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Posted 10/9/2007 2:02 AM (GMT 0)

confused  Hi,

I'm new to this. so please bear with me.  Today I went with my "life partner" to his urologist for the results of his biopsy and subsequent bone scan. Knowing his PSA (over 300) and checking with all sources - I already had a good idea, the news would not be good. The bone scan was negative except for opossible non functioning kidney. An ultrasound has been ordered for that.

The only Rx option recommended was depot shots 3x a year.

Understand this is all news to him. He was thinking he would have options of radiation treatment.

He has an appt. with another urologist who is affiliated with a Cancer Institute. Since the md told him the shots would make him impotent (after which he heard nothing). I think he needs more than 10 minutes to process all of this.

Please advise.

Posted 10/9/2007 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear the news. I would be nice for some Stats such as age, any problems, other treatment options. The more we know the more we can help.

Best Wishes,
KW
Posted 10/9/2007 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi   ~ Rusty Blue ,   Welcome    to…    ~ HealingWell ~   and   A    “ Special ”    Warm Welcome   to   You !   Knowledge gives us POWER….   POWER takes away the fear.   Click here for… Prostate Cancer Resources, Helpful Hints , and Topic Thread Links This link is also located at the top of the HealingWell’s Prostate Forum where topics (threads) are viewed.   Invitation to New Members… Welcome to HealingWell (Special Request)   (Direct Links ~ just click on the titles above and a new window will open! Reminder … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there)   Threads asking a specific question will get specific replies…   A personal thread is a way of allowing us to learn a little more about “you” and you get to learn a little more about us!!!   It allows us information as to where you are on your journey.   A “name” (even one made up : ) makes it a little more personal… and we really do get personal in a HealingWell way…!!   Please ~ keep posting, keep questioning, and stay close …   The information (links) listed above is to help you get started on your journey.       It is a journey best traveled with friends.            Welcome ~ New Friend from all the members here... on HealingWell.com   v       IdahoSurvivor ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/1313099593_9f819e3ff8.jpg   v       bluebird ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/mamabluebirdWelcome.jpg
Posted 10/9/2007 2:50 AM (GMT 0)

Hi RustyBlue,

I'd like to personally welcome you and ask you to take advantage of the wealth of resources available here.  Any announcement of cancer is a very scary event.  The main focus now should be to understand the treatment options available for the specific diagnosis and, at the same time, find a way to take some deep breaths. 

The second opinion is a very good idea.  This will not only provide more knowledge and understanding, but may also add to the treatment options.

As kw mentioned, a few more details on your partner's specific diagnosis may help.  Others here with more experience or having a similar diagnosis may offer beneficial help or discussion points.

Ask as many questions as you like.

Kind regards,

Posted 10/9/2007 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rusty Blue,
Sorry to have to welcome you here, but you are most welcome. By all means, get a second opinion, take some time to process the information, and most importantly discuss together the options. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you have. There is a world of information on this site, and many caring people who have been helped, and now want to give back. Take care and keep us posted.
Best,
Mike
Posted 10/9/2007 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RustyBlue,

My PSA was over 100, and the urologist who did my biopsy literally wrote me off.

Thank God I had an Angel by my side who got me in to see the doctor who performed my surgery, radiation treatments, and hormone treatments and saved my life. My Angel and I are now on almost 8 years post-surgery, and enjoying a wonderful life.

Get a second opinion, and stay positive.
Posted 10/9/2007 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Rusty,

Although radiation and surgery of pretty much all types aren't an option, there is still a reasonable chance your S/O's PSA will respond well for many years to hormone deprivation treatment. Don't know that answer till it happens unfortunately.

Also, not "every" man becomes impotent with treatment. Those who are determind to ramain active do remain active, usually with medication/pump assistance. The biggest obsticle is more of a desire issue for both patient and partner. Thats where the determind part comes in somehow. Some men are able to hang on to their desire and ability, many are not. Hang in there and see how things go for now. Good luck and God Bless.

Swim
Posted 10/9/2007 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
Its a long hard road ahead and being there is 3/4 of the battle even after all is said and done there seems to be more to get you down this forum helps you On the down days !
I think I speak for everyone 1st the Cancer then the dripping lastly the ED being here is what I have found is more improtant !

54
RP PSA 8
1Year PSA undectable
17th month PSA .1
here we go again !
Posted 10/10/2007 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for all your heart felt responses. It helped me today as we tried to process the info. I listened to him explain the situation to his brother and was encouraged that he seemed to be able to understand and remain positive.
I realized some factors are helpful.

69
In good shape and good health
symptoms of discomfort & nocturia especially if drinking beer,
PSA =^349 (no longer measurable)
DRE - Probable Ca palbable
Biopsy = 5 specs taken - all positive - both lobes Ca +
Bone Scan negative Ecept one kidney not functioning possible due to ureter obstruction.
Scheduled for Ultrasound and 1st LUPRON injection.

After all this my heart broke tonight when he asked
Posted 10/10/2007 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
Rusty-

I was on Zoladex and Casodex for two years, had a six month respite and now on Lupron (same as Zoladex). In all this time, I have never been impotent. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IMPOTENT. Show this to your guy. Everybody and every body is different. And, should it become the case that he is impotent, ask him to consider the alternative.

Got my fingers crossed for you two.

-Les
Posted 10/11/2007 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Rusty, I too have a "bad" kidney. I am going to the urogogist tomorrow to discuss what is next. We all worry about what is next but the idea is to keep on living and do the the things with our loved ones and make the best of it. I will have have you guys in my mind tomorrow and will post what is next for me so we can compare notes.
Posted 10/12/2007 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
  Hi   ~ Rusty Blue & Loved One,      A    “Special”   Warm Welcome   to   You!   Caring Enough to Share ….. that’s what   HealingWell    is all about     The Power of Hope click     KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers fear     Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers as you move forward in your fight.   It will be a fight but with “All of Us”…. walking * hand~in~hand and *heart~to~heart" * with you   ~    the road will be smoother.   “Your Journey” is a path filled with stepping-stones and we are here to help shore up any wobbly ones you come across.   Obviously ~ from this post you feel like this stone is a sinker .    We are here to tell you ~ it’s NOT!!!   Yes ~ It is very slippery but once you get moving ~   gathering more information (research) and gaining more knowledge about your specific fight…. you will start to feel “Strength” beneath you.   Hold on tight because we aren’t letting go!!!   Please ~ stay close to us through every step and you will feel “All of Our” strength surrounding you both.   This forum is a true blessing for all of us.   Taking the first step into reaching out is the greatest gift you just gave to you and yours.   Hold on tight as we traverse this path with you.   Good, Bad, and/or Scary…. We are here for you “both”…   Stay close ~ okay!   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/Stepping-StonestoHealingWell.jpg     “God Bless You”  It's a little prayer   ~   "God Bless You" ...but it means so much each day, It means may angels guard you and guide you on your way     * phrases borrowed from TimG *
Posted 10/12/2007 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Common Man, at 63, I am learning that each day is precious. So often we are so cavalier about life. I am going to do my best to make things interesting. I dragged him to a Hillary speech today, explaining it was his duty as a citiazen. Not that such is the full retinue of my thinking of being "interesting".
Many, many people live with 1 kidney. I wish you the very best.
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