Doctor got back to me.

Hello Everyone,

A couple of weeks ago posted about post-op pathology report. I was concern about a positive margin.

Well I emailed my doctor and he got right back to me. I have to admit his response took a great load off my shoulders. I just wanted let everyone know who responded to my question how it all turned out. I know PC is very unpredictable but this gives a better outlook on my situation.

My doctor's response below:

Hi Rick,


A focal positive margin is not something to worry about. It means that a small focus of cancer is near the edge of what is taken out and almost never means that there is anything left behind. We are talking less than one millimeter (1/25th of an inch).


Take a look at the following: http://www.mskcc.org/applications/nomograms/prostate/PostRadicalProstatectomy.aspx and plug in your PSA, Gleason 3+3=6 and 0 months disease free. Then push calculate to see that you have about 98% chance of never having a recurrence. Then calculate again with a positive margin and I think it drops to 97% And that's a regular positive margin (potentially much larger), not a focal positive margin.


I think you are doing absolutely terrific and will continue to well with an extremely small chance of recurrence.


Thanks Again Rick

Rick,

Hoping that news from your doctor will give you some real peace of mind. Always love hearing good news here.

David in SC

Hi Rick,

Just a quick question, is that calculator based only on surgeries performed at Sloan or after RP in general? Either way, I am glad to hear of your great results!

LuvMyDAD

Seems like your surgeon is a good guy -- responds promptly, and offers you not only reassurance but also evidence to substantiate his reassuring comments. Sounds like you have an excellent chance of never having to deal with this again.