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44 yr old diagnosed yesterday

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Posted 7/2/2011 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi...

Yesterday I got the results of my biopsy:

3+3 in 1 of 12 samples

PSA at time was 3.84

DRE normal

Prostate normal size at 23 grams

I have an appointment with Urologist on Tuesday to discuss results and was hoping some of y'all could give me some advice based on this information.

I have been having some groin pain, similar to hernia, and am worried it has spread??

If anyone has any thoughts/advice I would greatly appreciate your input...

Thanks!

Gerald

 

Posted 7/2/2011 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
Gerald -- sorry you have to be here buddy.  your numbers are excellent which means it's very very highly unlikely the cancer has spread and very very likely you will make a full recovery.  try not to worry too much and hang around cool .

ed

 

Posted 7/2/2011 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Gerald,

I was 42 when I was dx.  I had G6 as well.  My PSA was 2.76.  The first thing you need to do is have your biopsy slides sent to either Johns Hopkins or Bostwick Labs for a second opinion.  Reading cancer slides is an art.  You need to get at least 2 people to read them.  The second thing you need to understand is that G6 prostate cancer is the least aggressive type of prostate cancer there is.  As in it won't kill you for at least 25 years, if it even does.  You also need to understand that you never really know what your Gleason score is until your prostate is taken out and fully examined.  A biopsy only tells you what they found, not the full extent of it.  You are off to a very good start with only 1 core and it is G6.  If you decide to have your prostate taken out and you stay G6 organ confined.  Johns Hopkins says that 99.6% of their patients are cured.  They used the word "cured." 

This is a very emotional thing to deal with.  Get a second opinion on your slides and then meet with your Uro.  They will probably recommend surgery because of you young age. 

Dx @ 42 years old on 4/2008 PSA 2.76
1st PSA ever @ 38 years old 2.4
Gleason 6 (50 Point Biopsy) (6 Cores positive - Small Focus Each)
open RP 10/08  Johns Hopkins  Dr. Partin
pT2 Organ Confined Gleason 6 (tertiary score 0)
1/15/2009 (3 Month) <.1
10/15/2009 (1 Year) <.1
10/15/2010 (2 Year) <0.03

Posted 7/2/2011 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gerald,

I am about a month ahead of you, with almost identical numbers,except my prostate is huge at 90+cc and at 54, I'm 10 years older. I am overwhelmed right now and imagine you're feeling the same. I'm in the process of meeting with doctors and attempting to decide what treatment to persue. All I can tell you is that there are many ups and downs and hanging in is tough, but required. The guys on this site are a great help and will give you valuable advice. Try and stay calm (easier said then done) and listen to what they have to say. I wish you the best of luck in beating this thing.
Posted 7/2/2011 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Guys!

It really helps to have a place like this to share with others going thru the same thing. It's really hard right now, all I can think about is my two kids and my wife. I'm grateful that it was found early, but still can't help thinking about the ramifications. Thanks for your support, it's amazing to know complete strangers are willing to help others thru difficult times!
Posted 7/2/2011 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi--I'm 3 weeks out from my da Vinci and I had a G3/3 with one core positive and an 85gr prostae and a PSA of 4.5 which on post had 2 more sites of adenoCA----listen you must get a 2ed set of eyes on that Bx and Hopkins is the place..I went to the Uni of Virginia and was very pleased with the result--I have good and improving bladder control--can't say much about the ED yet --and had one set back where I just found out Thurs I had a hematoma where they took out the prostate but I really think I went back to work too soon[2weeks post-op and I was feeling good] and some bleeders opened up--if you have the procedure stay home for 3-4 weeks--take a deep breath and know you're ahead of the curve on this and you can deal with it on your terms and not the cancer's--I'm new to this site but these guys are the best
Posted 7/2/2011 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Gerald,

Another Welcome to HW. We would just as soon you didn't need to be here, but ...

Have a look at www.yananow.org – it is a good information site, and has a question-format list of things you may want to discuss with the uro. Use the "panic button" on the front page.

 

Also, check our list of contributions that one of our members (English Alf) consolidated and posted: 

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1717641

It is, as titled, a really useful list.

And, if you have one, or can borrow one, take a small tape recorder to all medical conversations, and ask the doc if you can record the session. I was amazed at how much I didn't understand, and more that I really didn't hear at all when I went back to listen to it again. I was in as much shock as you, and it plays with your mind.You will think that a notepad and pen will be useful, but it won't be as much help when you just don't know what to write.

