Newly diagnoised today

Well I think I am going to get to know you guys better. I made a thread asking if the biopsy hurt, all the answers that came back (and they came back quick, thanks) were very helpful. I will say that the 2-3 pain rating was right on. I was relieved when the Doc said "last one". Minimal bleeding while having a bowel movement but lots of blood in semen.
Now for what I consider the bad part. I do have prostate cancer. My combined score is a "7". I do not know (or can't remember if it was 3+4 or 4+3 or if this even matters, I am a bit rattled right now).
The Doc does want to do a bone scan. I can only conclude that this is a check to see if it has spread, please correct me if I am wrong and this is just SOP. Wouldn't you know it I had a bad cell phone connection when the Doc called (in fact I called him and got a call waiting signal, it was him).
There was concern in his voice (or am I just reading into this too deep?).
Please add what you can and ask what you want. I do have a question. I am long divorced, no significant other, I do have a girlfriend. My 3 sisters are the most important people in my life right now. My question is, how long do I wait to tell them these results? They know I am waiting for biopsy results. should I say, "yes I do have cancer but we do not yet have a plan and I do not know how serious it is". I do not want to alarm my sisters.
My Father (still living at 82-82) also had prostate cancer. His was way developed and the surgeon said he would be gone in 6mts. He fooled them and is still here 4 years later. Dad delayed going to the Doctor even though he had severe problems urinating. I got into the process as soon as I had the two back to back elevated PSA tests.
OK, I search for information and advice on how/when/if to tell my sisters.
Based on how everybody responded to my "does it hurt" post I will say that you guys are all great, compassionate men, I thank everyone. One thing that has bothered me. When I said to people that I am waiting for biopsy results and how the doc gave me 40% odds of cancer almost everyone responded with 'oh that is easily treated today" almost like I was getting a haircut. I do feel it is a bit more serious than a bad haircut. Thanks lots guys.

I have to say when I found out my results my wife jumped into take over mode and that was a load off my mind. She researched every avenue, chose the doctors to consult, down to the treatment route I should take. I appreciated someone doing this for me. Tell your sisters and GF.. 4 minds are better than a clouded one.. Let them help you.. They are your advocate..

4+3 isn't as favorable as 3+4.. But either way you will have time to make an educated decision.

Best to you..

Hi PCC...

Sorry to hear your biopsy was positive for PCa. The good news, or at least the less bad news -- is that your biopsy shows you are Gleason 7, which should put you in intermediate risk territory. Though it is hard for any of us to know quite where you stand without a bit more information. So ask you doctor for a copy of your biopsy report. It will tell you how many biopsy cores were taken, where they were taken, the number of cores that showed PCa, and the percentage of cancer present and Gleason score of each positive core. It will also tell you if PCa was found in one lobe only, or in both lobes of your prostate. If you post a summary here after you get the report, we should be able to help you interpret it and maybe guide you a bit with what to ask your doctor(s).

I wouldn't be concerned about your doctor's request that you have a bone scan. Some doctors do them as a baseline -- but it is pretty unlikely at this point that it will show anything unless you have other risk factors you haven't yet mentioned. At the time of my original diagnosis I met with both my uro and a medical oncologist and neither doc suggested one, but I know others on this forum had them early on.

What else can you tell us? -- your age, your PSA history before diagnosis, was anything felt on DRE?

As for girlfriend and sisters ... You'll have to tell them sooner or later -- your GF especially --but you'll have to make the call when. In my own case, I was well into my second marriage when I was diagnosed and was really glad to have my wife in my corner and brought her with me to all of the key medical meetings both at the time of my diagnosis and some years later when I needed salvage radiation. It really helps to have an extra set of eyes and ears -- and someone to take notes -- so you can later compare and discuss what you heard, or rightly or wrongly thought you heard. Depending on how close you are with your GF -- or maybe one of your sisters -- and how level-headed the GF or sister in question is under stress, you might recruit one or the other to come to some of your pre-treatment decision medical consultations.

Jim

That's a kick in the teeth, isn't it?

You likely in more than a bit of shock right now. Deal with that, let your brain and emotions work through it.

The bone scan - likely unneeded and done as a matter of routine. In your case it's unlikely to show anything other than the fact that you have bones.

