Guest guest Posted June 28, 2007 Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 I'll second Walsh's book. That was the first book on prostate cancer I bought after I was diagnosed in March. It was, and remains a big help. As far as treatment, everyone is different and must make their own individual decision. For me, given my age, staging and personal preference, robotic surgery was the treatment I chose, and I'm glad I did. Having said that, I won't go so far as to recommend surgery for everyone who has PC, but I'm glad to tell of my experience to anyone who is researching different treatments. I went through two urologists until I found one I was comfortable with. As I stated before, after my biopsy results came back from the local pathologist my urologist sent the slides off to Epstein for confirmation at s Hopkins just because he wanted to be sure. He told me that he does this with all his patients. Bottom line, ask questions, questions, questions and don't stop looking for a urologist until you find one that is experienced and that you are comfortable with. earthman92853 wrote: again:Everyone is giving you the advice they feel was best for them. I would tell your husband to have surgery because that's what I did and I'm satisfied with the results. I don't know about radiation because I didn't have radiation. –it doesn't mean radiation would have been better or worse; I just don't know. The important thing is to find other doctors/opinions even if you are happy with the first one (and it sounds like you're not). I think that the most unbiased views and information can be found at a larger (usually university-affiliated) cancer center. After the initial diagnosis by my urologist, I went to University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital and spoke with two oncologists. One was a PCa specialist and went over all the options he knew about and then reluctantly said that, given my stats, surgery might be my best choice for maximum effectiveness with minimal side effects. He was concerned that my clinical staging was borderline enough that the cancer could be extra-capsular (it was) and a surgeon could see the extent of the cancer and remove it…all in all less guesswork, again, because the partin tables showed less than ideal odds for me. He made me assume a worse case and I'm glad he did. He drove home the seriousness of what was going on –and how little was known about it. After that, I wanted the surgery to get more data as much as to get rid of the disease.The main takeaway from my experience is to talk with as many doctors and patients as you can. Do NOT stick with the first doc without exploring all the options. As I learned more, I became less fearful and more objective. Since everyone is plugging books, a good reference is Dr. Walsh's "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" He gives a thorough, easy-to-read, explanation of prostate anatomy, cancer, metrics and treatments. Good luck and best regards,Tony Higgins> >> > again:> > I would highly suggest considering surgery at then> > abolute best overall treatment option. > > I have attached a number of excellent links to go to> > and start collecting data.> > > > Primary focus at this point: After reviewing these> > sites also purchase ,it sounds dumb but it is an> > excellent and far above average quality book, "> > Prostate Cancer for Dummies" It has no hidden> > agenda...just facts.> > > > Set up appointments with at least 2 surgeon/urologists> > that specialize in prostate surgeries and two> > oncologist with lots of experience with PCa.> > > > I had surgery and and have had many face to face> > discussions with guys who have had the whole range of> > types of treament. I'd be happy to discuss any facet> > of it.> Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 2007 Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 I'm curious what your response would have been if the word "Surgery" was replaced with Proton Beam Treatment?" Mick Fuller wrote: Anytime I see a statement like this:"> I would highly suggest considering surgery at then> > abolute best overall treatment option..."I WILL respond!And YES:>"We each need to survey all of the available treatment options, educate ourselves and weigh the pros vs. cons for our own individual situation." >God rewards those that keep on keeping on. Stay positive. Think positive. Pray positive. And talk positive. Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 2007 Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 Perfect!Mick Fuller wrote: "We each need to survey all of the available treatment options, educate ourselves and weigh the pros vs. cons for our own individual situation." > Enough said? Fuller > > > "We each need to survey all of the available treatment options, > educate ourselves and weigh the pros vs. cons for our own individual > situation." > > > > > > > > > God rewards those that keep on keeping on. Stay positive. Think positive. Pray positive. And talk positive. > > > > --------------------------------- > Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! > Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. > God rewards those that keep on keeping on. Stay positive. Think positive. Pray positive. And talk positive. Choose the right car based on your needs. Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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