I have some very early "prediagnosis " questions.

Diseases & Conditions Prostate Cancer
1
 
 
 
I was recently referred to a urologist, because my physician noted some irregularties during a rectal examination.  I met with the urologist and he prescribed a biopsy.
 
I am ok with that.  I asked him if positive results were found, what type of treatment he would recommend.  He said a complete prostectomy.  I fired him on the spot.
 
I am a young active, youthful, 65 year old.  I have friends with active prostate cancer who are getting positive results with radium implants.  I thought this doctor's reaction was too quick and to rehearsed.  I later learned "online" that he is the local "DaVinci" machine doctor.  I think that explains his tunnel vision.
 
I am still learning, but I think that old guy had a conflict of interest in my treatment.( yes he was about my age)
 
It is possible I will not need any treatment, but I would like to hear from others to expand my knowledge.
 
 
2
I'd suggest that you read as much as possible in order to help you make an informed decision.  I talked to guys with prostate cancer who swore by seed implants and others who favored surgery. It is a generally accepted fact that physicians tend to recommend what they are know best.  Urologists often lean toward surgery, Radiologists tend toward brachytherapy. 
 
It sounds as though your urologist jumped the gun by recommending a treatment without presenting you with all the options and the known outcomes.  My urologist thoroughly reviewed all the standard medical options with me and gave me time to come to my own decision. I posted in reply to another message here about my own reasons for deciding on surgery. 
 
Were I your age, and in good physical condition, my decision likely would be the same.  But you must make your own informed decision and feel comfortable with it.  Best to you on your biopsy, which if negative makes the treatment decision process moot.

Age 57  PSA 2.5  Gleason 5   Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy 6/21/06  Cancer confined to prostate

3

Hi Tim,

I was 60 when diagnosed with PCa. The results of my biopsy were: PSA 3.8, 2 out of 14 core possitive, Gleason score (3+3) 6. My general physical condition up to that point was excellent. My urologist at that time was a surgeon, but he strongly urged me to research all of the other options before choosing a coarse of treatment. He also reasured me that I had to be confident with my decision, and if I did'nt choose his specialty he would not feel slighted. 

As it turns out after much research and consideration my wife and I felt the daVinci procedure would offer me the best chance for a cure. This decision was of coarse unique to my set of curcumstances. We selected a urologist here in Washington, D.C. that was recognized as a veteran surgeon using the daVinci techique. My surgery was on 2/23/06, and so far I feel confident with our choice.

When you have all of the data the biopsy provides then you can start your search. It is good to know what is offered, but it is too early to focus on a treatment yet.

Good luck to you,

Glen

4
"Willing to learn" wasn't so willing to learn whether you even had prostate cancer before getting all in a huff. You only asked what the Doc would suggest as treatment. You asked for his opinion then fired him for giving it? Why ask? You had no biopsy results to even go by and until you do, even you can't predict what treatment is possible. Sorry guy, bragging about firing someone for giving his opinion without any facts is uncalled for. If implants was what you might prefer then research the seeds. Don't fire some poor Doc for answering a question that was actually moot at the time. Not a Doc defender here...just suggesting that you treat any man the way you'd like to be treated and hopefully he'll do the same.
5

"willingtolearn"....even your name is funny.  You fired him on the spot!!  That's great.  How do you "fire" a physician?  Did you take his license to practice and burn it?  Did you wave your hand and decree he was now "FIRED" and could no longer take patients?  Did you just not pay your bill?  Maybe you should "fire" your GP, because he sent you to this nincompoop in the first place.

Let's face it, you were sent to the perfect physician.  You asked him a simple honest question, and when you didn't get exactly the answer you wanted or expected, you "fired him on the spot". 

I swear, if it wasn't such a serious subject, I'm thinking this is the funniest chat board I have ever joined.

Brixy

Brixy

6

 

Hi Friends

I am bringing back this post from last July to let people know that you don't always get a good response on this forum. When I posted I was upset and even more so after the attack responses.  But , hey thanks to those with helpful comments.

As mentioned in my most recent post I am two weeks past my DaVinci Surgery.  My recovery is going well.  I am inclined to share with others but I am still a bit "shy" about personel attacks from other posters.

My complaint about my original urologist proved to be very accurate and well founded.  I found a wonderful doctor who  did a great job and has my trust and gratitude.  Don't be afraid to change from a doctor you do not feel "good" about. I won't share any other information about the first urologist, but my wife had the opportunity to see him with patients and nurses and gave a big cheer for my good judgment.

I will be watching this forum, and when I feel I can trust the people here, I will share my recovery as it goes forward. Just two weeks and so far so good.

Best to All

Bill

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Am I missing something here? Without even drawing blood for a PSA check, this guy is suggesting a biopsy? I would have fired him, too. Yes, "fired him".

-Gordy
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Bill,

It was not pre-biopsy but I also decided to walk out on my local urologist. The fact that he pushed his own specialty, which was open radical prostatectomy, was not the issue with me but the way he was putting down all of the other treatments just turned me off. Also, he was so cold and impersonal about it I felt like he just wanted me to bow down and beg him to do it as soon as possible. I ended up going to a univeristy based medical center. While I talked to surgeons there they were so much more even about treatments and were willing to refer me to experts in any of the other treatment areas. I chose the Da Vinci but I can say that if I had been 10 years older I probably would have leaned more toward radiation. I am surprised at the strong responses you got back in the summer. You were a little strong yourself with the "fired" word but it has been evident to me since I have been active on this forum for the last six months that by far the consensus is that you have to have confidence in the provider of your treatment. Your satisfaction with your results substantiates that you made the right decision.

