Stressed in the Midwest

My "journey" as it is called here begins tomorrow. I have been a year plus lurker here and appreciate all the information I have absorbed. I began lurking here in Oct of 2010 after psa at GP tested 5.7 and was referred to a Uro. I did not care for the first Dr and made an appointment with another and we seemed to click. New Uro recommended a biopsy and during the DRE and he had no comments other than slightly enlarged prostate. I requested (do to having sex the night before the first psa) and received another psa test and he scheduled the biopsy.  I received the results from the second psa test and it came in at 4.1 and I called and cancelled the biopsy. Uro objected but I thought 4.1 was in the ball park for a 58 year old and was not looking forward the biopsy. I felt from my research the elevated psa was from not knowing I should have abstained prior to the test.

Next psa in Oct 10, went to 7.6 and back to the Uro. Biopsy scheduled for Dec 20th and again only DRE comment was enlarged prostate. I watched the entire biopsy and needle being fired to obtain the 12 samples. Uro comment after biopsy was see you in 6 months, I see nothing from the ultrasound that concerns me other than prostate enlargement.

I didn't think much more about and enjoyed the holidays and then the call came. The Dr would like for you to come and see him your biopsy results were positive. That appointment is tomorrow 1/7 and my stress level has maxed out for the last week and sleep is hard to come by.

I am fortunate to have a loving, supportive wife by my side and always with me at my appointments. We both have read and re-read Surviving Prostate Cancer and Robert Marckini's You Can Beat Prostate Cancer and during the past year we have not missed many web sites concerning PcA.

I have 3 pages of questions to ask tomorrow and hope for the best although the worst keeps me tired and sleepless.

Thanks for reading.

Welcome Triplex,

Sorry that you have to join this club. You are so welcome to come here anytime and ask questions.

One thing people forget to ask for at the first appointment is a copy of the biopsy report. It would be a good idea to start a file with copies of any reports you can get from now on relating to your prostate cancer.

Another suggestion would be to request the doctor to send your slides to a pathologistwho specialises in prostate cancer. A non-specialist pathologist has hundreds of diseases they look at and reading the pathology of the prostate is an art. Insist on having your slides re-read by Bostwick or Epstein. Many of us have had their biopsy results change significantly after being re-read.

I know this is not an easy time for you. My husband and I were in your shoes in June last year. One thing that helped us tremdously was taking charge of our own knowledge of this illness - two books I can suggest are "The guide for surviving prostate cancer" by Dr Walsh and "The primer on prostate cancer" by Stephan Strum.

All the best,
An

Triplex, another web site definitely worth a look, certainly helped me, when I was first diagnosed..................Cheers Kev



http://www.yananow.org/

Triplex,

Most of us have been there, done that. Sounds like you are approaching it rationally. Unfortunately, the unknown usually causes anxiety in us. Can't be avoided.

How we respond tho, can be helped, or at least controlled. There is a phrase that surfaces frequently on here. "It is what it is." That is a fact. No amount of worry, fretting, crying, whatever will change those facts. The more you can convince yourself of that fact, the easier it will be for you to approach the problem calmly and rationally.

While you can't change what it is, you can definitely have an impact on
what it will be. You are already off to a good start. Written questions, reading books, getting on the Internet. There was a good suggestion to stat a file, and get all PSA results, lab tests, and pathology in writing. Multiple opinions are a requirement. Don't rush into anything, and be sure you understand all the treatment options and the immediate and long term side effects.

Welcome to Healing Well. This is not a death sentence. You will have many years of good life, even if it tuns out to be an aggressive case. I would recommend you learn how to enjoy life in maybe a different way. Watch the sunsets, smell the roses twice, be sure you tell those you love that you love them often.

i wish you well on your visit with the doctor. Be sure and question him, he is a doctor, not a deity. You are in charge of your future.

Zufus has a good point on the recorder. My doctors have had no problem with them (just be sure you ask).

When I listened to the conversation later, I realized there was a terrible gap between what he said and what I heard.

Triplex,

You'll probably be home from the doc by the time you read this comment, but I want to second the suggestion that you either take notes, take a tape recorder, or take a spouse with you to the visit.

My wife has accompanied me into the exam room many times, and esp. for the biopsy results and the pre-surgery meeting.  She's an R.N. and seems to hear "everything," whereas I tended to be so preoccupied with the word "cancer," that my hearing was much more selective.  And I consider myself a good listener, having worked as a public information officer for 30 years where I frequently would be briefed on a complex series of events, get the facts straight, and be able to discuss everything accurately with media later.

Good luck to you, and please let us know how things went.  You're among friends here.  We've all been there.

Triplex
The afore mentioned posts reflect the goodness of mankind. We are all brothers in the fight against pc, and we wish for you and your family the very best life has to offer. keep us posted on your progress and always remember it does get better.
TTaylor

Triplex,

Good luck today. Let us know how it goes!

Triplex. Those are not bad numbers. I am impressed that you Dr did not push for surgery. You are doing the right thing to process and plan you stratagy. Do keep us posted.

Cajun Jeff

Triplex

Welcome to the forum. Your numbers are very similar to what mine were at the time of my biopsy. I had the biopsy in late April 2009 and surgery in early July. I took some time to pray, collect my thoughts, and discuss treatment options. My uro, like yours, had recommendations but encouraged me to explore all treatment options available and make an informed decision. Because the cancer was caught early and did not appear to be overly aggressive, I was able to squeeze in a trout fishing trip and some vacation time with my wife. You mentioned that she is supportive; lean on her, my wife is my best friend. I would not be as far along as I am without her. This forum is full of people who are going through the same thing you are, lean on them too. I wish I would have found this forum earlier. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

Lynn

Triplex,

Your Gleason 6 means you have plenty of time to look at all treatment options. Do a lot of research and spend some more time on this site. Lots of good information and support here. I'm an example of someone who ended up choosing a different treatment option after doing my "homework" and reading the accounts of members here on HW.

Regards,

Joe

Best of wishes to you Triplex! and If you are in the Tulsa area I can give you several recomendations of who to see or NOT see.