Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 For what it's worth - please know the following: I had surgery (traditional RP) last year, also on June 11 and also at age 55. I had a total lack of physical symptoms as well. PSA was 1.43. My cancer was detected via DRE. All pre-surgical scans were clear. My reasoning for opting for surgery is essentially identical to yours. Regarding radiation, my research indicated that it is pretty difficult to find a surgeon who is willing to do an RP after it has been irradiated. Final pathology for me (post surgical) was T2B NO MX. Gleason 3 + 3. All surgical margins clear. Two lobes involved. Tumor volume estimated at 5%. My son's HS graduation party was three days prior to my surgery. My recovery has been satisfactory. I started walking my bird dogs again the day after I was released from the hospital. The catheter was a nuisance, but it is manageable. No follow up treatments, save for consultation with the Uro and an unrelated colonoscopy in October (which came back okay for cancer - I have diverticular disease but no evidence of diverticulitis). I was up and around in August to resume my teaching and other professorial duties at College. My son got himself moved into his dorm room (also at College). That was not my problem - he's an Eagle Scout and well able to fend for himself. My last PSA in March 2009 was 0.01. It was 0.06 and 0.03 respectively, three and five months after surgery. There's no explanation for the extended time it took my PSA to get to 0.01, and there's certainly no guarantee it will stay low. That's just the nature of this disease. I had blood drawn for my latest PSA this past Thursday - June 4th. I'll call for some results on Monday, June 8. It helps to write and talk about your situation. Thanks for sharing. Be at peace with your decision. Keep focused on your daughter's graduation and her matriculation into college. Nothing is certain, but there's a good chance you will be up and around for both events with no problems. Coy , Michigan First post... >I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. > I just feel the need to tell my story. > I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty > years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had > emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this > spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but > various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for > that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, > and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 > (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no > symptoms at all. > My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do > robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, > where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me > there) cases. > I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, > giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the > effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a > previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery > first and radiation later. > I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking > forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's > high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college > moving-in day at the end of August. > I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, > and I feel better for having put this up here. > Bless us all, > Dave. > > > > ------------------------------------ > > There are just two rules for this group > 1 No Spam > 2 Be kind to others > > Please recognise that Prostate Cancerhas different guises and needs > different levels of treatment and in some cases no treatment at all. Some > men even with all options offered chose radical options that you would not > choose. We only ask that people be informed before choice is made, we > cannot and should not tell other members what to do, other than look at > other options. > > Try to delete old material that is no longer applying when clicking reply > Try to change the title if the content requires it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 For what it's worth - please know the following: I had surgery (traditional RP) last year, also on June 11 and also at age 55. I had a total lack of physical symptoms as well. PSA was 1.43. My cancer was detected via DRE. All pre-surgical scans were clear. My reasoning for opting for surgery is essentially identical to yours. Regarding radiation, my research indicated that it is pretty difficult to find a surgeon who is willing to do an RP after it has been irradiated. Final pathology for me (post surgical) was T2B NO MX. Gleason 3 + 3. All surgical margins clear. Two lobes involved. Tumor volume estimated at 5%. My son's HS graduation party was three days prior to my surgery. My recovery has been satisfactory. I started walking my bird dogs again the day after I was released from the hospital. The catheter was a nuisance, but it is manageable. No follow up treatments, save for consultation with the Uro and an unrelated colonoscopy in October (which came back okay for cancer - I have diverticular disease but no evidence of diverticulitis). I was up and around in August to resume my teaching and other professorial duties at College. My son got himself moved into his dorm room (also at College). That was not my problem - he's an Eagle Scout and well able to fend for himself. My last PSA in March 2009 was 0.01. It was 0.06 and 0.03 respectively, three and five months after surgery. There's no explanation for the extended time it took my PSA to get to 0.01, and there's certainly no guarantee it will stay low. That's just the nature of this disease. I had blood drawn for my latest PSA this past Thursday - June 4th. I'll call for some results on Monday, June 8. It helps to write and talk about your situation. Thanks for sharing. Be at peace with your decision. Keep focused on your daughter's graduation and her matriculation into college. Nothing is certain, but there's a good chance you will be up and around for both events with no problems. Coy , Michigan First post... >I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. > I just feel the need to tell my story. > I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty > years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had > emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this > spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but > various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for > that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, > and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 > (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no > symptoms at all. > My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do > robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, > where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me > there) cases. > I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, > giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the > effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a > previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery > first and radiation later. > I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking > forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's > high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college > moving-in day at the end of August. > I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, > and I feel better for having put this up here. > Bless us all, > Dave. > > > > ------------------------------------ > > There are just two rules for this group > 1 No Spam > 2 Be kind to others > > Please recognise that Prostate Cancerhas different guises and needs > different levels of treatment and in some cases no treatment at all. Some > men even with all options offered chose radical options that you would not > choose. We only ask that people be informed before choice is made, we > cannot and should not tell other members what to do, other than look at > other options. > > Try to delete old material that is no longer applying when clicking reply > Try to change the title if the content requires it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 > I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. > I just feel the need to tell my story. > I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty > years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I > had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce > back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last > fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have > accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage > of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a > Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me > T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. (snip) With those numbers, few do have symptoms. I do most sincerely hope that the surgery is successful, by which I mean " gets it all. " I'd appreciate it if Dave would tell us what his bound PSA is, and how many tests were taken to validate it. That is the test that is usually referred to as " PSA " and is frequently used as a measure of success of treatment. The surgery may or may not be curative, as I'm sure Dave knows well. And radiation therapy afterwards, given a rising PSA, is useful only if the PCa cells are within the radiation field. If they are systemic, which is not the same as metastatic, radiation of the so-called prostate " bed " will not be curative, either. For an excellent overview for the newly-diagnosed, I recommend this essay by Mark Scholz, MD, one of the best medical oncologists in the world: http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/riskases/scholz_newlydiagnosed.html I also strongly recommend _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews), & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know. Please do keep us informed. Regards, Steve J " Know your enemy. Get educated. But also know that it won't be easy. It will be confusing, overwhelming and depressing. That is the nature of cancer and thus the very educational process as you regain control. " -- Young, PCa Mentor Phoenix 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 > I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. > I just feel the need to tell my story. > I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty > years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I > had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce > back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last > fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have > accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage > of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a > Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me > T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. (snip) With those numbers, few do have symptoms. I do most sincerely hope that the surgery is successful, by which I mean " gets it all. " I'd appreciate it if Dave would tell us what his bound PSA is, and how many tests were taken to validate it. That is the test that is usually referred to as " PSA " and is frequently used as a measure of success of treatment. The surgery may or may not be curative, as I'm sure Dave knows well. And radiation therapy afterwards, given a rising PSA, is useful only if the PCa cells are within the radiation field. If they are systemic, which is not the same as metastatic, radiation of the so-called prostate " bed " will not be curative, either. For an excellent overview for the newly-diagnosed, I recommend this essay by Mark Scholz, MD, one of the best medical oncologists in the world: http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/riskases/scholz_newlydiagnosed.html I also strongly recommend _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews), & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know. Please do keep us informed. Regards, Steve J " Know your enemy. Get educated. But also know that it won't be easy. It will be confusing, overwhelming and depressing. That is the nature of cancer and thus the very educational process as you regain control. " -- Young, PCa Mentor Phoenix 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 > I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. > I just feel the need to tell my story. > I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty > years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I > had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce > back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last > fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have > accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage > of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a > Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me > T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. (snip) With those numbers, few do have symptoms. I do most sincerely hope that the surgery is successful, by which I mean " gets it all. " I'd appreciate it if Dave would tell us what his bound PSA is, and how many tests were taken to validate it. That is the test that is usually referred to as " PSA " and is frequently used as a measure of success of treatment. The surgery may or may not be curative, as I'm sure Dave knows well. And radiation therapy afterwards, given a rising PSA, is useful only if the PCa cells are within the radiation field. If they are systemic, which is not the same as metastatic, radiation of the so-called prostate " bed " will not be curative, either. For an excellent overview for the newly-diagnosed, I recommend this essay by Mark Scholz, MD, one of the best medical oncologists in the world: http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/riskases/scholz_newlydiagnosed.html I also strongly recommend _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews), & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know. Please do keep us informed. Regards, Steve J " Know your enemy. Get educated. But also know that it won't be easy. It will be confusing, overwhelming and depressing. That is the nature of cancer and thus the very educational process as you regain control. " -- Young, PCa Mentor Phoenix 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 Dave, You are not alone in wanting to share your experiences – there is great value in doing that and, I believe, in reading other men’s experiences, a view shared by many of the visitors to my site. I now have almost 