Post-op Report & Question

positive 1

New Member

Joined : Sep 2010

Posts : 7

Posted 10/22/2010 12:09 PM (GMT 0)

Hello,

We just received my dad's post-op report. Gleason scores were not changed, no cancer found in lymph nodes (praise God!), but there was a positive margin by the bladder. Doctor confirmed that he will need the radiation (which were told he would anyway from the beginning of this journey).

My question is -- what exactly does having a positive margin mean in regard to his "cure" possibility? My mom asked the doctor if the cancer could spread to the bladder during the six months that we have to wait before he starts the radiation and the doctor indicated that it wasn't a concern. So, I guess I'm just trying to assess what the risk is?

Thanks for any wisdom you can share!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSA 2009 - 6.5
PSA 2010 - 8.5
Gleason, 6 on one side, 7 (3+4) on the other
open RP on 10/2, left lymph nodes and nerves taken - right side remained, very low blood loss during surgery and "textbook" recovery.

LV-TX

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2008

Posts : 966

Posted 10/22/2010 12:36 PM (GMT 0)

Hi positive 1....like your moniker,

A positive margin helps identify where the cancer is most likely remaining. That is good news because it will help the technician performing the radiation treatments to concentrate on that area when doing the followup treatment.

Path report seems excellent over all.

Best of luck to your dad

Edit...sorry I didn't answer your question directly. Cure rates are generally high if the radiation is started early. With the fact that the lymph nodes were clear...and I am assuming so were the seminal vessels and no extention beyond the capsule...I would say he has an excellent chance at a cure.

Post Edited (LV-TX) : 10/22/2010 6:43:13 AM (GMT-6)

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply