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Posted 7/23/2014 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Guys!

I am so glad I found this site. I have had some quick Prostate changes in a short amount of time that has scared the heck out of me. I just got my biopsy results and Gleason score yesterday. So now I struggle with the "best" solution. My two considerations are Proton Therapy at UF in Jacksonville FL, or the DaVinci surgery.

Your comments and recommendations are most welcome.
Posted 7/23/2014 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hello SagoMan,

Welcome to the forum. It sucks that you need to be here but I'm glad you found us.

It sounds like you will probably want to seek treatment for your cancer but you have time to figure out what you want to do. Much of the damage that prostate cancer does to men's lives is caused by their running off in all directions and making bad decisions about treatment. Slow down. Calm down. Ask a lot of questions of your doctors and of us. That's why you pay the doctor the big bucks and that's why we are here.

The two "considerations" you mentioned are good ones. But they are not the only ones available to you. You really ought to consider a few more options before you start to zero in on a plan. We have different fan clubs for the various treatment options. You mentioned DaVinci robot surgery. That's what I did. But you really should consider other things like brachytherapy or some of the other newfangled kinds of radiation besides just protons. Although the proton guys have been complaining about feeling kind of all alone lately and if you decide to go that way they will appreciate the addition to their ranks.

We have a "sticky" thread for newly-diagnosed guys that stays at the top of our list here. It's a good place to start. Here's a link:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=2652250
Posted 7/23/2014 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome and sorry that you have to be here. Like Peter said, you have a lot of options from bracky, to Radiation to surgery. All of those options will most likely lead to similar good outcomes although the side effects may differ. Your biopsy report gives you plenty of time for consultations with various doctors. As far as Proton, we don't have many on this forum who have been treated that way mostly because of insurance coverage and cost as well as the limited accessibility to hospitals that provide it.
Posted 7/23/2014 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Sago-

Welcome. Sorry you need to be here but glad you found us.

My stats (before treatment) were very similar to yours. PSA 9, biopsy Gleason 3+4. I was 11 years younger, if that matters.

I strongly suggest you check the links in my signature below. The info there will help you as you interview surgeons and radiation specialists, and will help you to understand the impact of treatment on your sexual function.

If you are married, don't forget about your other half. This situation is surely stressful for her too.

We're here for you. Let us know how we can help.

-Gedman
Posted 7/23/2014 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome aboard SagoMan,

Another Floridian here. If you decide on surgery, and you need to investigate all your options first, we have the most experienced doctor who does Da Vinci in the world right here. Dr. Vipul Patel works out of Celebration Health in Celebration, FL, near Disney World. He has done over 7,000 surgeries, more than anyone in the world. Celebration Health is a Florida Hospital which are great hospitals.

If you have surgery, you are going to need to find someone who has done hundreds if not thousands of surgeries. My urologist recommended Dr. Patel and I am glad he did. Florida Hospital is a great hospital and the nurses were wonderful. My wife slept overnight in my room, they have a pull out bed for that purpose.

Take your time and see what is best for you, you do not have to rush into anything yet. ALL treatment options have side effects.

Bill from Florida cool
Posted 7/24/2014 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, thanks guys!
That is why I am seeking you out. I am the type of guy who does a boatload of research and makes a decision on facts. I will take everything you say to heart. And I do hear you, slow down and look at all the options. And I do want what is best for my health and longevity. I have a younger wife and a 7 year old daughter, so I have a great support group, but lots depending on me...

I appreciate and respect all that you say. And I am sorry we are all here, and why we are here. The best to all of us!

Sago
Posted 7/24/2014 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Had surgery march 31st. If you have any questions let me know brother.
Posted 7/24/2014 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Now that you have the Panhandle part of Florida covered, we have Big Mac in West Palm area, Sonny3 on Space Coast/Orlando, 81GyGuy in Gainesville where I go to UF & Shands regularly, and me in west central Citrus County. Surely we have someone in Miami.

As Peter said, no rush with Gleason 7. Check out the sticky thread on page 1, and learn as much as you can about each treatment.

Form a team of a urologist/surgeon or two, a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist with the latter as QB since he/se has less of a vested interest in surgery vs. radiation, but you reserve the right to make the final call.

LupronJim
Posted 7/24/2014 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
SagoMan -

Another Florida guy here (Gainesville). I had IMRT at the Cancer Center at North Florida Regional Medical Center (also in Gainesville) and was very satisfied with my experience there.

All the advice so far is right on. Do all the research you can, evaluate it, and then you should be able to make the decision that's right for you.

Of course feel free to ask us any questions along the way. The experience of the members of this forum is quite extensive, and there's a very good chance that someone here will be ready to answer the questions you are likely to come up with.
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