Urologist vs Oncologist?

 Good morning everyone,

I continue to be amazed with the positive energy on this site and hope to some day (soon) reach a point of feeling positive. I am working toward that goal. In the meantime, I continue to have questions. If any one can help I would appreciate it.

Is an Uroligist more knowledgable about this disease than an Oncologist? My husband is currently seeing both as he receives his Lupron Inj. from the Urologist and his Zometa IV from the Oncologist. When he began having a lot of blood in his urine, the oncologist was concerned and the Urologist said that he is not worried at this time because my husband's tumor is so big (187cc) and that cancer bleeds. He said it is okay if it is a lot or a little blood. Does this sound logical?

As I read the postings here, I have not found someone who went directly to HT as the only option. Are the doctors saving other options for a later time? It sounds like there is not a lot to do if the HT does not work, although I currently read War Eagles posting who is now having Chemo. (His story is very inspiring and I pray he continues to have lower PSA). Why do the doctors wait for Chemo?

Does HT help to shrink the tumors? Does it take a really long time?

So many questions--I did purchase the book about HT and Prostate Cancer as recommended here, but I am still awaiting its arrival. I am trying to read as much as possible about this disease as it helps me have a focus.

I am glad I found this site where the feeling of understanding and compassion is so evident.

God Bless,

Karen

Karen- All great questions! I hope there are no urologists on this site that might get offended at this comment, but think of the urologist as a male's version of a gynecologist They specialize in only that particular area for a male. Oncologist's specialize in cancer. Therefore, it is great to have a team made up of these two specialist treating your husband, because they are able to offer valuable insight and advice from their own areas of expertise. Anything related to the bladder, erections etc. ask the urologist. Anything related to overall cancer, ask the oncologist. Hopefully your two specialists are consulting on the best treatment options for your husband. It can get really confusing win they disagree. As the previous post states, the HT is meant to shrink the cancer. Often times men will do well on HT alone for years. I hope this is the case for your husband. Chemo is typically added when HT stops working and there are not a lot of mainstream options after that point, BUT, studies are being done as I sit here and type this and HT and Chemo can buy a lot of time. Hang in there and keep in touch!! Doting Father's Information DX July 15, 2007 Age 62 (now 63) PSA 5.5 Original Gleason 3+4=7 Post Surgery Gleason- 4+3=7 DaVinci Surgery Aug 31, 2007 Focally Positive Right Margin One positive node Bone Scan/CT Negative (Sept. 10, 2007) T3a N1 M0 Oct. 17 PSA 0.07 Nov. 13 PSA 0.05 Casodex adm. Nov 07 Lupron beg. Dec 03, 2007 2 yr Radiation started March 03-April 22, 2008- 8 weeks 5x a week 8 weeks of radiation down!!! Praying for a cured dad. First PSA 3 months!   Post edited to single space signture... Post Edited By Moderator (bluebird) : 4/26/2008 9:42:24 PM (GMT-6)

hopemylove,

Best wishes for success in your journey.

Re. the shots, the urologist gives the Lupron because that drug is used for a variety of things of a urological nature, not just to treat prostate cancer.

Zometa IV is a cancer drug used for prostate cancer treatment, breat cancer treatment, etc., so it falls within the turf of the oncologist.

Hope this helps a bit.

DanMan