Cryotherapy done 6/6/2007

Hi Folks:
Had cryotherapy done 2 days ago. Another guy had the same procedure via the same machine and same urologist the same day.
I have a catheter and expect it be be removed next Thursday. I am taking no pain pills but am taking Cipro to ward off infection. I feel good and have a normal diet.
I am 75 years old and truly educated myself via the internet---books---and talking personally to other patients. Biopsy last year indicated 7 of the 11 needles showed cancer in the 1 side of the prostate--3=4=7. Last PSA was 4.7 in March 2007. I told doctor I wanted cryoptherapy on 1 involved side only. He said he preferred doing both sides but went along with my request. More cryo treatments can be done if the cancer has migrated.
I have been taking grapeseed extract--saw palmetto---vitamin E---selenium---a multi-vitamin---soy lecithin--flaxseed oil--and 81 mg aspirin daily to help my immune system.
Urologist will be using future biopsies as well as PSA tests to both ascertain results of the cryo and recommend any future tgreatment if needed.
My father lived to be 87 years old and I am in otherwise good health and take no other meds or OTC other than I indicated above.
Questions--bring them on!!!!!!!!!

Doston,

Welcome to our group. You have come to the right place. I have seen little to no cryosurgery info here. You could be and will be if you continue to post, a huge help to others. God bless you on your journey. We are here for you and your family. Courtney

Hi ~ Doston & Loved Ones,                 W elcome to…                                       H ealing W ell                                                                                              and                     A    “ Special ”    W arm W elcome   to   You !         (Direct Link ~ just click on the title below and a new window will open!   Reminder … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there) Helpful Hints ~ & ~ Direct Links to Important Topic Threads ~ Hope this helps you!! :)   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy Post Edited (bluebird) : 6/10/2007 5:55:13 AM (GMT-6)

Vet 1:
I sent my Dr a letter along with the biopsies that revealed only involvement with 1 side of my prostate. I requested that he treat only the involved side.
He called me two days later and advised me that he agreed to freeze only the one side. He advised both my Wife and me that he preferred to treat both sides but went along with my request.
There is no silver bullet with respect to any prostate cancer treatment yet. Cryotherapy can be repeated if and when necessary so if the cancer has migrated to the other side I will return for another treatment.
I do not have to worry about seeds migrating to other parts of my body, I do not have to wonder if 35-40 treatments of low energy radiation are going to cause me to have more cancer in a different part of my body.
I asked a radiation oncologist what would happen to me if somebody made a mistake if I decided to undergo 35-40 treatments. His rather bland response was "it probably would never happen but I guess that you would be lucky the exposure was low radiation."
I found that it was extremely difficult to find a urologist with a treatment reccmmendation outside of his specialty.
When my initial urologist advised me the results of my biopsy (7 out of 11 needles indicated cancer), he said nothing to me again until I spoke. I did not get emotional and was just a bit numb. I finally asked him what he would do if he were in my shoes and he responded radation. I then asked him if I should see an oncologist and he said that would be ok and referred me to an oncologist that deals with chemotherapy.
I saw the oncologist and he asked why I was there as I did not know if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. He ordered a bone scan and a ct scan and when both of these tests came up negative, he told me that I did not need him yet.
You really have to take control from day 1 when you are advised you have prostate cancer and do a lot of reading and talking to other cancer patients.
I sat in on prostate support groups too.
I realize my decision for cryotherapy might be appropriate for my age and my other favorable health factors and not for other readers and patients.
However do your own homework NOW and let's fight this cancer via a method right for YOU.

Hey ~ Doston..... Keep posting here.... «   bluebird ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum

Doston,

It sounds like you made a wise choice for your 75 year YOUNG body! Best of health to ya!

Paul

Dear Readers:
One of the largest challenges for those readers who have not yet selected one of 10 or so treatment options, is finding a specialist who is impartial and will set aside possible profit motives to give you clear and concise advice on your best choice.
You will find that most urolgists and oncologists or other cancer specialists either will have a self interest in their recommendations. They may be working for a clinic or a hospital or their own practice that has invested many thousands of dollars in one treatment option so that is the direction in which you will be directed.
I ran into this at least twice and twice rejected their recommendations.
What can you do to avoid this obvious conflict of interest? You can read Dr Scardino's book in which he decribes virtually all possible treatment options including the procedure details and possible aftereffects. Other authors may discuss all possible options. You have to be careful the book is not too dated as some of the latest options may not be covered. If your possible treatment option is not covered, then you can use the internet for the latest information. Obviously the website you are using today covers most of the treatment options. I would not hesitate to either email or phone the website author directly.
If and when you make a tentative treatment choice, you must determine the number of times the Dr has done the procedure and ALWAYS talk to 1 or more patients to see how they are doing. Further you should type the treatment and "comments" into google and read the material.
You must ask yourself "am I able to live with one of more of the possible aftereffects of the treatment?" You should keep in mind that the aftereffects could appears many months and sometimes years down the road. If you are retired, most of us can adjust to the possible aftereffects.
How long should you wait before selecting a treatment option is probably contingent on both your gleason and psa results as well as some of the test results. I am not a Doctor but if only 1 of 10-11 of your biopsy needles indicates cancer and your latest PSA results are under 5 then you should not be rushing into the selection process.
You have to selct the treatment that makes sense for you and your family.
If you are covered by Medicare, money is usually not a problem but you should always ask both the Dr and the medicare carrier if the treatment is covered AND will the Dr and the hospital accept the medicare reimbursement.
Decisions--decisions---decisions. You will probably read that prostate cancer will not be your cause of death---IF the cancer was detected early enough and if you get it treated. You MUST get follow-up testing after your treatment for the balance of your life or you may have wasted both a lot of time and money and possibly your life.
In a nut shell---educate yourself---treat youiself---and continue to test yourself---and you should live as long as your genes permit.

13 months post Cryotherapy---
Hi Folks:
I am doing ok at this point. I am able to sleep thru the night without getting up to urinate. I try not to drink any liquids after the dinner hour. I am taking no meds. I do take some herbal supplements as well as multi-vitamins--baby aspirin and fish oil capsules.
I am able to get an erection which does not last long but am able to have penetration on a limited basis.
1st PSA 3 months post focussed cryo was .23 and 6 months later the PSA was .41. I am getting PSA every 6 months. I will consider another biopsy if next PSA should be higher than .41.
Still cut 1 acre or so of grass and assist my Wife with her gardening. We both are involved in twice weekly bone building sessions. We both volunteer.
Questions? Please ask.

Maitake mushoom extract---Green tea extract---pomegranate---selenium---and 1000 unit vitamin D3 are my current choices daily in addition to fish oil--81 mg aspirin and a multi-vitamin that includes 50mg of flax.
I try to take substances that I read about via other patients, Doctors, or clinical studies.
The multi-vitamin contains about 50 substances such as grape seed---glucosamine etc in addition to the flax. I try to listen to my body and so far my body had not objected. Some of the substances' labels indicate they support antioxidant health and perhaps bolster my immune system.
"Snuffy" Myers and my own doctor are both supporters of D3 and how this substance enhances our total health. You have probably read some good "buzz" lately. There is a blood test to test your current level of this good vitamin.
All of these substances are low cost and I buy them when I can get 3 bottles for the price of 1 and when the shippings costs are free or very low cost.
Avoiding red meats---fruit---and low fat and sugar diet are all recommended and I have maintained my weight at 150-160 lbs for past 3-4 years.
Peace and good health!!!!!!!!!!!