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Posted 11/17/2011 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hello to all. This is a follow-up for me. I had another PSA in July and it came back 8.53. I just had another biopsy performed last week which was about 7 months from my last one. This one showed a Gleason of 7 (3+4) up from 5 from the previous biopsy. 2 needle cores came back with 10% which were taken from the same spot where they found it before. None of the other cores from other areas showed anything. I am having my slides sent to an expert lab for a second reading. I met with a Dr yesterday who specializes in Da Vinci. He was very thorough and spent about 1 1/2 hours with me educating me on everything which really just was a review of everything I already researched on my own. He answered my questions and even encouraged me to get a 2nd opinion. He has done over 1000 Da Vinci procedures. I plan to get a 2nd opinion. I was told with my small prostate (27 gms) and my good health and lean body that I have the best case scenario from a surgery perspective.
As I stated before I am very healthy and fit. I feel like I have a long life ahead of me being just 50 yo. I am really leaning towards the surgery as I don't want to have bigger issues later down the line when I am 60 something and still young. I am really afraid of radiation
Posted 11/17/2011 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
Suspect,

You are doing everything right, you are doing lots of research and getting a second opinion. Have you visited with other patients of the surgeon to get their feedback on his/her reputation? I met with four different surgeons and finally found the right one that had a great reputation and had wonderful patient communication skills. Don't feel bad to shop the doctors because you only want the most experienced surgeon with a great reputation to perform your operation (sounds like you have decided that route).

After discussing brachetherapy and meeting with the radiologists three times to discuss it, I just felt like surgery was the right method for me to rid my body from producing new cancer cells and had the RRP.

You will go into surgery with a lot of confidence if you have made the best decision on treatment method and physician. I was totally calm and not nervous knowing that I was in good hands. ]

Just do your due diligence. This is a major decision that will impact the rest of your life. Again, no correct decision for everyone, it is very individual.

Best wishes on your journey. Sucks to be here, but we are a great brotherhood and most are very unselfish with their knowledge and experience.
Posted 11/17/2011 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. Thank you. I have not been in touch with my Drs other patients but he offered to put me in touch with some of them if I was interested. I feel it's important to have confidence in my Dr. and I have a really good feeling about this one. He seemed very concerned about me and said he would support whatever decision I made.

Posted 11/17/2011 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you are going about making your decision all the right ways. Good luck in your path. Please keep us posted as you continue your PC journey.

David in SC
Posted 11/17/2011 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
Suspect, you sound just like my husband...he knew from the beginning that he wanted surgery (assuming he was a candidate, which he was) as radiation scared the heck out of him.

Your biopsy results also sound similar to my husbands: 2 out of 10 cores positive with Gleason 3+4. I don't want to scare you but should you decide to have surgery, don't be surprised if the surgical path report shows a different scenario. In my husband's case, the Gleason score did not change but the volume of cancer did...while the biopsy showed 2 out of 10 cores, the final path report reported cancer in 40% of the prostate. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that a biopsy is a sample and provides a best guess as to the extent of the disease while the surgical path report is the definitive diagnosis.

Good luck with your decision. From what you've written, you should come through the surgery without difficulty.
Posted 11/17/2011 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
sorry you too have to go through.

I was ten years younger than you at discovery but had basically same numbers. My numbers didn't increase after surgery. I've seen numbers somewhere stating what percentage do increase and although not minimal, there is no reason for you to assume yours will increase.

In all honesty I was told by most of the people I spoke with that radiation would probably be as effective as surgery. But I also was scared of it because of the longevity of the treatment and the long term side effects I had seen in my boss and had heard about. I also wanted to keep radiation as my second round if necessary. Mostly, I had full confidence in my chances with robotic under the hands of a good surgeon and really just wanted to get it over with in one "go" and try to start my life over again within weeks of surgery.

You're right about two things, talking to people who have gone through it and who have gone through it with your surgeon is a great idea. And being young and fit and in the hands of a good surgeon will definitely help with the side effects. Seen many come through here within our age range and fitness level with fantastic results right off the bat. Nothing is guaranteed, but you do have all factors in your favor for a good recovery. Good luck on your journey.
Posted 11/17/2011 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Suspect:

While you may be "afraid of radiation" I would still recommend that you discuss your case with an experienced radiation oncologist.  You may still opt for surgery but at least you will make an educated decision.  While many patients do have good surgical results, the quality of life issues are also onerous for some.  My message is to gather all of the facts then make your decision.

Good luck.

Tudpock (Jim)

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