We've got some great resources for you right here at HW. First stop is the "sticky thread" at the top of the main page which is labeled: "Newly diagnosed with PC? – read this thread first"
Here's the direct link:
Newly diagnosed with PC? – read this thread first https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=2652250There's stuff for all types of prostate cancer which will help in your broader "patient education" about
PC, but there is great tidbits spread throughout the thread for those interested in AS. Really critical stuff like knowing your risk category, getting your biopsy slides re-read, and the basic definition of AS.
Also, a number of months ago, several members collaborated together to create a list of "
AS Fundamentals" which has proven very helpful since then to many men. I'll just copy/paste them here for you:
ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE FUNDAMENTAL #1:
AS is only for well-selected men diagnosed with PC. This is why “Step #1” for newly diagnosed men is to understand your risk category (see “Newly diagnosed…” thread). AS is not for men with high risk cases. Intermediate risk…maybe. This category has been split into two groups: 4+3 unfavorable intermediate risk cases, and 3+4 favorable intermediate risk cases, with other case characteristics also weighing-in. A number of AS programs have been including favorable intermediate risk cases. Low risk cases are the obvious candidates, and Johns Hopkins has had strict guidelines (although they have relaxed their AS criteria a couple years ago).
AS FUNDAMENTAL #2: Despite the limitation of being "well-selected" in #1, above,
a huge percentage of newly diagnosed men are suitable for Active Surveillance as a first-line management strategy. Some AS programs are more restrictive than others, and there is currently no universally accepted formal protocol for AS entry, monitoring, or exit. Clinicians individually tailor a program of care to each individual case but based on common foundations. Using contemporary data of newly diagnosed cases in the US, somewhere between 40% and 67% of new PC cases are likely eligible for Active Surveillance, based on more and less restrictive program criteria.
AS FUNDAMENTAL #3:
Some men who originally qualify for AS end up moving onward at a later date to a deferred treatment if signs indicate degradation in case characteristics. These men with deferred treatment are also “AS success stories!” (Please study and understand this PC Infolink article if you are confused by that statement: prostatecancerinfolink.net/2010/10/19/understanding-your-clinicians-mindset-about
-active-surveillance/) The program worked for them, too, by showing them if and when treatment was appropriate. Complementary research has demonstrated that men on AS who move to deferred treatments have essentially the same outcome as those who sought immediate treatment.
AS FUNDAMENTAL #4:
Ongoing monitoring is important to the continued success of AS programs and men enrolled in AS programs. Annual PSA blood tests are the norm. In the past, on-going AS cases have follow-up biopsies (after the 2nd, confirmatory biopsy) on an every 18-24 month basis (typically), depending on the program. In the current decade, mp-MRIs have been found to be superior to the old standard ultrasonic-guided needle biopsy, and most AS programs now at least intersperse mp-MRIs with needle biopsies.
Walsh's book is generally a waste of time and energy unless you are someone who needs surgery. The book "Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers" is the go-to book for men with low-risk cases like yours appears to be.