Medical Ongologist?

When do people usually see a Medical Oncologist? Only after prostate CA has spread outside the Prostate? We are wondering about the whole aspect of the disease, and the focus right now is surgery. What should we expect, or what is fair to expect, from a surgeon about managing the disease, itself?

Any input on these thougts is appreciated.

FairRider

Hi FairRider

AUS gave a great explanation above which I can't really improve upon! I just want to say that before I made my treatment decision I consulted with a top prostate cancer medical oncologist at a major cancer hospital. He was extremely helpful to me in evaluating each of my treatment choices, in giving me the probability of a cure in each treatment choice and in helping me make my final treatment decision.  Consulting with a medical oncologist lends unbiased objectivety in making a treatment decision. 

I see that you have requested input on a robotic surgeon, but you do not indicate where you live (but perhaps you are willing to travel for your treatment).  Dr. Ash Tewari at NY Presbyterian (Cornell) in New York City is considered one of the best robotic surgeons in this country.  However, there are many more excellent surgeons throughout the U.S. that have performed surgery for the members here. 

I see that you, like me, let a period of over three years go by between PSA tests and got the surprise you didn't want to hear. We can only hope that our cancer was slow growing and that we caught it early enough. I am optomistic! Best of luck to you!

Dave