Treatment options

I just had a biopsy, and I was told that I have prostate cancer.  My urologist said it was not deeply ingrained, and gave me several options.  The first is to do nothing and monitor the PSA with regular biopsies.  The second, which he highly recommends, is robotic surgery to remove the prostate, and thus eliminate any further chance for higher and more potent levels.  He recommends this treatment because I am on coumadin, and he feels that other treatments might leave me at risk for bleeding from the scar tissue.   Another is to have radiation treatment, and another is to have cryogenic(sp) (freezing) or heat treatment.  He didn't suggest or mention a new treatment the I have heard of, which is ultra sound (or something like that) therapy.  I could use some feedback on any of these treatments. 

 

PP,
You need to understand what the numbers mean before you select a treatment course. There are many variables including your age, fitness, medical conditions and of course, the lab numbers associated with the psa and biopsies. Post them up and you will get replies more specific to your situation.
Also, go to a book store tomorrow and buy Dr Patrick Walsh's book "How to Survive Prostate Cancer." He tells alot about it in a way that you can understand and it is reliable. One cannot map this journey without understanding the available routes.
best wishes,
TeddyG

"I just had a biopsy, and I was told that I have prostate cancer."

Biopsy readings are subjective: what looks like cancer to one person might well look normal or like a different grade to another.

The most logical approach, if you have not already done so, is to arrange for another reading of your biopsy slides by an expert pathologist.

ie confirm where you really stand before even worrying about treatment options.

Secondly, obtain a printed copy of your biopsy report as it will contain a lot of relevant information like the number of positive samples, Gleason scores, and % of cancer in each sample. 

All of this information will help you put your situation into perspective and assist in your decision making process.

Propaul,

You came to the right place for advice. There are many men here that have gone through what you are going through, so the good news is you/we are not alone. May I also suggest as a resource Dr. Scardino's book (see below) which was written specifically for guys like us whose heads are initially spinning about what to do, and is very readable. As you do your research, you will hear lots of case studies and opinions from people who have had different treatments, some more successful than others. The main thing to remember is that there is no "best" treatment for prostate cancer, and every individual's situation is just that -- individual. The best advice I have for you is, (a) get multiple opinions from several physicians, (b) tell everyone you know about your problem, because as I found out, most of the people you tell will know someone that has gone through this and they will be happy to talk to you personally about their experiences, both pre- and post-treatment, (c) ask questions, and (d) ask more questions. Best of luck as you go through your journey.

Greg

Steve n Dallas, your PSA was only 1.3 and they did a biopsy ?? That doesn't sound real high for 54 yrs old, was DRE negitive ??