Get the bone scan. I didn't have any of those tests scheduled, but I came back with only 3+3 Gleason 6 from the biopsy which went directly to Dr. Epstein. Had it been G7, I can't say what my urologist would have done. That said...
I feel very lucky to have drawn the urologist I got assigned to at Hopkins once I made my mind up to drop the original in network guy. My Hopkins uro is only a few years older than me, has 3 kids like me, spread out like me, but a few years older.
I was scared. Reading the internet will do that to you! I knew I had PCa. I just knew it. When we talked after the rectal exam and he said he felt a nodule, I was more stupefied than anything. My wife came into the room, he scheduled a biopsy, and we talked some more. After telling him I was a healthy guy he smiled and said, "Listen, there is no reason, best or worst case scenario, that you can't live another 30, 40, or 50 years. Let's find out what we are dealing with and go from there." I don't know what it was, but I trusted him and that statement coming from a young, up-and-coming from Hopkins. It didn't completely take my anxiety away, but the resolution that I was going to do whatever I had to beat it, came soon after that consultation.
This board can be overwhelming. There aren't many young guys like us around. We're outliers. When I came aboard, there were only like 3 or 4 40-somethings. By the time I had my surgery there were maybe 8-10 of us. We all stop back every so often. But the truth is, we've moved on. I'm 5.5 years out with almost no side effects. ChrisR, a guy who is "expert" on Hopkins and Gleason 6 and follows every longevity study, stops by occasionally. With all respect to many of the senior guys here, there is a difference being 40-something diagnosed and being treated for PCa than a 60-something, etc. You get my drift... I don't mean that to be insulting in any way to the 60-somethings! It's just that when you're told at a younger age you have something that could kill you it's a shock. Not that being told at 60 isn't shocking, but... Many of us are starting out with families and have young kids, that complicates the emotions tremendously. But---
The word "could," above, is the operative word. It also might not. In fact, probably won't based on what you know right now. You are a G7. That's not that bad. Moderate risk. Get the bone scan. Either way it goes, knowledge is power. Likely won't turn up anything. In the meantime, get your ducks in a row about
consults with guys at those big centers up near Boston. Have whatever info you have ready for them so they can begin to guide you.
One caveat... Dr's, nowadays, don't drive the treatment train solo. They will give you options. You will have to decide on the treatment option that best suits you. They will then use their expertise to carry out the plan. But you will be an active participant in the decision making process, make no mistake about
it.
Just keep thinking you have 40-50 more good years ahead of you. There's no reason you don't. Good luck.
Post Edited (dude1969) : 7/23/2017 2:52:52 PM (GMT-6)