700 stories on the site, with more than 200 relating surgical experiences – you can find the index for normal open surgery at http://www.yananow.net/ExperiencesSurgery.htm#surgery You’re welcome to post your story on the site if you’d like to do that. All the best Terry Herbert I have no medical qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since then. My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za Dr “Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data " From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of xenophonami Sent: Monday, 8 June 2009 8:10 AM To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: First post... I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. I just feel the need to tell my story. I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me there) cases. I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery first and radiation later. I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college moving-in day at the end of August. I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, and I feel better for having put this up here. Bless us all, Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 Dave, You are not alone in wanting to share your experiences – there is great value in doing that and, I believe, in reading other men’s experiences, a view shared by many of the visitors to my site. I now have almost 700 stories on the site, with more than 200 relating surgical experiences – you can find the index for normal open surgery at http://www.yananow.net/ExperiencesSurgery.htm#surgery You’re welcome to post your story on the site if you’d like to do that. All the best Terry Herbert I have no medical qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since then. My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za Dr “Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data " From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of xenophonami Sent: Monday, 8 June 2009 8:10 AM To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: First post... I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. I just feel the need to tell my story. I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me there) cases. I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery first and radiation later. I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college moving-in day at the end of August. I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, and I feel better for having put this up here. Bless us all, Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 Dave, You are not alone in wanting to share your experiences – there is great value in doing that and, I believe, in reading other men’s experiences, a view shared by many of the visitors to my site. I now have almost 700 stories on the site, with more than 200 relating surgical experiences – you can find the index for normal open surgery at http://www.yananow.net/ExperiencesSurgery.htm#surgery You’re welcome to post your story on the site if you’d like to do that. All the best Terry Herbert I have no medical qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since then. My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za Dr “Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data " From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of xenophonami Sent: Monday, 8 June 2009 8:10 AM To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: First post... I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. I just feel the need to tell my story. I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me there) cases. I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery first and radiation later. I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college moving-in day at the end of August. I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, and I feel better for having put this up here. Bless us all, Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2009 Report Share Posted June 8, 2009 Dave -- hang in there and keep us posted on your surgery and recovery. I had robotic surgery in January 2008, and the worst part of the whole thing was painful abdominal gas the day after surgery. Second worst thing was a few bladder spasms the first week of recovery -- but I used the vicodin I was sent home with, and just lay quietly to get through them. Otherwise not much pain, and the whole process wasn't really so bad. The catheter was no problem, and post-catheter there was no incontinence in my case. Erections at 18 months out are at 90+ to an occasional 100%. I was up and walking in the hospital corridor within hours after the surgery, and haven't stopped since. One word of caution -- exercise, but don't overdo after surgery -- slow down, take your time, and let yourself mend. Very important...Best of luck to you, N.Altadena, CA> To: ProstateCancerSupport > Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2009 22:09:32 +0000> Subject: First post...> > I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted.> I just feel the need to tell my story.> I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all.> My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me there) cases. > I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery first and radiation later.> I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college moving-in day at the end of August.> I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, and I feel better for having put this up here.> Bless us all,> Dave.> > > > ------------------------------------> > There are just two rules for this group > 1 No Spam > 2 Be kind to others> > Please recognise that Prostate Cancerhas different guises and needs different levels of treatment and in some cases no treatment at all. Some men even with all options offered chose radical options that you would not choose. We only ask that people be informed before choice is made, we cannot and should not tell other members what to do, other than look at other options. > > Try to delete old material that is no longer applying when clicking reply> Try to change the title if the content requires it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Dave, You are most likely going to be feeling well in a relatively short time. I had robotic surgery on April 28th. I am near your age - 58. I was up out of my bed walking within hours after I was awake. For me the worst were the bowel shutdown and associated bloating and then the week with the catheter. But in the grand scheme of things it all passes fairly quickly. I was able to get an erection using Levitra within 3 weeks of surgery, was about 90% continent within 2 weeks and now am using no pads except when I am doing very strenuous physical work. (As far as surgery being curative, if you get a post-surgery biopsy report showing your tumors were contained and with your pre-surgery numbers the Sloan Kettering monogram would probably show you with a 95-98% chance to have no recurrence with no further treatment by choosing surgery. If you have not used it already it is here: http://www.mskcc.org/applications/nomograms/Prostate/PreTreatment.aspx Best wishes brother and remember the worst parts pass quickly. > > I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. > I just feel the need to tell my story. > I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. > My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me there) cases. > I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery first and radiation later. > I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college moving-in day at the end of August. > I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, and I feel better for having put this up here. > Bless us all, > Dave. