Timing of initial consultations

One thing I have realized in this process from biopsy to treatment decision is that I was scheduled almost immediately for consultations with a surgeon and shortly thereafter with a radiation oncologist. This may not be the case for other folks, but for me, those initial consults were not very helpful. That was not the fault of the medical professionals so much as my general ignorance of what prostate cancer and the available treatment modalities are all about. After a couple months of reading books, forums such as this one, written chronicles of treatment experience, and videos detailing procedures and personal experience with a variety of treatment modalities, I am now so much better prepared to participate in a meaningful way in a consultation with a medical professional about choice of treatment for prostate cancer. So for those newly diagnosed, maybe you might be well served to take a deep breath, relax, study and do your research, then schedule consultations with an open mind and armed with at least enough knowledge to articulate what you think might be in your best interest. Not saying this is for everyone, just something to think about.

By pure luck, I was "forced" to take some time to learn. I got "the call" from my uro on a Saturday morning, at work. We had a general discussion in which he described my pathology and the fact that virtually any of the mainstream primary therapies would have similar results. He then told me to call his office to make an appointment to discuss my options in detail, but IIRC it was nearly a month and a half later that we again met. (I had some other more pressing medical issues to be dealt with in between.) In the interim, I joined this board and the learning began. Once I did get to meet with my uro, I'm sure he was surprised at the range and depth of my knowledge. He actually seemed energized to have a spirited discussion with me about my desire to have radiation treatment rather than surgery. He then also referred me to a couple of RO's, one of whom became my treatment provider.

I don't think there is any doubt that in (probably) too many cases, men are walked right from the conference at which they learn their biopsy results to the surgical scheduling office. I don't know how we can help people avoid this if they don't at least look at the available information "in case" they have PCa and need to know. I guess some men just want to ignore everything until "the doctor tells them what to do." Not me. . .

I hear you, John. That old-time care model probably saved more lives than people admit.

Both of my parents as well as both of my wife's parents were members of the "doctor knows best" generation. They all died earlier than they should have, and not one of them ever got a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment plan, no matter how hard we pushed. It is so sad to watch your parents travel that road, but we knew that it was their choice. It is definitely not ours.