Prostate Biopsy

Here are some good next steps:

1. There is no rush - you have plenty of time - and if you take more time you will be happier with your decision.

2.Read the sticky for the newly diagnosed:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=2652250

3. Have your biopsy slides sent to Dr Epstein's lab at Johns Hopkins for a second opinion.

4. Add a signature with your PSA history, Gleason score, DRE result, # positive cores, % positive in those cores, age, whether you are African-American, and any notable comorbidities.

5. Tell us where you are so maybe we can recommend specialists for you to see. Also any constraints in going out of town for doctors.

6. Do not make any decisions for at least a month.

Welcome and sorry you need to be here. What are your biopsy results?

Hi, Zane, and welcome to one of those clubs you never wanted to join.

Tall Allen has given you the best of information for your present place on this journey. In most cases, the varieties of prostate cancer with which we are diagnosed are relatively slow-growing. The more common varieties of prostate cancer are not like the other cancers we hear and read about. You have probably had some tiny traces of your present cancer for many years, and it just now became large enough to diagnose. With this in mind, you likely have some months to learn about which treatments may be applicable to your pathology, and which one or ones you feel would be best for you. Also, in many cases, there may be a choice of several treatments that all have the same disease control capabilities, but have different side effect profiles. Many of us chose our treatments based upon the side effects - how we felt that these would affect our lives.

In my case, I took just over 4 months between diagnosis and the start of treatment. By that time, I felt totally at ease with the type of treatment I chose, and the doctors and clinic where it was administered.

You've come to the right place. Sorry we had to welcome you here.

Zane, if your biopsy numbers are confirmed by Dr. Epstein then you very likely do not need treatment at all. Rather, Active Surveillance is a protocol you should consider.

Jim

Pick up a copy of Dr. Walsh's book "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" and read it. It will give you the background to make an informed treatment (if any) derision. In the past, this book has referred to as "The Bible" of prostate cancer.. It has become a little outdated in regards to all the treatment options available today, but the basic facts are still good..and worth reading..

In your case, the good news is that all they found was G-6 cancer..Few if any men die from G-6 prostate cancer..

Thank you so much for all the support and comments.
I have ordered the Dr. Walsh book and have a meeting with my urologist in a few weeks.

One of the comments was this:
3. Have your biopsy slides sent to Dr Epstein's lab at Johns Hopkins for a second opinion.

How do I do that? And where is he located?

Thanks again.

>How do I do that? And where is he located?

pathology.jhu.edu/department/services/secondopinion.cfm

pathology.jhu.edu/department/services/consults/urologic.cfm

pathology.jhu.edu/department/services/consults/urologic2.cfm

Charles

That would take care of it.

It will be interesting to see how all three compare.
Andrew