Just diagnosed last month

I want to reiterate what others have said...I thank HW for this forum and for all of the information and encouragement shared in the couple of weeks I have been reading. This is my first post and still it's been hard to really accept the diagnosis and the word cancer. With a broken heart, I have read many stories on here of very serious conditions....my condition is not as serious, and I am very thankful.

I have my initial appointment with surgeon next week....opting for Da Vinci procedure at Vandy. I would welcome any comments and thoughts about anything specific I need to ask. Not sure if my signature info will post.

PSA=3.86 Sept 2011, DRE normal
PSA=2.5 Feb 2012
Biopsy March 2012, 1/12 cores, GL=6+6

Thanks...still learning all the terminology and acronyms.

The hardest part of this whole thing for me has been coming to terms with the word, "cancer." While my doctor's have been very positive and very sure that my treatment will work, I still have had a lot of emotion around that word - anger, depressions, frustration, confusion, and often just plain numbness.

I chose to have radiation because I am not a good surgical candidate but my brother had the surgery and did just fine. Looking at your numbers I think you'll do just fine. Have you considered the radiation options? Just asking, your choice.

When you do meet with the surgeon be sure to take a written list of questions and take someone with you - it really helps to have support and another set of ears. My wife went with me and as been supportive above and beyond this whole thing.

Do report back.
Wishing you the best.
Andrew

VolJeff.......

You are right, it is amazing the knowledge one can gain from just visiting the HW forum. As others have said, glad you found us but sorry you have to be hear.

Given your only 1 of 12 with G6(3+3) - even though you didn't mention the volume in the positive core it would appear you are dealing with a low grade and low risk PCa at this stage and especially being only 52 you have the benefit of time on your side to gain all of the best knowledge you can to make your most informed treatment decision.

Your low grade, low risk may stay that way for many years or may not but so be sure to get educated as well as review active surveillance benefits with your URO.

Learn more about AS at these two very valuable websites http://urology.jhu.edu/prostate/cancer.php and also http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/adult/prostate and be sure to watch treatment options under the mulitmedia link at http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/adult/prostate/multimedia 

Wishing only the best with your new journey. Stay with us and keep us updated.

Terry

Welcome VolJeff – I was diagnosed at age 53 and have similar stats to yours. We can all relate to the emotions that you’re going through. It’s really tough news to get. But you are doing the right things: getting educated and asking others about their experience. With your Gleason 6 you know that you do not have aggressive cancer, so you have time to make the right treatment choice for you. Don’t rush – consider talking to a radiation oncologist about seeds and external beam, also ask about AS. Ask the surgeon about AS also. Ask about ED treatment plan. As someone else mentioned, when you go for your consults, be sure to have a list of questions, bring someone with you, and take notes. You might also consider recording the conversation (with the doctor’s permission) as you can’t write down everything. I wish I had done this.

I can’t stress enough that the experience of the doctor doing whatever procedure you choose is paramount in your outcome. Ask what his numbers are. If he won’t say or is evasive – find someone else. For surgery there are definitive studies that demonstrate better outcomes if your surgeon has done 250+ procedures. You also want someone who does at least 3 per week. A radical prostatectomy (open or robotic) is a very complex operation, one of the most difficult surgeries in medicine.

I wish you the best – good luck!

Hi VolJeff,

Our numbers are similar but your family history is worrisome to me. You do have time (I think) to explore every option. As you can see in my signature I am on AS. All that really means to me is that I am delaying treatment until there is evidence of progression. The studies I have read indicate there is no difference in outcome by delaying treatment, so I am buying time and hoping for the knockout pill (not really). I fully expect to be treated within the next few years when my PSA goes over 10 or some other symptom shows up. In a manner of speaking you are doing the same thing I am for the next few months until your surgery. So read everything you can, talk to your family and friends, and keep in touch with this forum. Your story may help the next guy.


Be well...

Hello VolJeff and welcome to HW.  Sorry you have to be here.

As several others have said, the smart thing for you now is for you to get educated and look at all of your options.  You MAY untimately decide that your leaning towards surgery is correct for you.  However, you would appear to be a good candidate for brachytherapy which is far less invasive, generally provides equal cure rates for men with your stats and generally has far less onerous side effects than surgery.  You should talk with an experienced brachytherapist before you make a decision.

Another book you might read is Dr. Scholz', "Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers".  This will give you a counter point to books by surgeons.

Good luck,

Tudpock (Jim)