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Posted 6/27/2018 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys, just wondering, for nearly 11 years since my first radiation treatment, I have been looked after by a Radiation Oncologist, he has guided me through the treatment, and Hormone therapy, neither he or my Urologist, have ever mentioned sending me to a Medical oncologist, I guess there is no need, what do you think? By the way my PSA is on the rise again, currently 4.25


Regards Mal.
Posted 6/27/2018 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
I think it would be a good idea to consult a Medical Oncologist, just to verify that there aren't opportunities that are being overlooked.

There is a somewhat nebulous business concept called the "Power of AND" that suggests that we should struggle to escape the limitations of false dichotomy in our decision making. If you like your RO you can stay with him and think of the MO consult as just making sure that you and he aren't missing something.
Posted 6/27/2018 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
I asked my radiation oncologist when we had our final follow-up who will treat me if my PSA ever rises. Answer was a medical oncologist (and Lupron sad )
Posted 6/27/2018 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
First, know that RO's, MO's and Uros are businessmen that compete with each other for your business. Many of them feel no need to share your business...I would definitely consult with a MO of your choosing as his training and his insights are considerably different than the other two specialists..A good MO will be right on top of the latest drugs and treatments....Your PCP should be able to refer you to a MO he trusts and works with...
Posted 6/27/2018 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Your RO may be doing a perfectly good job for you, but it would be bothersome to me if he doesn’t have a professional association with a good MO to whom he can arrange a referral. I also feel that the opinion of an MO is in order.
Posted 6/28/2018 9:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Maldugs ~

I always follow your posts --- it's good to hear from you again.

I've been in this game for five years ... you've been in the game for over a decade.

It didn't happen overnight, but as time went along, here's the sequence of events, in terms of adding additional EXPERTISE to my medical team ...

1. My original UROLOGIST --- he got the ADT shots going for me, upon diagnosis!
2. My primary MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST --- he got the "early chemo plan" going for me!
3. My UROLOGY ONCOLOGIST --- Mayo Clinic --- I needed the benefit of his expertise & detailed scans!
4. My RADIATION ONCOLOGIST --- just added him this year, when I needed to "ZAP" a trouble spot!

Slowly, as new needs emerged, or a different perspective was needed, these doctors have formed my TEAM --- my MEDICAL TEAM!

Each one has played his part --- each one's expertise is still valued --- all of them still have input into my case.

In my particular case, my MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST remains the QUARTERBACK on my team ... he's local, I check in with him monthly, he has great acceptance in terms of adding additional experts, and he has been a LIFELINE!

In your case, I feel that's there's nothing to lose and perhaps something to be gained, by setting up a consultation with a medical oncologist.

Take your time ... ask around ... choose one that is right for YOU ... and one that will stand alongside you and offer additional ideas, advice, and expertise to help you ... now, but even more importantly, for needs that may arise down the road.

Adding a medical oncologist, in my case, was life-changing. He opened MANY new doors ... he had a different perspective ... he had many treatment ideas and possibilities ... I remain grateful to him ... he is a Godsend and a lifeline.

Just taking that STEP, and setting up a simple consultation with him, was absolutely game-changing for me. Today, he is not only my main doctor ... he has become a trusted friend.

I know when you post, it's good to hear some first-hand experiences ...

Keep us posted, Maldugs! Thankful to hear from you!

Handshake from across the miles,
CYCLONE ~ Iowa State University
Posted 6/29/2018 8:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, I saw my RO two days ago, he said we are not going back on ADT until my PSA gets to 10, he said don't worry about it and I will see you in 6 months, I brought up going to a MO, and he said he had a close associate who was a MO, but he himself was aware and up to date with all the recent new therapies for PSA, but if I wanted to go and see the MO, that was fine with him, but he already has discussed my case with the MO.


I trust this guy, he has qualifications, as long as your arm, and is head of Oncology at our major hospital, so I guess I will just stick with him, and see what life brings. Hi to Cyclone, and all you guys, will be 11 years, since my RP, on 7 July.


regards Mal.
Posted 6/29/2018 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you have a great RO.
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