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Dave - a good piece of advice I got from another PSCa brother is - start doing your Kegel exercises NOW. The sooner you get the muscle strong the sooner it learns to take over from the one you lose. > > I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. > I just feel the need to tell my story. > I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. > My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me there) cases. > I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery first and radiation later. > I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college moving-in day at the end of August. > I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, and I feel better for having put this up here. > Bless us all, > Dave. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Dave - a good piece of advice I got from another PSCa brother is - start doing your Kegel exercises NOW. The sooner you get the muscle strong the sooner it learns to take over from the one you lose. > > I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted. > I just feel the need to tell my story. > I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. > My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me there) cases. > I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery first and radiation later. > I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college moving-in day at the end of August. > I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, and I feel better for having put this up here. > Bless us all, > Dave. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Dave I had robotic surgery on Mar 18,2009. Prior to that date I did some research on prostate cancer and its cures. I did a lot of kegel exercises and walked alot to loose some weight.There is a fair amount of apprehension prior to surgery especially if your start viewing the procedure on you tube.The more informed you are the better it is.I could not imagine having a catheter in place much less a drain tubes. I asked for some sedation prior to being wheeled into the operating room but thinking back should have waited to be put under as see the robotic surgery equip would have been interesting.Surgery is quick and before you know it your waking up in the recovery room minus a few organs ,one sphincter(you,ll have one left),prostate,seminal vessel's,part of your bladder,and and lymph glands. I went in in the morning and was out in the afternoon. The surgical staff is professional but lacks human empathy,feelings or whatever the term is. Your given a booklet on catheters and your walking out the door. The catheter was not a problem. I had bladder spasms the first night.It seemed I had painful gas weeks later. I did not have a big problem with incontinence.I did wet the bed a few times because as I did,t have a pad in right. Intercourse is lacking in my life,but was able to have an orgasm within two weeks.You don,t have to have a full erection for an orgasm ,and of course there is no ejaculation. As mentioned in other posts everyman has different post operative experiences. I have been in this group a few weeks but haven't posted.I just feel the need to tell my story.I am a 55 year old married man. I was a physician assistant for twenty years, with experience in medical and radiation oncology. Last year I had emergency heart valve surgery, and I was just starting to bounce back this spring. A routine PSA was in the questionable range back last fall, but various issues connected to the heart surgery might have accounted for that. A repeat with fractionation showed a high percentage of bound PSA, and a biopsy in April was positive on both sides with a Gleason score of 6 (3/3). CT and bone scan were both negative, making me T1c N0 M0. I have no symptoms at all. My urologist doesn't do radical prostates anymore, because he doesn't do robotic-assisted, so he referred me to a large local teaching hospital, where I was assigned to the urologist who does high-risk (my heart puts me there) cases. I opted for surgery because the pathologist gets the whole prostate, giving fuller information, I am young enough that I might live with the effects of radiation for 20 to 30 years, and having surgery in a previously irradiated field results in poorer healing than having surgery first and radiation later. I go in for surgery very early on Thursday the 11th, and I am not looking forward to it. However, I hope to be recovered enough for my daughter's high school graduation at the end of the month and for her college moving-in day at the end of August. I am not sure why I felt compelled to post this, but here it is anyway, and I feel better for having put this up here.Bless us all,Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Dennis, One of the first tools I used in my research into what path I wanted to follow was the Sloan Kettering monogram. If you get all your " numbers " you can plug them in and it will show you what the latest data says about your options. It is at: http://www.mskcc.org/applications/nomograms/Prostate/PreTreatment.aspx It helped me ask the questions I wanted answers to from the Drs I consulted with. Be careful about anecdotal stories about what worked or didn't work for others. Each man is different and only you and your wife, with advice from whatever medical professionals you chose to get opinions from, can make the decision that best matches your needs. Good luck with your journey. > > Hi- > > > > My name is Dennis and I live in Seffner, FL-just east to Tampa. I'm a 60 > year old white male and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My > Gleason score is 6 (3+3). I'm not sure what stage I'm in-I've called my > doctor's office and they are to fax me some of my records tomorrow. I'm also > not sure what my PSA score is. It has been fluctuating for more than a year, > and my doctor suggested a biopsy. Cancer was detected in 2 of the 12 > specimens-right medial base (<5%), and the right lateral apex (15%). He > said that the biopsy might have hit the tip of an iceberg, or it could have > hit is center. > > > > My Urologist, Dr. Mastandrea, recommends robotic surgery. He also gave me > literature on cryotherapy, but I'm not comfortable with what I've read about > cryotherapy. He also suggested that we can watch and wait, and test again in > 6 months to a year. > > > > I've spent the last week researching on-line and reading posts to this > group. My wife and I are to meet with him next Wednesday, and I want to have > some thorough and intelligent questions to ask. I get more confused with > each website that I visit-too many options. I'm at the stage where I'm ready > to have the surgery so I can get rid of it. From reading websites and posts, > it seems that this is a normal first reaction. > > > > I've also been considering