Understanding my post op pathology report

Greetings,

I have viewed my pathology report and I have my follow-up appointment next Monday.
I don't want to to put the cart before the horse, but I'd like to find a reliable source/link that would help me understand what the data on the report means, so I can have a list of somewhat intelligent questions to ask the doctor.

The great thing about the internet is there is a lot of information out there; the bad thing about the internet is there is a lot of information out there.

Maybe someone here can help point me in the right direction.

Thanks for all replies

Hi 10Drum and welcome.  Lots of experience out here from guys that have been where you are and are sure to chime in.

Best to you.

If anyone is interested I did find this link that helps to explain the letters (codes) used in pathology reports:

http://www.pamf.org/prostate/about/stages.html

I have included a brief description of my post-op pathology report in my signature.
My surgeon told me, as of now I'm cancer free. PSA test every 3 month for 2 years, every 6 months for 5 years will hopefully continue to stay <.1


Thanks again for all replies,

That's a great report. Can't ask for better post op numbers.

Here's to many more zeros.

All the best,
Andrew

Redwing57, My pre-op did not indicate PNI, the post-op did, but I think most do. I had 5 of the 12 samples test positive with %'s from 24 to 95. One of the samples had a (4+4) so they listed me as an 8 on the biopsy. The urologist who did the biopsy in January sent me in for a CAT scan and bone scan. The bone scan was clear and the CAT scan showed the cancer only in my prostate, however the radiologist noted some small spots in my pelvis from the CAT scan and I was to have some more test. The test I was to have were no longer done...this is when I got really worried. I work for Shell Oil and they have a program called "Centers Of Excellence" which makes MD Anderson available to all employees (Shell picks up the bill)...so we went to Texas. I was assigned Dr. Louis Pisters and a team of doctors, nurses, and PA's. Dr. Pisters recommend I have a Robotic Prostectomy, and told me the spots on the CAT scan were nothing. I had the surgery on April 4th. There were a few issue during the surgery with some hernia mesh that I have and a soft urethra, but the experience of the team of doctors proved invaluable. We rented an apartment in the Houston medical center area for 30 days for the recovery. The recovery was much worse than I anticipated, but I'm ok.

Monday 5/20 was my 6 week check up. I flew to Houston, had a blood test, and saw Dr. Pisters and he gave me the good news. I can't say enough about MD Anderson and I feel so blessed for having been able to go. The cost was a wash because of the apartment rental and travel expense, but I would do it again even without Shell's help.

I wish you the best and pray that things turn out as well for you as they have (so far) for me. I'm an electrician and no way can I determine how good or bad other folks test result are. I do know I was really worried and I'm glad I took my boss's advice and went to Texas.

BillyMac - the reason for curiosity about the pre-surgery information is just to help understand an individual's decision process. The various factors leading to a particular treatment choice may inform someone along the way.

This is such a complex disease both for status and for treatment options....