The good news is that you have a very treatable case. G7 is an intermediate cancer and you'll have lots of options for knocking it out. There is surgery, a few kinds of radiation and HT as a back just in case. With that tool kit, you'll be fine. Eventually. It won't be fun to go through, there will be side effects you won't like and parts of it hurt - physically and emotionally.

The bad news is that you're going to drive yourself nuts trying to figure out what to do, as most modes of treatment will likely do about the same thing with variations in SEs.

So now you need to start getting your second opinions, start talking to doctors - a surgeon and RO at the least and then you can make an informed decision on what to do.

So what to tell your sisters? How about, "It's cancer, likely treatable, still need to get the full report, and now I have to see the doctors to make a treatment plan." The fact that your father is still living should be some assurance to them that you'll be fine in the long run.

and are you sure the doctor wasn't just concerned about the cell phone connection? ;)

Hang in there, and keep us updated on your progress.
Andrew

PCCstudent,
Sorry to hear about your results. Will chime in w/ the others that to be informed you need your biopsy report so you have all your numbers and your PSA number. Right now really as far as your sister and girlfriend are concerned all you can tell them is "I have cancer". With that statement comes many questions which right now with what info you have shared cannot be easily answered. I had researched everything here one the boards and online before Bob's biopsy, so as soon as he said cancer and I saw the report I basically knew where we stood. As others have stated there's a difference between a 3+4=7 and a 4+3=7, also to know where you stand you need to know how many cores he took, how many positive and what percentage of each core showed cancer. Everyone here will be able to help you and answer a lot of questions. Also do a lot of research and get the book Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer. This book is suggested here a lot and will answer a lot of questions and will also help you in coming up w/ questions to ask your doctor about your options. We are two days away from the DaVinci surgery which was the right decision for us. There are many options open to you and you have time to research and find what's best for you. You will have dark days, you will have scared days, you will have mad days, it is a complete roller coaster ride, get a good support system, you will need it. I rely on the wonderful folks here a lot and they have been a great help to me. I am hoping for the best for you. Miki

The one thing all of us guys understand here is how you feel right now.
Kind of like a getting the wind knocked out of you once you are told "You have cancer!"

I told my sisters the evening I was diagnosed because bother of them had Breast cancer and I knew they would understand. Ironically they both told me "Get it out"!

As far as the comments about PCa being an easy cancer to treat, most of us here hate the comment, "Oh at least you have the good cancer".

What is so good about having any cancer? I was incontinent for 22 months and had to have another surgery to fix that. And I can't have sex anymore like I did before I got the "good cancer".

I guess people without cancer are trying to minimalize the hurt we feel but it is like someone telling you"it will be alright" after you hit your finger with a hammer.

Bill from Florida

So much has been told to you already above, I can only say, welcome aboard, we are here for you, and will be there for you, every step of your PC journey, you can count on that.

PeterDisAbelard. said...
PCCStudent,

Have you told us your PSA score? Bone scans rarely show anything in men with single-digit PSA scores.

8.9 : www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=3243498

yup, unlikely to show anything other than bone.

Hi PCCstudent,
Thank you for mentioning being bothered by the 'oh that is easily treated today" remark. The similar remark from my diagnosing urologist was "it's the best cancer to get." Maybe I just needed to get angry with someone.
I agree with previous writers, this is a trip, bigtime. Very interesting. A boat load of information and support on this forum. I would have been truly mental without these guys.
My original urologist led me to believe that a biopsy was a "simple office procedure." Well, it may have been for him but I would not have described it or the after effects which he never told me about as simple. I was angry again...
Since then I have met a lot of genuine helpful people and my life has changed for the better. I'm on active surveillance and enjoying life.
I wish you good luck and joy on your trip.

You have made it to the best board on the planet for Prostate Cancer... a wealth of information. This forum will help you shorten your learning curve immensely. Make sure you get the information (Age, Gleason scores, dates, etc..) on your signature and it will enable the many knowledgeable people on this forum to quickly recall your situation and respond appropriately... Welcome and glad you made it here! (under the circumstances of course)...

PCC

Take a deep breath ... and do what you must!

Now that you know you have cancer, your life status changed. You are now LIVING with Cancer. Keep on Living!
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