Does PSA of 209 mean cancer?

Onthgodly - All I can say is good for you dumping that jerk! Like the guys were saying on a different thread there are some individuals who should not be a doctor and it sounds like you found one! Things should go better for you at Emory you can get a plan in place and proceed into treatment then 5 yrs from now go visit that Jerk and tell him guess what I'm still here and look at all the money you missed out on!!!!!!!

Larry

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, don't give up.
I assume/hope you've started ADT right away, as you'd be doing that regardless of what other primary treatment you choose. Best to start knocking back the cancer ASAP with it.

Regarding radiation, obviously you want to talk to the docs about it, but I think the basic reason your docs are not recommending it is because of the spread of your cancer. If the caner were still confined to the prostate, they could zap it with rad. But now that it has spread, well, they'd have to radiate most of your body, not really an option. If it were just one met somewhere, they could probably spot hit it, but that's not really where you are right now.

My dad was gleason 9 & 10 in his biopsy, hadn't spread beyond his seminal vesicles, but his doc still didn't think he would survive long. about 8 years later, he's doing great. Don't give up!

Has anyone else had to change PCP doctors? After telling my PCP how I felt about Oncologist No.1, she essentially dismissed me as a patient. The oncologist she recommended is the spouse of her partner physician in her practice. Good riddance I say. But, pretty unbelievable to realize doctors can be so biased as to let it interfere with the treatment of patients.

I second what Andrew said above. I had to change PCPs because original randomly assigned PCP was incompetent. In her defense she did order the PSA test that started this comedic tragedy. Went to second PCP to get in the right network for the urologist / RO / MO team that I'm working with now.

Best of luck - you will find the right team, and there are many many treatment options for you. Keep us informed - we're all here to support you.

Rob

Onthgodiy,

So glad to hear things are going well for you now.

Onthgodly,
I see that you recently started your first session of chemotherapy and wanted to offer a few suggestions. The first is to rest when you are tired. Your body has been infused with medications that will attack fast growing cells and it needs time to recover. You will likely see changes physical changes to your body but once you stop chemo your body will return to normal. As for the Chemo crash, it usually begins around the third day following your infusion and will last anywhere from 2 and 1/2 to 3 days. Again, rest, rest, rest, and stay hydrated while eating a balanced nutritious meal. Things will taste odd for a few days but your sense of taste should return.

You may also experience neuropathy in your toes and your hands. This is usually temporary, but if it persists make sure you speak with your oncologist. Try to stay as close to a germ free environment as you can. I was working with a mosaic artist during my chemo and the dust, clay, and water were a perfect environment for eye and nail infection. Once I was off the chemo these things cleared up.

There are other things that may occur but I guess my message to you is to rest, stay healthy, and eat nutritious food. That doesn't mean you can't have ice cream or whatever your guilty pleasure is. After all, you are going through some tough stuff and you should be allowed to indulge yourself a little.

Last I want to say that many of us have endured chemo and our lives are the better for it. Your case is tough for sure but adding chemo to your arsenal will help you greatly in the long run.

Wishing you all the best in your journey and please continue to let us know how you are doing.

Onthgodiy,
I wanted to respond to you but sorry I did not sooner. When you related the story about the first Urologist stating what he did and "gave" you only 3/12 years, That hit home to me because that is exactly what mine told me. He also said "don't you realize you have Cancer?" He really made me and my wife upset, believe me when someone says you have it ,you realize it to your core. I am so glad you left him and his referrals, his words were rubbish. I immediately left my Urologist in the in the dust, and headed for a large Cancer Center, where they know what they are doing.

I am still here 6 years later, on Zytiga, although I should have had Taxotere first. Still..I am remission for 40 months and feeling good. Mr Oncologist said last time 'What are you even doing here?" and remarked that I look "remarkable".

Anyway glad you found a Cancer Center,sounds like you are in good hands. Also looks like you received very great response here from many more knowledgeable than me. We all welcome you.

BTW , when you get a chance, go to the top of the page, hit the word "search" and in the box that comes up next with the words Custom Search, overtype in that box "Letters to the newly Diagnosed" and then press enter. Click the link there and you will find a great thread started by "Cyclone" that will give you some comfort and support!
Take care, keep us posted in a new thread, and as always, keep the faith!
Wings