Djin Tonic, I am Pratoman's friend and wasn't near a computer when I spoke to him this morning. No history of BPH. Never had a Decipher test and I don't remember if I had a ever had a PSA Density...
I looked online for studies on the frequency of biopsies for my pathology (see signature). The Cancer Care Ontario guidelines says, for Gleason 6 cancer, a serial biopsy should be done every 3-5...
I hope this works:...
Prostate Cancer News reported today that some PC patients can safely receive short but intense course of SBRT radiation. Specifically, the report states that the number of treatments can be reduced...
Jim, thanks for the input. Two years ago, I had a consultation with Dr. Ehdaie of MSKCC. At that time, he strongly agreed with my AS decision. He suggested that the next biopsy should be done in 2-3...
I saw my urologist today and he wants to do another PSA and a free PSA free test in 6 months. This is the first time he ordered a PSA free test. He commented on my PSA velocity - specifically that my...
Dr. Epstein's exact words were "Prostate tissue with small focus of atypical glands, highly suspicious for carcinoma." He then said "although these findings are highly atypical and suspicious for...
Gary, I may consider that, although it's the biopsy that is the definitive test. I could always decide to come home from Florida a little earlier for the biopsy. Mitch...
As seen in my signature, my PSA is on the rise (again), although it's "only" a 4.0. The last time it was a 4.0, I had 2 biopsies and Gleason 6 was diagnosed in 1 core in each. In the first biopsy, 3...
Thanks Andrew. I don't think there are any surprises in the article. Notwithstanding that, it's nice to know that people are addressing anxiety. I'm in a current MSKCC study on AS. Every 6 months, my...
http://www.ascopost.com/issues/july-25-2018/when-can-patients-with-gleason-6-prostate-cancer-safely-undergo-active-surveillance/ Not sure if the URL works. If not, this should. Edited to make link...
When Can Patients With Gleason 6 Prostate Cancer Safely Undergo Active Surveillance? A roundtable discussion with Brian F. Chapin, MD; Jonathan I. Epstein, MD; and Maha Hussain, MD, FACP, FASCO Here...
I’ve been on AS for 2 years - my PSA is stable. My AS protocol is a PSA every 6 months, DRE every year and biopsies every 2-3 years -based on the PSA results. I can’t have an MRI because of my...
Michael, here is the link to the 2009 Harvard Prostate Knowledge Document on Positive Surgical Margins after Radical Prostatectomy. Scroll down to the section on Assessing the Tissue. That's where...
The second opinion advice has pretty much become standard advice on this forum. And while sometimes I worry that we start parroting one another too much, clearly it can make a difference, as it did...
Michael, I was really pissed at the local pathologist and my doctor, however, it was the local pathologist that sent the slides to MSKCC for the third opinion - after he received Epstein's report. I...
Thanks, I've been on AS for 2 years and hope that I can stay on it forever....
ddys, I had 3 different pathology opinions on my first biopsy. The local pathologist said the core was Gleason 7 (3+4). Dr. Epstein said the results were inconclusive and recommended a repeat...
PDA, at my last visit, I mentioned the additional tests to him. He didn't think they were necessary. At my next appointment, I will ask him again and try to learn when they're necessary/useful (his...
This forum has educated us and empowered us to make informed decisions. Many of us have labored with our decisions and we have tried to support each other. Most of us have felt better once we’ve made...
What are the current requirements for follow-up biopsies after the first two? I would imagine it's a function of the biopsy results. Is there published literature based on similar pathologies to...
Thank you all for your responses. I reviewed my prostate cancer files/reports this morning and reread the consult report from the urologist at MSK. The report says their AS protocol is to repeat...
In May 2016, I had a biopsy because my PSA had doubled to 4.0 over an 18-month period. I was diagnosed with Gleason 7 (3+4) in less than 5% of 1-core. Sent the slides to Dr. Epstein who couldn't...
Thank you for your input. I've decided to go to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for my future care. They are a major cancer center that has the best oncology doctors, nurses, social workers...
As far as a commitment, if I can handle it psychologically, I will certainly be committed to the AS program and I believe my doctor will be equally committed. With regard to participating in a...
Based on my repeat biopsy, I have 1 or 2 cores that are Gleason 6 (3+3) less than 5% of the tissue. I hope to have Dr. Epstein's "second opinion" report by the end of the week. Assuming that Dr....
Based on a doubling of my PSA from 2.1 to 4 in about 2 years, my urologist did a biopsy on May 27. On June 8, I learned I had PCa with Gleason 7 (3+4) in 1 core. I had a consult with a more...
Halbert, I remember reading an article by Dr. Epstein which said that second opinions give different Gleason scores in 1-2% of the readings. If you recall, I would appreciate your letting me know...
I'm doing ok, thanks. Although I was highly stressed about this repeat biopsy, as far as pain, it was about the same as the first one (2 months ago). Uncomfortable, but not too painful. I took a...
I'm scheduled for my repeat biopsy this afternoon. I will take a Valium when I get to the doctors office. Dr. Epstein couldn't confirm the Gleason 7(3+4) in 1 core and his recommendation along with...
Hi Zzarth. About 2 months ago, I was diagnosed with PCa having a Gleason 7 (3+4) in 1 core. My local urologist recommended treatment. I decided on surgery and met with a more experienced Da Vinci...
Thanks everyone for your input. I'm surprised that urologists would do surgery without asking for a second opinion of the pathology. My cardiologist told me that doctors trust the other doctors (i.e....
I'm 67 years old and I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 6 weeks ago. My PSA had risen from around 2 to 4 in 2 years. My urologist did a DRE and the left lobe was "rubbery". He did a 12-core biopsy...