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My diagnosis I have prostate cancer

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Posted 4/28/2010 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Annual physical had PSA 3.5 doctor probe discovered a hard lump. Went to urologist had a biopsy done. I had a meeting with him Monday this week. 3 out of 12 cancer gleason scale 3+3 2 of the sample were 65% cancer the other was 10%. Doctor is sending me for a cat scan and a bone scan. Wants to meet with the wife and I to discuss results.
My dad died of prostrate cancer that ended up in his bones. Brother died 5 years ago of pancreatic cancer.
Doctor was talking micro surgery on Monday. He talked down the other options. I did some research and found his speciality is micro surgery. I think I'll get a second opinion after the wife and I meet with him.
This was supposed to be a fun week. I turn 68 on Thursday.

Younger brother had a Urethroplasty done a few years ago
Posted 4/28/2010 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
GER, unfotunate you have to be here, but welcome. Second opinion is a good idea. Take some time. Learn as much as you can. See some good doc's. You can get a lot of advice here. BB
Posted 4/28/2010 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the site - sorry you have to be here. Most Urologist lean toward surgery. If you are otherwise healthy, it is a sure way of getting rid of the PC forever. You have a relatively low PSA and gleason. At any rate, you are wise to get second opinions and do a lot of research so that you know what you are getting into. Keep us posted on your decisions and progress.
Posted 4/28/2010 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Ger,
Sorry to hear about the results, but glad they found it given the history in your family. Yes indeed, go get that second or third opinion and arm yourself with knowledge. Keep us posted.
Michael
Posted 4/28/2010 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
GER,

Welcome to HW Prostate Cancer. Sorry you needed to find us, but glad you did. You will find a lot of good knowledge, comfort and support here.

The good news, is that you are diagnosed as a Gleason 6 at this point, though a couple of your cores are pretty rich in cancer, as in the percentage found. In any event, you should at least get a good second opinion from a radiation oncologist, outside of your urologist. Then you can view all your options. Sorry about your father and brother, so cancer seems to run strong on that side.

The other good news, is you should not feel pressured to make a quick or rash treatment decision. This is the time to research, ask questions, get opinions, etc.

Please keep us well posted, and remember, no such thing as a stupid or dumb question, so always feel free to ask whatever you wish. Also, if you need to vent some anger or even fear, you can do that here with immunity. We all have at times, and it helps to know that others have been through whatever you are thinking or feeling.

David in SC
Posted 4/28/2010 1:55 AM (GMT 0)

Ger

Welcome. Please slow down; I don't know what micro surgery is; your doctor may be referring to robotic surgery. Micro surgery doesn't exist when dealing with prostate cancer. It's either radical open or robotic and both are major surgeries.

A Ct and Bone scan will do you absolutely no good except waste your money. If you had a psa of over 20 it would be appropriate. If your doctor did feel a lump or nodule then the best thing for you would be to get an MRIS or a color doppler ultrasound rather than a bone or Ct scan. These will tell you if the nodule has penetrated the capsule. You need to know this because if it has, then surgery will not cure you.

Before you decide on anything get a few 2nd opinion from different doctors specializing in surgery, radiation and oncology. Read "Primer on Prostate Cancer" by Dr Stephen Strum and Dr Patrick Walsh's book.

With a Gleason 6 you have plenty of time to make a decision, many months if not years as a G6 is seldom fatal. You have to understand the exact status of your individual cancer; then bone up on the side affects of each treatment option as the cure rates are similar. Ask as many questions as you can and if there is anything you don't understand post it here and you will get lot's of help.

JohnT

Posted 4/28/2010 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to our group

What were your prior PSA results in years past ? That could be an indicator as to how fast or slow things are progressing. Did you have any earlier samples taken ?

Did your Dr mean Robotic Surgery ? Remember your Dr can only push the procedure he knows how to do, there are other options, and that means different Dr's

Read on, in no time you will be in a better place to make the decision that is right for you
Posted 4/28/2010 2:10 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome Ger42,

It is wise to bring your wife with you to your office visits.  She will be an invaluable resource for you in the upcoming months.  Four ears are much better than two at this stage.

I wish you all the best in your journey.  There are many good days ahead for you. 

Have a Happy Birthday, be sure to have some fun!

Dan

Posted 4/28/2010 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Ger,
Sorry to hear about your cancer. I'm also 68 and my father died with prostate cancer but not from it.
Don't panic, your Gleason is not too bad so you have time to get second and third opinions and consider all your options. I know the word cancer is scary but it is not the end of the world. Good luck.
Posted 4/28/2010 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Ger,
Welcome to the club. I know things seem dark now but 10 years and 1 day from now you will be blowing out the candles on a cake with a 7and an 8 on it.
Don't panic. You have just been given the gift of information and forewarning. That makes all the difference. You'll see.
Jeff
Posted 4/28/2010 7:26 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome

Sorry you have to be here

The responses you have already had show how helpful it can be to come here, so I have not got much more to add.

Take you time. This is a type of cancer that gives you more time to work out what to do that other cancers permit.
Make sure you know exactly what you have been told. (That's when the partner's ears help, and take notes and get printed copies of the details of results etc.

And ssk the supplementary questions so, if the doc says "you need a scan"
ask "what sort of scan?" and "Why?" and "what will show up on this scan?" and "what will NOT show up?" etc

Alfred
Posted 4/28/2010 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
Germ 42,welcome we are here to help you;many people ask for adviced and they end up doing what ever they think is wright.John t gave you the best advice you will ever need.

Posted 4/28/2010 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
Ger42 your doctor seems to be in a bit of a rush when was your biopsy done most doctors recommend at least 4 to 6 week between biopsy and operation find out how many operations he as done and if not happy go to another doctor
Posted 4/28/2010 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Ger42 - sorry to hear about your diagnosis. JohnT gave you good advice. One thing I would add is to get your biopsy slides re-read by a pathologist who is an expert in prostate pathology. (The Gleason score is important, so you want to make sure you have it right -- and yet many paothologists don't get it right). Your urologist can help facilitate this. You want to get the slides sent to someone like Oppenheimer (prostatelab.com), or Helmut Bonkoff ([email protected]), or David Bostwick (https://www.bostwicklaboratories.com/global/default.aspx). I would do this before making any treatment decisions.
Posted 4/28/2010 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW. The others have taken you well in hand, so I don't have anything to add except to say we are here for anything you may need..
Posted 4/29/2010 1:53 AM (GMT 0)

medved said...
Ger42 - sorry to hear about your diagnosis. JohnT gave you good advice. One thing I would add is to get your biopsy slides re-read by a pathologist who is an expert in prostate pathology. (The Gleason score is important, so you want to make sure you have it right -- and yet many paothologists don't get it right). Your urologist can help facilitate this. You want to get the slides sent to someone like Oppenheimer (prostatelab.com), or Helmut Bonkoff ([email protected]), or David Bostwick (https://www.bostwicklaboratories.com/global/default.aspx). I would do this before making any treatment decisions.

Reading was done by Bostwick laboratories
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