Scheduled Surgery

Was diagnosed yesterday. Today I saw dr David Samadi, and scheduled surgery for mid December, exactly 6 weeks after the biopsy.

I know some of you will disagree, and maybe vehemently. But I don't really want to consider radiation I'm young and ther wise healthy (age 64), and I want to get it out , and as quickly as possible, considering a g8 with 70% involvement. I am going to see two other surgeons, one of them being Dr Ash Tewar,I who is in the same elite group as Samadi, because I want to be complete on my due dilligence. If there is a reason, I can always cancel what I scheduled, if one of the other doctors says something that makes me want to do so.

But I liked Samadi a lot. He seems very positive, and easy to talk to, and I know his reputation as a top guy. There was one thing I didn't like but I am going to start a separate thread, it's a different issue than the surgery itself, and I don't want to make a thread that is all over the place


Next step is to get the scans done.

You're preaching to the choir here.. I had the same mentality, the only difference is I was fairly certain I wouldn't need a salvage therapy should surgery fail. What are the chances a G8 with 70% involvement would or wouldn't need salvage radiation?

Prato, I understand Dr. Samadi is one of the best and I expect you will do very well with him. But, I've gotta be honest. Making a decision for a treatment - any treatment - the day after diagnosis without even talking with other disciplines is not due diligence. Not even close. Please don't misunderstand my intent. I'm not criticizing your decision but I do have to question your approach and your thoroughness. However, it's your decision and I wish you the best of luck.

Jim

I'm a G8 guy who also opted for surgery when I was 67 however, the volume of cancer in my case was only 15%. I had the nerve bundles removed because of the G8. continence came back after 3-4 months but ED is permanent. Can you tell us how many samples were taken in the biopsy and how many had cancer?
Good luck

Jim/tudpock, I understand what you are saying. I have thought about it, I may yet try to either see an RO, or a urologic oncologist, or both.

Your decision is the right one for you, I was the same way. I wanted it out and now. Good that you are talking to other doctors, I did the same and it solidified my treatment decision.

Good luck

Pat

Thanks TjIm...

So I should meet with
1. Other surgeons
2. Radiation Oncologists

What else? Or is that it ?

Prat:

You are not doing due diligence.

You scheduled the surgery and that is fine. You can always cancel.

You spoke with a surgeon.

Now: speak with a RO and a oncologist specializing only in PC.

DO IT!

I did, and I did choose surgery for the reasons you mentioned and a bunch of additional reasons.

By doing so, you will be more certain in your decision. You do have time.

You are a worrier, but then when results are known you move quickly. That's very good. But follow your original plan and talk to these guys

Mel

Thanks. Guys.

Mel.... Point well taken. I will.

Pratoman said...
Jim/tudpock, I understand what you are saying. I have thought about it, I may yet try to either see an RO, or a urologic oncologist, or both.

Pratoman,

You should realize that a urologic oncologists is still a surgeon....

Some urologists, called urologic oncologists, are surgeons who further specialize in treating cancer of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs.

Prato, some of us were lucky to find a urologist w/o an agenda, i.e. one that gave us an even handed view of the options. But, many times that is not the case and what men get are skewed views toward a specialty. That's why it is so important to at least get several "skewed" views from a variety of specialists before making a decision.

To specifically answer the question you asked me, I can tell you what I would do if faced with the decision today. First of all I would follow up to make sure I got the second opinion on the biopsy. That's a key piece of info. Then I would speak with specialists who do robotic surgery, LDR brachy, HDR Brachy and SBRT. (If your "5" holds up I would also speak with an oncologist who specializes in PCa -- see the appendix of
Schloz' book for a list). Yeah, that takes time and effort but I think you get my/Mel's points about doing your due diligence.

BTW, I had also scheduled surgery before speaking with other specialists. I ended up cancelling it and going with LDR Brachy. Others kept to the surgery schedule and just used the RO appointments as due diligence. The important thing is to do your homework and, as Mel also said, that includes your reading assignments. You are still in the shock and awe phase; you need to move into the studious data driven phase before finally pulling any triggers.

Good luck.

Jim

P.S. Member A Yooper collected a ton of relevant studies on our disease. If you email him he will send them to you.

Thanks T-Jim. My fear is that assuming the 3+5 holds up, or worse, is upgraded to a 4+5, I dont HQVE the time to be studious. I want treatment as soon as possible.

But I understand and it's good information, that I you. I intend to use it.
I have a very good friend who is head of administration for the Cancer Center at one of the major hospitals in NYC and spent many years at MSKCC. IM
'M going to call him today and see if I can get some names.

Prat:

Good question. You should probably assume the scans will be clean -- that is about a 99% probability.

It sounds like you might hear from Epstein yet this week, so why not set up appointments for next week.

Mel