Newly diagnosed with MRI looking for oncologist in St Louis

I know Siteman Treatment Center is highly regarded in the Saint Louis area ...

We're here to support you!

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Biopsy is the next step but I was referred to a urologist. I was told from someone that has went through that and oncologist might be a better first step

OkayGolfer,

Please start with a urologist. They are the ones who diagnose PC. An MRI is a "shadow from shadowland". Something is there, it might be cancer. You won't know until you have a biopsy, and those are done by a urologist.

The biopsy will tell you (a) if you actually have PC and (b) how serious it is. At that point, you enter into the challenge of figuring out what to do about it. A medical oncologist is a long way into your future--you'll only need one of them IF you have a really severe situation.

For the record, I was treated surgically, at Barnes-Jewish, by a fine urologist and surgeon, Dr. Figenshau. He may or may not still be in practice. I would second the suggestion that you call Siteman and ask for a PC workup. They will do the whole thing--biopsy, diagnosis, and plan your treatment. They practice a team approach, and will set you up with everyone you will need for your specific case.

Again, to reiterate, an MRI is not a specific diagnosis. You have a suspicious spot (or 2 or 3). What that spot IS, is yet to be determined. Get that done, and share with us what you learn.

EDIT: I looked him up, and Dr. Figenshau is still active, his office is out in West County. He's an excellent urologist. He is affiliated with Wash. U and Siteman, and will steer you in the right direction.

Post Edited (halbert) : 8/2/2023 4:34:30 AM (GMT-8)

I am from the STL metro area. After several consultations after the PCa dx I contacted a RO at Siteman. I cannot imagine anyone in STL going anywhere else for cancer treatment. After reading the book “You Can Beat Prostate Cancer….. “ by Robert Marckini, I wanted to explore Proton Radiation, which is only available at Siteman in the STL area. I feel extremely fortunate to work with Dr Randall Brenneman. While my insurer originally denied PRT (just as they did a PSMA PET Scan) the doc personally appealed that decision and got it approved (just as he had done with the PSMA PET denial). He seemed even more elated than I did. Sadly, Dr Brenneman has left Siteman but I am also very pleased with the other docs now overseeing my care. I currently do not have a specific RO to recommend as I completed that treatment and am currently monitored by an MO at BJC/Siteman West County. You are welcome to reach out to me if you think it would be beneficial.

My medical oncologist at West County is Dr Melissa Reimers. Very happy with her. My radiation oncologist is is Dr Cliff Robinson and I really like him too.

Side note about Siteman. I applied to Mayo in Minnesota to see if I could get evaluated by them. They checked all my records at Siteman and turned me down because they said Siteman has access to all the same clinical trials and treatments that they do and what Siteman was doing is the same thing they’d be doing if Mayo were to see me. That made me feel pretty good. Stick with Siteman