brachythearpy, but have concerns. My wife knows > of two individuals that had implants and later developed leukemia. She also > has a friend that had implants put into her thyroid, and developed leukemia. > I haven't noticed any mention of this on any of the websites that I've read. > It is going to be one of the questions I'll ask my doctor. > > > > I've concerns that my cancer might be more advance than the Gleason score > indicates. In some of the reading I've been doing, I've noticed that I've > had some of the symptoms discussed for well over a year-difficulty in > beginning to urinate, dribbling, not emptying my bladder, going to the > bathroom often, and toenails misshaped. I plan to ask if I should have more > tests performed to see if it is advanced more than the score indicates. > > > > I appreciate the posts that have been made, and I would appreciate any > comments from anyone. I'm trying to get as informed as I can about this > > > > Tks-Dennis > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Dennis, One of the first tools I used in my research into what path I wanted to follow was the Sloan Kettering monogram. If you get all your " numbers " you can plug them in and it will show you what the latest data says about your options. It is at: http://www.mskcc.org/applications/nomograms/Prostate/PreTreatment.aspx It helped me ask the questions I wanted answers to from the Drs I consulted with. Be careful about anecdotal stories about what worked or didn't work for others. Each man is different and only you and your wife, with advice from whatever medical professionals you chose to get opinions from, can make the decision that best matches your needs. Good luck with your journey. > > Hi- > > > > My name is Dennis and I live in Seffner, FL-just east to Tampa. I'm a 60 > year old white male and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My > Gleason score is 6 (3+3). I'm not sure what stage I'm in-I've called my > doctor's office and they are to fax me some of my records tomorrow. I'm also > not sure what my PSA score is. It has been fluctuating for more than a year, > and my doctor suggested a biopsy. Cancer was detected in 2 of the 12 > specimens-right medial base (<5%), and the right lateral apex (15%). He > said that the biopsy might have hit the tip of an iceberg, or it could have > hit is center. > > > > My Urologist, Dr. Mastandrea, recommends robotic surgery. He also gave me > literature on cryotherapy, but I'm not comfortable with what I've read about > cryotherapy. He also suggested that we can watch and wait, and test again in > 6 months to a year. > > > > I've spent the last week researching on-line and reading posts to this > group. My wife and I are to meet with him next Wednesday, and I want to have > some thorough and intelligent questions to ask. I get more confused with > each website that I visit-too many options. I'm at the stage where I'm ready > to have the surgery so I can get rid of it. From reading websites and posts, > it seems that this is a normal first reaction. > > > > I've also been considering brachythearpy, but have concerns. My wife knows > of two individuals that had implants and later developed leukemia. She also > has a friend that had implants put into her thyroid, and developed leukemia. > I haven't noticed any mention of this on any of the websites that I've read. > It is going to be one of the questions I'll ask my doctor. > > > > I've concerns that my cancer might be more advance than the Gleason score > indicates. In some of the reading I've been doing, I've noticed that I've > had some of the symptoms discussed for well over a year-difficulty in > beginning to urinate, dribbling, not emptying my bladder, going to the > bathroom often, and toenails misshaped. I plan to ask if I should have more > tests performed to see if it is advanced more than the score indicates. > > > > I appreciate the posts that have been made, and I would appreciate any > comments from anyone. I'm trying to get as informed as I can about this > > > > Tks-Dennis > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 > > My name is Dennis and I live in Seffner, FL—just east to Tampa. I’m a 60 > year old white male and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My > Gleason score is 6 (3+3). I’m not sure what stage I’m in-I’ve called my > doctor’s office and they are to fax me some of my records tomorrow. I’m > also not sure what my PSA score is. It has been fluctuating for more > than a year, and my doctor suggested a biopsy. Cancer was detected in 2 > of the 12 specimens—right medial base (<5%), and the right lateral apex > (15%). He said that the biopsy might have hit the tip of an iceberg, or > it could have hit is center. > > > > My Urologist, Dr. Mastandrea, recommends robotic surgery. No surprise; that's how he makes his living. Sorry if I seem cynical; Dr. M could be right. Welcome to the club no one wants to join. I have some suggestions that will help to make well-informed decisions. Anecdotes contributed by other patients can be interesting, but should never, ever, be relied upon as authority for one's own decisions. In other words, what helps me might harm you and vice versa. There is a lot to do. (1) If applicable, I recommend having the biopsy specimens examined by a pathology lab that has expertise in prostate cancer (PCa). Everything that is done from here on depends upon the accuracy of the Gleason scoring. Here is a list of such labs: Bostwick Laboratories [800] 214-6628 Dianon Laboratories [800] 328-2666 (select 5 for client services) Jon Epstein (s Hopkins) [410] 955-5043 or [410] 955-2162 Jon Oppenheimer (Tennessee) [800] 881-0470 Lucia (303)724-3470 This is a " second opinion " and should be covered by insurance/Medicare. The cost, last I heard, was about $500. More if further tests, which might be prudent, are ordered. The chosen lab can give instructions on shipment arrangements. In civilized jurisdictions, those specimens are the property of the patient and not the medic, not the lab. Sometimes it is necessary to educate them on that point. (2) The authoritative website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html is an excellent beginning. See also http://prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#newly_diagnosed Some medics who specialize in treatment (tx) of PCa are listed via this portal: http://prostate-cancer.org/resource/find-a-physician.html If a particular medic is not suitable due to distance (but there are men who travel thousands of miles for treatment) or otherwise, there is no harm and much possible gain in simply asking for a referral. There are also men whose primary medic is some distance away, but who receive their routine treatment (tx) near home. (3) I heartily recommend this comprehensive text on PCa: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI website and the like, aswell as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews), & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know. (4) Personal contact with other patients can be very helpful. Local chapters of the international support group Us Too can be found via their website at http://www.ustoo.com/chapter_nearyou.asp Lastly, Dennis should take care not to permit anyone to rush him into making a decision. He might regret