And last, yes, you will blame every ache and pain on PCa. Probably won't be the case with your numbers, but talk to the doc about anything and everything that you have questions about. They don't answer the ones you don't ask.

 

Posted 7/2/2011 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Gerald,

Welcome to HW Prostate Cancer. As the others have said, sorry you need to join our merry little band. With the stats you listed, its highly unlikely that there is any spread at this time, or anytime in the near future. With your stats, you should evaluate all your treatment choices, including regular radiation, seed radiation, open, and robotic surgery. Your uro may feel that you could even safely choose to do AS at first. Getting a second opinion on the biopsy slide is probably a good idea too.

Now is the time to come to terms with the fact that your have prostate cancer, even if it is minimal at this point in time. It's a good time to educate yourself the best you can.

Ask all the questions you want, no such thing as a dumb question.

A good book to get you started, is Dr. Walsh's book "Surviving Prostate Cancer", its a good primer to get your started.

Please stick with us, the support level here is high, and there are men experienced with any phase of treatment you choose to do.

Good luck to you.

David in SC
Posted 7/2/2011 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
An Unfortunate Welcome Gerald - but you have come to the right place. You will find that the guys here are a tremendous sounding board and have great advice. As Purgatory said - there is no such thing as a stupid question of concern, so feel free to check in often and ask away.

As every one has said - don't panic. With the numbers you've provided, you have caught this very early and the likelihood that it has spread is nearly zero. Once you consult with your urologist, you will have a multiple choices of how to fight this disease. Take your time and evaluate each option and weigh the benefits and draw backs Determine what will work best for you.

I was 45 when I was diagnosed - I have a brother that was 38 when he was diagnosed and a good friend that was also 46. We are all doing great and were all over the chart on how advanced and aggressive the cancer was. Hopefully as you read people's experiences here, it will provide you with a sense of understanding of the challenges ahead.

God Speed - if there is anything that I can do to help or answer any questions - drop me a line.

Mark
Posted 7/2/2011 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
Tiga,
Welcome. I too was 44 when I got my news. That was almost five years ago and I am doing well even though I had some bad disease characteristics. Your biopsy indicates a good prognosis for you. Make sure you take your time and understand the options. There are many available they all have varying side effects. Most men, especially us younger guys (I ain't 50 yet), heal well over time. The best thing to do is educate yourself about this disease

Again welcome. This is a good size group so ask anything as you learn about this disease. I found first hand experiences to be an awesome help and I think you will too.

Tony
Posted 7/2/2011 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
"Winning the Battle Against Prostate Cancer" by Gerald Chodak, MD.

A good up to date, unbiased book that lays out what you are dealing with and what your treatment choices are..

Another book, Dr. Patrick Walsh's "Guide to surviving Prostate Cancer" is more detailed and written by a leading surgeon so it is a little slanted towards surgery..
Posted 7/2/2011 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
Tiga, welcome.

I too had groin/testicular pain and my hernia was only diagnosed 4 days before my DaVinci procedure. I know of at least one other patient with the identical problem. Fortunately, as soon as my uro was done yanking out my prostate, the second surgeon rolled in his own laporascopic tools, and, using the same incision points, repaired a 2.5" iguinal hernia. It certainly beat 2 different operations, and I understand there is much more pain involved in a hernia repair than in a RaRP.

Of course, a UTI could be involved, but don't be shy about asking your uro to consider any and all possibilities.

Also know that the overwhelming odds suggest that aside from some hopefully minor issues, you will be just fine.

Dave
Posted 7/2/2011 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
Tiga: Man now is the time for education. Find out as much as you can about options, side effects, and recovery. You numbers are good and you have many options. Do keep us posted and as others have said do not hesitate to ask questions. You can post them here on HW and get lots of answers or shoot private e-mails to many of the guys.. Most of us have open e-mail addresses in our profile.

Do keep us posted.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 7/2/2011 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome
Sorry you have to be here.
Did the groin pain start after the biopsy, or has it been around for a while? I remember having allsorts of unwelcome aches for a few weeks after the biopsy.

Gleason 6 and one positive core is at the good end of the spectrum of where you can find yourself with this cancer, so you definitely have no need to rush into any decisions.

