scared and confused

since posting my last post (see below) I have read a lot more throughout the day but am further confused. Lots of info suggests radical surgery, a lot seems to suggest that I could avoid treatment (wait), one or two seem to point me towards other therapies. I am a logical type of guy but cannot make much sense of the greatly differing pointers at the moment. This does not fill me with confidence ... and, if I am honest, adds to my fear.

Have this week been diagnosed with prostate cancer following 6 months of tests and treatments to rule out other possibilities.

Consecutive blood tests show a high PSA. My Gleason score was 6 (3+3). 50% of my biopsies were cancerous.

I have looked around the site a little but most comments are from older men - I am 46. Does this make a difference?

I have looked for statistics to help me but I have found that they cover all sufferers and 80% of those are over 80.

My consultant has recomended radical surgery. I have read the side effects and fear these.

I am scared and cannot focus enough on it to make a rational decision.

To make things worse, my wife lost her brother relatively recently to cancer at the age of 26 - he died within 4 months of diagnosis. I am not comparing myself to him but am pointing out the huge emotional effect that this is having on her also.

What to do? What to expect?

thanks A, much appreciated.

Mitan, the multiple possibilities that are so confusing right now are actually a blessing. Fortunately, a variety of effective options are available for treating Gleason 6, organ-contained prostate cancer. It's always better to have options, don't you agree? Surgery, seed implantation, external beam radiation....you should look at each of these and see which best suits your situation. You can have confidence in any of these approaches, and probably others as well. I would just add that if you choose surgery, find yourself the BEST surgeon available to you. This is a complicated procedure, and you want the best you can find.

We're always sorry to hear that prostate cancer has entered another man's life, but we're also hear to attest that it can be dealt with and even "cured."

Even a logical guy such as yourself can become very emotional at a time like this, but if you keep your wits about you, you'll find a way to get through this, as so many of us here at HealingWell have done. Hang in there, and by all means vent and ask questions here on this forum.

Mitan,

I truly wish I had some comforting words for you. Believe me, I know how you are feeling. I have been staring at my phone for the last 90 minutes waiting for the promised call with my first biopsy results. I am predisposed to anxiety and feel as you do - unable to make any rational decisions about anything. I have never liked roller-coasters and this emotional roller-coaster is by far the worst I have experienced as I am sure you would agree.

I have found a bit of solace in trying to determine possible courses of action should the results be positive for PCa. And as you, have found conflicting results, opinions etc. in my quest for knowledge. There are many wonderful people on this forum willing to share experiences and information - this is a great blessing in my opinion.

Like you, I fear the terrible side effects of many of the treatments but fear the possible lack of quantity of life even more. At this point I have found reading posts on this forum has helped me control my anxiety the most. While you have been dealing with this for much longer than me (3 weeks or so), I find the simple passage of time helps. Maybe it is just the deadening of the emotions or exhaustion from worry in my case. For me, I think if I can get the fear etc. under control the decisions may become easier to deal with. I look forward to your future comments so as to glean helpful hints.

I would very much like to hear how you end up resolving, in your mind, all the varying information on treatment options. I am only a few years ahead of you in life and heavily question the treatment results - both from a lack of understanding and also if they apply to my situation.

As Clocknut said above, if we can keep our wits about us, we can get through this difficult challenge. I wish you all the best in your journey.

mitan,

Welcome to HealingWell, and I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. As others have said, this is very treatable and there are several very effective ways to go at it. In fact, the number of options can be a little overwhelming.

First, understand that this is a very slow growing cancer. You're not going to die of a G6 prostate cancer in four months -- and probably not in 14 years. So take a deep breath and take some time to consider your options. You have time, so take it. A couple months won't make any difference at all in your treatment outcome.

I suggest you get two or three additional opinions. You've already talked to a surgeon. Talk to a radiation doc and a brachytherapist. Like the surgeon, they'll each have their professional biases, but that's ok. Just see them, ask good questions, take good notes -- and take time for this all to sink in. You might also want to talk with a medical oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer. He's less likely to be biased toward any particular treatment, and may give you a unique perspective.

You should also know that the cure rates are similarly good regardless of which treatment option you choose, so keep an open mind. However, you should ask about outcomes, side effects and how much experience the doc has with these procedures. Whether you choose surgery or some form of radiation, experience matters. You want somebody with lots of experience.

Finally, try not to let this make you crazy. This diagnosis is a real kick in the head, but you'll be ok. Hang in there and take your time. Do your homework. Ask any questions you have here. This is a great place for information and support. And please let us know what you decide and how you make out. We've all been there.

Best,

Jonathan