well and have our best interest at heart or so they think, but until you hear those words "you have cancer" it is hard to wear the shoes of the person that does.
Now when I visit I see life through a different set of lenses and for once I feel like my vision is clear.

peace to you my friend
Dale
Posted 10/24/2009 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
ACTUALLY the algorithms are kn own and published b NSKCC dr Scardino's book and he lists the direct weblinks so readers can check the latest data.....just my opinion....repeat my opinion only...am astounded as you are but probably for opposite reasons...after reading the stats for anyone with DX under age 60 or maybe even 70 I wondered why anyone capable of proactive treatment including and es[ecially surgery would still in this day consider watchful waiting.


best continued wishes

mbshines
AGE 62
DX 7/08
psa HAD GONE FROM 1.7 TO 4.3 IN THREE YEARS...DIGITAL AND ULTRA SOUND EXAM SHOWED NO ENLARGEMENT.
BIOPSY SHOWED 2 OF 12 CORES POSITIVE.
TWO TUMORS SHOWED GLEASON 4+3 AND 3+4
NO INDICATION OF ESCAPE FROM CAPSULE OR METASTASIS
STARTED CONSULTATIONS AT SLOAN KETTERING 8/09
DR GUILLONNEAU SAID NO SURGERY UNLESS MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS.
AT DX 333 LBS, SLEEP APNEA, AND HIGH BP
BARIATRIC SURGERY RECOMMENDED.
LAP BAND SURGERY IN EL PASO, TX 1/23/09
10/1/09 276 LBS, TRIGLYC AND CHOL NORMAL, NO SIGNS OF SLEEP APNEA, ONE BP RX REMOVED AND OTHERS CUT DOSAGE IN HALF;

STARTED QUARTERLY ZOLODEX BY TAOS,NM UROLOGIST, WHO TRAINED AT MSKCC, INJECTIONS AND CASODEX 50MG DAILY 9/08

davinci done 10/19/09
Jackson pratt drain removed surgery plus 1 day.
Posted 10/24/2009 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
MBshine,
The answere is pretty easy, they don't want to experience the side affects from surgery or radiation.
If you look at all the stats on AS or WW they are well in the patients favor. In fact most G6 tumors never progress and the 25% that do are treated with the same cure rate as if they would have been treated immediately. The only risk is that an agressive tumor is missed on the initial biopsy and if you have a color doppler you can catch 95% of these. The real question is why would anyone with a G6 low core get treated before he knew that his cancer was progressing.
If I had this option I would have taken it immediately. The problem is that most doctors and most patients think all cancers are dangerous and have to be removed immediately. That's why most estimates are that over 1,000,000 have been over treated for something that would have never harmed them. The only thing that is going to prevent this is education.
JT
Posted 10/25/2009 12:28 AM (GMT 0)

Dear Tim G

Such a great statement

Mika

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