it. Regards, Steve J " Empowerment: taking responsibility for and authority over one's own outcomes based on education and knowledge of the consequences and contingencies involved in one's own decisions. This focus provides the uplifting energy that can sustain in the face of crisis. " --Donna Pogliano, co-author of _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_, subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 > > My name is Dennis and I live in Seffner, FL—just east to Tampa. I’m a 60 > year old white male and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My > Gleason score is 6 (3+3). I’m not sure what stage I’m in-I’ve called my > doctor’s office and they are to fax me some of my records tomorrow. I’m > also not sure what my PSA score is. It has been fluctuating for more > than a year, and my doctor suggested a biopsy. Cancer was detected in 2 > of the 12 specimens—right medial base (<5%), and the right lateral apex > (15%). He said that the biopsy might have hit the tip of an iceberg, or > it could have hit is center. > > > > My Urologist, Dr. Mastandrea, recommends robotic surgery. No surprise; that's how he makes his living. Sorry if I seem cynical; Dr. M could be right. Welcome to the club no one wants to join. I have some suggestions that will help to make well-informed decisions. Anecdotes contributed by other patients can be interesting, but should never, ever, be relied upon as authority for one's own decisions. In other words, what helps me might harm you and vice versa. There is a lot to do. (1) If applicable, I recommend having the biopsy specimens examined by a pathology lab that has expertise in prostate cancer (PCa). Everything that is done from here on depends upon the accuracy of the Gleason scoring. Here is a list of such labs: Bostwick Laboratories [800] 214-6628 Dianon Laboratories [800] 328-2666 (select 5 for client services) Jon Epstein (s Hopkins) [410] 955-5043 or [410] 955-2162 Jon Oppenheimer (Tennessee) [800] 881-0470 Lucia (303)724-3470 This is a " second opinion " and should be covered by insurance/Medicare. The cost, last I heard, was about $500. More if further tests, which might be prudent, are ordered. The chosen lab can give instructions on shipment arrangements. In civilized jurisdictions, those specimens are the property of the patient and not the medic, not the lab. Sometimes it is necessary to educate them on that point. (2) The authoritative website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html is an excellent beginning. See also http://prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#newly_diagnosed Some medics who specialize in treatment (tx) of PCa are listed via this portal: http://prostate-cancer.org/resource/find-a-physician.html If a particular medic is not suitable due to distance (but there are men who travel thousands of miles for treatment) or otherwise, there is no harm and much possible gain in simply asking for a referral. There are also men whose primary medic is some distance away, but who receive their routine treatment (tx) near home. (3) I heartily recommend this comprehensive text on PCa: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI website and the like, aswell as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews), & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know. (4) Personal contact with other patients can be very helpful. Local chapters of the international support group Us Too can be found via their website at http://www.ustoo.com/chapter_nearyou.asp Lastly, Dennis should take care not to permit anyone to rush him into making a decision. He might regret it. Regards, Steve J " Empowerment: taking responsibility for and authority over one's own outcomes based on education and knowledge of the consequences and contingencies involved in one's own decisions. This focus provides the uplifting energy that can sustain in the face of crisis. " --Donna Pogliano, co-author of _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_, subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Thanks, . When I get the paperwork tomorrow, I’ll plug in the numbers. Dennis From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of thoer Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 17:45 To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: Re: First post... Dennis, One of the first tools I used in my research into what path I wanted to follow was the Sloan Kettering monogram. If you get all your " numbers " you can plug them in and it will show you what the latest data says about your options. It is at: http://www.mskcc.org/applications/nomograms/Prostate/PreTreatment.aspx It helped me ask the questions I wanted answers to from the Drs I consulted with. Be careful about anecdotal stories about what worked or didn't work for others. Each man is different and only you and your wife, with advice from whatever medical professionals you chose to get opinions from, can make the decision that best matches your needs. Good luck with your journey. > > Hi- > > > > My name is Dennis and I live in Seffner, FL-just east to Tampa. I'm a 60 > year old white male and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My > Gleason score is 6 (3+3). I'm not sure what stage I'm in-I've called my > doctor's office and they are to fax me some of my records tomorrow. I'm also > not sure what my PSA score is. It has been fluctuating for more than a year, > and my doctor suggested a biopsy. Cancer was detected in 2 of the 12 > specimens-right medial base (<5%), and the right lateral apex (15%). He > said that the biopsy might have hit the tip of an iceberg, or it could have > hit is center. > > > > My Urologist, Dr. Mastandrea, recommends robotic surgery. He also gave me > literature on cryotherapy, but I'm not comfortable with what I've read about > cryotherapy. He also suggested that we can watch and wait, and test again in > 6 months to a year. > > > > I've spent the last week researching on-line and reading posts to this > group. My wife and I are to meet with him next Wednesday, and I want to have > some thorough and intelligent questions to ask. I get more confused with > each website that I visit-too many options. I'm at the stage where I'm ready > to have the surgery so I can get rid of it. From reading websites and posts, > it seems that this is a normal first reaction. > > > > I've also been considering brachythearpy, but have concerns. My wife knows > of two individuals that had implants and later developed leukemia. She also > has a friend that had implants put into her thyroid, and developed leukemia. > I haven't noticed any mention of this on any of the websites that I've read. > It is going to be one of the questions I'll ask my doctor. > > > > I've concerns that my cancer might be more advance than the Gleason score > indicates. In some of the reading I've been doing, I've noticed that I've > had some of the symptoms discussed for well over a year-difficulty in > beginning to urinate, dribbling, not emptying my bladder, going to the > bathroom often, and toenails misshaped. I plan to ask if I should have more > tests performed to see if it is advanced more than the score indicates. > > > > I appreciate the posts that have been made, and I would appreciate any > comments from anyone. I'm