Alf
Posted 7/2/2011 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Tiga, welcome, as everyone says, you have a completely open field of choices to make, so take your time and do the thing that feels best for you. The biggest part of this thing is mental, so make sure your mental is ok. turn
Posted 7/2/2011 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Gerald, I am so sorry you have to be here.  As you have read, there is a huge amount of support available to you, and many younger men who have gone through what you are right now.  Your numbers do indicate an exceptional degree of complete recovery.   Research and gaining knowledge is the bridge that will take you through this.

Please also know that there are several ladies who post on this forum.  We understand your wife's feelings of anxiety and fear.  If there are any questions you or your wife would like to ask, we are also here to help you!

Wishing you the best on this journey.

Aimzee

Posted 7/2/2011 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Glad you found this awesome support group. You will find that we all care about your well being. I too would agree with the others, even though I hate the fact you have cancer I do believe you will have a great outcome. Take your time and do your due diligence however in my opinion we can over think these things. I was 45 with advance prostate cancer and I am alive and well 4 years later.
We are all here for you, if you would like please email me directly and we can chat.

peace to you
Dale
Posted 7/3/2011 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Gerald;sorry you have to be hear but Welcome!
Your number look good as others have said. Take a deep breath,relax and study.You are always welcome here to ask questions or to even just vent! We all whine here at one time or another. Keep us in the loop!
Posted 7/3/2011 10:13 PM (GMT 0)

Gerald welcome and you are not alone we are here to be with you every step of the way.you can ask eny question,shere with us your feeling we are in this together.

The only favor I personaly would like to see,is the people do not forget the beginig ot their jurney and to help the future people that will come here. yeah

Posted 7/3/2011 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
Gerald,

I doubt very much that your prostate cancer has spread, and the fact that your PCa is in only one core, and the PSA is below 4, are both very good signs.

In my own case I had a PSA test when I was about your age and it was 3.5 or so. I had a re-test it and it was 2.9 so the doctors said I had nothing to worry about. Looking back I suspect that I had prostate cancer way back then but it took a lot of time to spread to its conditions when I was diagnosed in 2009. Point is, your numbers augur well for full cure with treatment.

Sancarlos
Posted 7/4/2011 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
sorry that you're here Gerald - the good news is you got it early!

the bad news is that you have a diagnosis that you must deal with.

Take your time, as your PCa is very early, and I doubt life threatening given your current stats. Do a lot of research and figure out what treatment options are right for you.

chin up,

Brian
Posted 7/7/2011 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to thank everyone for your words of encouragement! I find myself coming back to this forum whenever I'm having a difficult time and reading all the posts helps me get back on track.

As all of you have experienced, I'm going thru all kinds of emotions right now and it really helps to know I'm not alone! I can't stress the importance of having a forum like this even though I'm only week old newbie! Hopefully I'll be able to share information and help someone in the future as you have done for me!

Gerald

 

Posted 7/7/2011 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Gerald, just a little info on my situation to help give you a little encouragement. Nearly two years ago I had a checkup after a long stretch of not seeing a doctor. A PSA test was part of tests that were run and it came back at 5.19. I had some major heart issues that showed up on a stress test so quadruple bypass surgery was done in late August of 2009. The surgery went very well. In October of 2009, I was ready to see a urologist to investigate the PSA issue. My urologist did a DRE and didn't like a lump he felt and with the PSA being what it was, a biopsy followed soon after. The ultrasound showed my prostate was just under 200 grams and 1 of 12 cores positive on the biopsy report. After a second consultation, I was pretty much inclined to go with surgery because of cancer being found plus having the substantial enlargement condition. I had a problem with a catheter after the heart surgery and now learning about the prostate enlargement that I had, I figured it was just a matter of time before I needed some sort of treatment for the enlargement problem. Surgery seemed like the logical way to go for me because of the two problems. I had the robotic surgery in January 2010 and again, all went very well. So far I have four 0.00 PSA tests in the year after surgery and am due for another one soon. I'm not officially cured but definitely off to a good start. The road you are starting to travel isn't easy but definitely learn all you can to make the best decisions for your situation. Hang in there, you will do OK.
Posted 7/7/2011 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Inspector 13!

When I hear stories of guys like yourself and what you've overcome it gives me strength. I really feel for those of you who've had a much worse diagnosis than mine and have persevered thru it all! You are remarkable people for helping total strangers!

 

Posted 7/7/2011 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
Put your numbers in the respectable MSK nomogram and you'll see the likelyhood of your cancer had spread is very very low.
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