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Treatment options

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Prostate Cancer
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propaul
New Member
Joined : Mar 2009
Posts : 8
Posted 5/16/2009 5:31 PM (GMT -8)
I just had a biopsy, and I was told that I have prostate cancer.  My urologist said it was not deeply ingrained, and gave me several options.  The first is to do nothing and monitor the PSA with regular biopsies.  The second, which he highly recommends, is robotic surgery to remove the prostate, and thus eliminate any further chance for higher and more potent levels.  He recommends this treatment because I am on coumadin, and he feels that other treatments might leave me at risk for bleeding from the scar tissue.   Another is to have radiation treatment, and another is to have cryogenic(sp) (freezing) or heat treatment.  He didn't suggest or mention a new treatment the I have heard of, which is ultra sound (or something like that) therapy.  I could use some feedback on any of these treatments. 

 

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geezer99
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2009
Posts : 990
Posted 5/16/2009 6:47 PM (GMT -8)
Welcome -- this is a place where nobody wants to be but we like to be here. There are a lot of good sites on the web (and some not so good ones too) that will help to start your learning process. There are also some good books available -- look at the links at the top of the forum list.

The first thing is that prostate cancer is slow and so you have time to consider your options. The second is that prostate cancer has many good options -- that is treatments that can leave your cancer undetectable for ten years or more.

As you look at this board you will see that almost everyone summarizes their situation so far by adding a sig. Look for the control panel tab at the top of the page. This lets people tailor their advice to your situation.

Once again, we are here for each other and now we are here for you.
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TeddyG
Regular Member
Joined : Apr 2009
Posts : 133
Posted 5/16/2009 7:08 PM (GMT -8)
PP,
You need to understand what the numbers mean before you select a treatment course. There are many variables including your age, fitness, medical conditions and of course, the lab numbers associated with the psa and biopsies. Post them up and you will get replies more specific to your situation.
Also, go to a book store tomorrow and buy Dr Patrick Walsh's book "How to Survive Prostate Cancer." He tells alot about it in a way that you can understand and it is reliable. One cannot map this journey without understanding the available routes.
best wishes,
TeddyG
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Steve n Dallas
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2008
Posts : 5246
Posted 5/17/2009 1:28 AM (GMT -8)
How old are you and what are some of your PSA scores?

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aus
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2006
Posts : 211
Posted 5/17/2009 3:32 AM (GMT -8)

"I just had a biopsy, and I was told that I have prostate cancer."

Biopsy readings are subjective: what looks like cancer to one person might well look normal or like a different grade to another.

The most logical approach, if you have not already done so, is to arrange for another reading of your biopsy slides by an expert pathologist.

ie confirm where you really stand before even worrying about treatment options.

Secondly, obtain a printed copy of your biopsy report as it will contain a lot of relevant information like the number of positive samples, Gleason scores, and % of cancer in each sample. 

All of this information will help you put your situation into perspective and assist in your decision making process.

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Tudpock18
Forum Moderator
Joined : Sep 2008
Posts : 5380
Posted 5/17/2009 4:59 AM (GMT -8)

Dear propaul:

First of all, sorry you have to join us but welcome to this forum.  As several of the others have suggested, it would be very helpful if you post your stats in your signature.  PCa is different in every individual and the advice you get on this site will be better if we know what you are dealing with.  Also, getting Walsh's book is a very good idea.

The other thing you should do right away is schedule appointments with a radiation oncologist and a prostate oncologist.  Your urologist is a surgeon and is likely to favor that treatment.  That may indeed be the path you choose but you need to get fully informed and one of the best ways to do that is by seeking other opinions from qualified professionals.

I'll stop here but will come back with some other commentary after you post your stats.

Best wishes,

Tudpock

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55 and healthy in NJ
Regular Member
Joined : Apr 2009
Posts : 58
Posted 5/17/2009 6:20 AM (GMT -8)
Propaul,

You came to the right place for advice. There are many men here that have gone through what you are going through, so the good news is you/we are not alone. May I also suggest as a resource Dr. Scardino's book (see below) which was written specifically for guys like us whose heads are initially spinning about what to do, and is very readable. As you do your research, you will hear lots of case studies and opinions from people who have had different treatments, some more successful than others. The main thing to remember is that there is no "best" treatment for prostate cancer, and every individual's situation is just that -- individual. The best advice I have for you is, (a) get multiple opinions from several physicians, (b) tell everyone you know about your problem, because as I found out, most of the people you tell will know someone that has gone through this and they will be happy to talk to you personally about their experiences, both pre- and post-treatment, (c) ask questions, and (d) ask more questions. Best of luck as you go through your journey.

Greg
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John T
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2008
Posts : 4315
Posted 5/17/2009 8:24 AM (GMT -8)
Pro Paul,
The Prostate Cancer Research Institute''s web site has a section on treatment options. Click on papers, then newly diagonoised.
You shoud also read the following books:
Walsh or Sardino on Surgery.
"Brachytherapy and IMRT" by Dattoli
Compassionate Oncology web site by Liebowitsz on Hormone Therapy
"A primer on Prostate Cancer" by Strum
These will give you a good idea of all the treatment optiions.
I don't know any reference books on Cryosurgery or HUIF
Strum's book is probably the best book in helping you decide what type of cancer you have and fitting the best option to your cancer.
JT
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cvc
Veteran Member
Joined : Jun 2008
Posts : 535
Posted 5/17/2009 7:12 PM (GMT -8)
Steve n Dallas, your PSA was only 1.3 and they did a biopsy ?? That doesn't sound real high for 54 yrs old, was DRE negitive ??

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chris nz
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 33
Posted 5/18/2009 12:01 AM (GMT -8)
Hi pro paul
the first thing is not to panic, and don't be panicked into treatment decisions you do not understand and are not sure about. I am on Warfarin [Coumadin] , I had Brachytherapy after 5 years of active surveillance . I was told to stop the blood thinner one week before the procedure, I wore elastic hose and I had no problems,
regards
chris nz
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