trying to get as informed as I can about this > > > > Tks-Dennis > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Hi Dennis, You might find it useful to visit YANA - You Are Not Alone Now www.yananow.net a site set up for newly diagnosed people. One of the pages has suggested questions that you should seek answers to before making any treatment decision. That’s at http://www.yananow.net/questions.htm Since from the brief details of your diagnosis that you have given it seems likely that you may have what is referred to as an ‘insignificant’ tumour, you’ll likely have plenty of time to consider all the options available to you. An ‘insignificant’ tumour has been defined as being: 1. Nonpalpable 2. Stage T1c 3. Percent free PSA 15 or greater 4. Gleason less than 7 5. Less than three needle cores with none greater than 50% tumour. If your diagnosis does fall into this category – and you should get your biopsy results checked by a recognised expert pathologist (see http://www.yananow.net/pathlabs.htm ) before making any decision, then you might be one of the people who Dr Jon Oppenheimer, one of the leading pathologists in the US has to say on his blog at http://theprostateblog.blogspot.com/ For the vast majority of men with a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer the most important question is not what treatment is needed, but whether any treatment at all is required. Active surveillance is the logical choice for most men (and the families that love them) to make. The first section of the Yana site gives some basic information in plain language with links to more complex and technical sites. Many people have found that the booklet “A Strange Place” has been helpful – that’s at http://www.yananow.net/StrangePlace/index.html. The second section of the site is where men are invited to tell their prostate cancer stories and how they arrived at their decisions regarding treatment. Many people have mailed to say how useful they have found this, especially because most of the men are happy to respond to specific questions. The section of the site can be found by clicking the link labelled Experiences or going to http://www.yananow.net/Experiences.html There is a section dealing with the management of the disease, including some dietary hints at http://www.yananow.net/MyersManagement.htm Good luck on whatever path you take All the best Terry Herbert I have no medical qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since then. My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za Dr “Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data " From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of D Sent: Thursday, 11 June 2009 6:13 AM To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: First post... Hi- My name is Dennis and I live in Seffner, FL—just east to Tampa. I’m a 60 year old white male and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My Gleason score is 6 (3+3). I’m not sure what stage I’m in-I’ve called my doctor’s office and they are to fax me some of my records tomorrow. I’m also not sure what my PSA score is. It has been fluctuating for more than a year, and my doctor suggested a biopsy. Cancer was detected in 2 of the 12 specimens—right medial base (<5%), and the right lateral apex (15%). He said that the biopsy might have hit the tip of an iceberg, or it could have hit is center. My Urologist, Dr. Mastandrea, recommends robotic surgery. He also gave me literature on cryotherapy, but I’m not comfortable with what I’ve read about cryotherapy. He also suggested that we can watch and wait, and test again in 6 months to a year. I’ve spent the last week researching on-line and reading posts to this group. My wife and I are to meet with him next Wednesday, and I want to have some thorough and intelligent questions to ask. I get more confused with each website that I visit—too many options. I’m at the stage where I’m ready to have the surgery so I can get rid of it. From reading websites and posts, it seems that this is a normal first reaction. I’ve also been considering brachythearpy, but have concerns. My wife knows of two individuals that had implants and later developed leukemia. She also has a friend that had implants put into her thyroid, and developed leukemia. I haven’t noticed any mention of this on any of the websites that I’ve read. It is going to be one of the questions I’ll ask my doctor. I’ve concerns that my cancer might be more advance than the Gleason score indicates. In some of the reading I’ve been doing, I’ve noticed that I’ve had some of the symptoms discussed for well over a year—difficulty in beginning to urinate, dribbling, not emptying my bladder, going to the bathroom often, and toenails misshaped. I plan to ask if I should have more tests performed to see if it is advanced more than the score indicates. I appreciate the posts that have been made, and I would appreciate any comments from anyone. I’m trying to get as informed as I can about this Tks-Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Hi Dennis, You might find it useful to visit YANA - You Are Not Alone Now www.yananow.net a site set up for newly diagnosed people. One of the pages has suggested questions that you should seek answers to before making any treatment decision. That’s at http://www.yananow.net/questions.htm Since from the brief details of your diagnosis that you have given it seems likely that you may have what is referred to as an ‘insignificant’ tumour, you’ll likely have plenty of time to consider all the options available to you. An ‘insignificant’ tumour has been defined as being: 1. Nonpalpable 2. Stage T1c 3. Percent free PSA 15 or greater 4. Gleason less than 7 5. Less than three needle cores with none greater than 50% tumour. If your diagnosis does fall into this category – and you should get your biopsy results checked by a recognised expert pathologist (see http://www.yananow.net/pathlabs.htm ) before making any decision, then you might be one of the people who Dr Jon Oppenheimer, one of the leading pathologists in the US has to say on his blog at http://theprostateblog.blogspot.com/ For the vast majority of men with a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer the most important question is not what treatment is needed, but whether any treatment at all is required. Active surveillance is the logical choice for most men (and the families that love them) to make. The first section of the Yana site gives some basic information in plain language with links to more complex and technical sites. Many people have found that the booklet “A Strange Place” has been helpful – that’s at http://www.yananow.net/StrangePlace/index.html. The second section of the site is where men are invited to tell their prostate cancer stories and how they arrived at their decisions regarding treatment. Many people have mailed to say how useful they have found this, especially because most of the men are happy to respond to specific questions. The section of the site can be found by clicking the link labelled Experiences or going to http://www.yananow.net/Experiences.html There is a section dealing with the management of the disease, including some dietary hints at http://www.yananow.net/MyersManagement.htm Good luck on whatever path you take All the best Terry Herbert