New member , just diagnosed

I had a biopsy 2 weeks ago. It was positive for prostate cancer. My PSA was 1.4 two years ago, 2.7 one year ago, and 6.4 recently. My Gleason Score was 6 & 7
I'm going in for a CT and bone scan this Thursday. I have an appointment in another week to discuss the results and plan treatment.
I'm 58 yrs old and otherwise in good health. My brother had his prostate removed 14 years ago at age 49. He's been fine since then. My attitude is positive.
I've read many of the posts here and the stickies. I've gotten a lot of good information so far.
I want to thank the members here, I feel better talking about this.

Thanks Andrew, my wife and daughter are both nurses in local hospitals. They recommended a very good GU specialist. Pittsburgh, PA. is known for excellent healthcare, so I feel like I'm in good hands. Hopefully the scans will have good news. I'll update in about a week after the results.

Hi! Stay+...welcome to the forum.

Good to have closed ones in the medical lines...you should be in good hands.

All the best to your scans & your recovery's plan.

Jerry L. said...

You from PA? Just asking because I'm from the Hershey area...

Jerry L.

I live about 30 min east of Pittsburgh. I like Hersey, great amusement park. We were in Amish county, in south east PA. last month. What a beautiful area.

All the best to you.

Welcome to HW. As it has been posted already, you have several options to choose from as your primary treatment. With some Gleason 7 noted you can probably exclude AS. You should discuss your option with an Oncologist and make a decision.

Hello, Stay and welcome. With your stat the scans are not likely to show anything; in fact, many doctors would not even bother with them. So chill out on that front.

As others have said, you are likely to have multiple treatment options so please try to keep an open mind as you sort through the alternatives. If you have not read Walsh's, "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" and Scholz',
"Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers", I would recommend that you do so. Besides the surgeons, make sure you contact experienced brachytherapists and RO's so that you know and understand the possible treatments. Continuing to get yourself educated is a great way to gain control over your situation.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Jim

As others have said, go slow, and research and don't be sold. Every specialty has skin in the game. Regards Inkhorn

Glad you found this group. It has been incredibly helpful to me (I had robotic RP 10/2/13). There is an awesome - sometimes intimidating - amount of info "out there" on PCa, but seldom presented in the way I wanted to consume it: from the perspective of the patient with our genuine thoughts, fears, and joys mixed in with the data. Take your time (with everything - your readings don't indicate a need to rush) and scroll thru the forum looking for topics that interest you and learn all you can - you probably don't have any questions that haven't been asked before - or simply post a question. Many "old timers" here have been thru a tighter ringer than you are likely to endure and, while they don't replace your doctor by any means, getting info from experienced doctors AND experienced patients completed the picture for me.
And you have every reason to Stay Positive. 9 days after surgery I got my catheter out, was given a clean pathology report about surrounding tissue, and drove 200 miles to hold my new grandson, born the day before, feeling cancer free. I was dancing my brains out at my wife's high school reunion two nights ago thinking (with a silly accent), "I don't need no stinking prostate." I still await the first post op PSA but, like you, I'm staying positive.
Mikey

Hi Stay:

Sorry you had to join us, but glad you found the site. Hope you can also get good anecdotal information from your brother.

In all probability you have many treatment options. This may not appear to be a blessing while agonizing over potential treatment plans but once reached you'll be sure to have the option of doing this on your terms.