I have no medical qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since then. My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za Dr “Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data " From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of D Sent: Thursday, 11 June 2009 6:13 AM To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: First post... Hi- My name is Dennis and I live in Seffner, FL—just east to Tampa. I’m a 60 year old white male and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My Gleason score is 6 (3+3). I’m not sure what stage I’m in-I’ve called my doctor’s office and they are to fax me some of my records tomorrow. I’m also not sure what my PSA score is. It has been fluctuating for more than a year, and my doctor suggested a biopsy. Cancer was detected in 2 of the 12 specimens—right medial base (<5%), and the right lateral apex (15%). He said that the biopsy might have hit the tip of an iceberg, or it could have hit is center. My Urologist, Dr. Mastandrea, recommends robotic surgery. He also gave me literature on cryotherapy, but I’m not comfortable with what I’ve read about cryotherapy. He also suggested that we can watch and wait, and test again in 6 months to a year. I’ve spent the last week researching on-line and reading posts to this group. My wife and I are to meet with him next Wednesday, and I want to have some thorough and intelligent questions to ask. I get more confused with each website that I visit—too many options. I’m at the stage where I’m ready to have the surgery so I can get rid of it. From reading websites and posts, it seems that this is a normal first reaction. I’ve also been considering brachythearpy, but have concerns. My wife knows of two individuals that had implants and later developed leukemia. She also has a friend that had implants put into her thyroid, and developed leukemia. I haven’t noticed any mention of this on any of the websites that I’ve read. It is going to be one of the questions I’ll ask my doctor. I’ve concerns that my cancer might be more advance than the Gleason score indicates. In some of the reading I’ve been doing, I’ve noticed that I’ve had some of the symptoms discussed for well over a year—difficulty in beginning to urinate, dribbling, not emptying my bladder, going to the bathroom often, and toenails misshaped. I plan to ask if I should have more tests performed to see if it is advanced more than the score indicates. I appreciate the posts that have been made, and I would appreciate any comments from anyone. I’m trying to get as informed as I can about this Tks-Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Dennis -- you'll get good advice here. Take your time and consider your options carefully -- with a Gleason 6 you have time on your side so no need to rush. Whatever treatment you end up choosing, be sure you also select a specialist with solid experience in that procedure. For robotic surgery you need someone who's done at least 150 operations -- mine (January, 2008) had done over 500. Whether surgery or radiation, don't settle for less than the most experienced doctor you can find, it can make a major difference.Best of luck, and keep the brotherhood here informed of your progress, N.Altadena, CA found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 Terry, for the reply. I haven’t been on my computer in 3 or 4 days—Honey do list, ya know. I have been on the YANA site. It and this forum has been my motivation to dig deeper into the disease. Before, I was ready to have the surgery and get it over with, now I’m digging. Thanks to all that have replied. Dennis From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Terry Herbert Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 20:27 To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: RE: First post... Hi Dennis, You might find it useful to visit YANA - You Are Not Alone Now www.yananow.net a site set up for newly diagnosed people. One of the pages has suggested questions that you should seek answers to before making any treatment decision. That’s at http://www.yananow.net/questions.htm Since from the brief details of your diagnosis that you have given it seems likely that you may have what is referred to as an ‘insignificant’ tumour, you’ll likely have plenty of time to consider all the options available to you. An ‘insignificant’ tumour has been defined as being: 1. Nonpalpable 2. Stage T1c 3. Percent free PSA 15 or greater 4. Gleason less than 7 5. Less than three needle cores with none greater than 50% tumour. If your diagnosis does fall into this category – and you should get your biopsy results checked by a recognised expert pathologist (see http://www.yananow.net/pathlabs.htm ) before making any decision, then you might be one of the people who Dr Jon Oppenheimer, one of the leading pathologists in the US has to say on his blog at http://theprostateblog.blogspot.com/ For the vast majority of men with a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer the most important question is not what treatment is needed, but whether any treatment at all is required. Active surveillance is the logical choice for most men (and the families that love them) to make. The first section of the Yana site gives some basic information in plain language with links to more complex and technical sites. Many people have found that the booklet “A Strange Place” has been helpful – that’s at http://www.yananow.net/StrangePlace/index.html. The second section of the site is where men are invited to tell their prostate cancer stories and how they arrived at their decisions regarding treatment. Many people have mailed to say how useful they have found this, especially because most of the men are happy to respond to specific questions. The section of the site can be found by clicking the link labelled Experiences or going to http://www.yananow.net/Experiences.html There is a section dealing with the management of the disease, including some dietary hints at http://www.yananow.net/MyersManagement.htm Good luck on whatever path you take All the best Terry Herbert I have no medical qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since then. My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za Dr “Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2009 Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 Thanks, . Dr. M said he has done over 500. Dennis From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of stephen nowlin Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 01:20 To: prostatecancersupport Subject: RE: First post... Dennis -- you'll get good advice here. Take your time and consider your options carefully -- with a Gleason 6 you have time on your side so no need to rush. Whatever treatment you end up choosing, be sure you also select a specialist with solid experience in that procedure. For robotic surgery you need someone who's done at least 150 operations -- mine (January, 2008) had done over 500. Whether surgery or radiation, don't settle for less than the most experienced doctor you can find, it can make a major difference. Best of luck, and keep the brotherhood here informed of your progress, N. Altadena, CA found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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