Tamu

Diagnosed 7/6/06
1 of 10 core samples, 40%
Stage T1c, Gleason 3+3
Da Vinci on 11/01/06
Catheter out on 11/13/06
56 Years Old
Post Op Path
Gleason 3+3
Approx. 5% of prostate involved
Prostate Confined, margins clear
Undetectable PSA on 12/18/06
No more pads as of 1/13/07

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hi Bill, I see from your last post that you found a great doctor and decided on surgery. I'm sorry that you felt you were "attacked" by a few posts. I know that no one here meant to attack you and am sorry the posts came across that way. I wish you a very quick and uneventful recovery and please hang around and chat. we need all the support we can get. kat

Husband Jeff 56 years old diagnosed July 27, 2006
PSA 6.5, 2 positive areas in biopsy, Gleason 3+3=6
Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy August 30, 2006
pathology report - all clear - cancer gone
1st post-surgery PSA test 0.1, 2nd post-surgery PSA test 0.1
no more pads Oct 12, 2006
first "real" erection with use of pump 12/16/06

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Bill,

Thanks for re-joining the board.  I hope you'll share your experience.  Before I go further I want to make a point.

1. I also am probably changing my urologish. he simply has a poor bedside manner.  Why is this important? Well, IMHO it reflects on his ability to listen.  Listen to who? Well, I'm only the patient and probably really don't know that much. But I wonder, does he listen to his support staff? His surgical assistant? His radiological oncologist, if they are working together on the brachytherapy?  The point is, I'm directing my own research for treatment and will choose to go elsewhere for treatment.

So, while you came on strong in the summer, I understand your reaction.
 
Now, I'm working on my plan and my choices and will probably go da vinci. Seems like the best option.  I'd appreciate you sharing your experience and thinking on this topic.
 
But share only what feels right.
 
best regards,
 
Markus

Age, 53
PSA 3.76, Gleason 6, T1c, scans negative
psa doubling time 35 months
Still researching and deciding treatment options.  Leaning towards da vinci robotic.

11

My urologist recommended surgery, but when I decided on radiation he was very supportive.  I later told him that I appreciated the way he handled me and he said, "I'm your doctor until you fire me." 

Regards,

Bill

Gleason 3+3=6, T1c, one core in twelve, another pre-cancerous.
62 years old and good health.  Married 37 years.  To same woman!

12
Hey there willing to learn. Welcome to the other side. Wow, sorry about your early experience on the attack issue. I have found the forum to be respectful, kind, gentle, and Swimon to be extremely kind and helpful to everybody. But the tone of her post in July 06 was not in her usual wonderful character. Must of had a bad day like I had when I made a smart ass tongue and cheek post which I am sorry for and Swimon pointed it out very kindly with one of those little faces wagging the finger at me, I deserved it. I hope you will stick around and share your experience with us and with new people that hop on. It sure does help to read other true personal experience when you get this thang. Hope you are healing up. I just re-read your first post I wouldn't have a 65 year old Urologist DaVinci me. You are right referring to him as the old guy. My first uro was about the same age he said matter of factly 50% have erectile disfunction and 50% have incontinence issues. After reading study researching the net and finding this forum I ran as fast as I could and found two doctors one 31 years old he made Dougie Houser look like a senior citizen and the other guy 43. The 31 year old has been playing video games and computer stuff since he was born. I wanted some one who understands new technology not some old fart like me that panics every time I have to download some upgrade for my software. I didn't want some old urologist with a been there there done that I can't save everybody attitude. I'm sorry two of the response to your first post were not very friendly or encouraging.
When people get here they basically are lost and looking for some answers. I will try to remember and keep that in mind when I post responses. So, you forgive and chalk up those response as a bad day for someone else and hang in here. 57 years old DaVinci 10/12/2006 doing very well
13

 

Hi Friends

Thanks for all the new letters giving support and encouragement.  I just wanted to remind others that when we have fear and anger about our problems they often show up in our posts online.

Yes, I am feeling more comfortable here and feeling good about my recovery. Just 16 days past my surgery and looking to the future.

Best...

Bill

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Bill,
I feel awful that some in this blog will respond to your initial reaction so cold. That fact is that you were shocked about what this ugly disease can cause. In less that two weeks I will be undergoing the da Vinci procedure. I have been a member of this forum for two months and find it the most helpful therapy I could ask for. Someone to tak to who knows what its like to be told you need surgery, have cancer, and how to prepare for the post op. Very few sites out there with honest answers. I forgive those who "attacked" you. They too have to deal with this in their way. I am only 44 and can't stand the thought that I get an early dose of cancer. But I am the lucky one in some ways. My family and friends have rallied around me, and I have a great surgeon. I am glad you came around to the desire to return here and talk. It's great council and a place to be open and not attacked. Good luck on the first post op PSA.

tc


Gleason 7 (3+4)
PSA 13.5
Bone scan negative
DRE negative
3 0f 8 cores 80%, 1 core on opposite side 30% (G6)
15

WillingToLearn  &  Loved Ones,

 

                 A   “Special”  Warm Welcome  to  You!

 

It helps “all of us” ~ to help you ~ if we know where you are on your path…  We’re glad you came back….  The following is a very personal opinion so please accept it as that!!! 

 

After reading your post from July 2006 for the 1st time..…. We truly understand your hesitation not to post and only wish you would have responded because this is how things move forward… by sharing. (good/bad/ugly) …   Back in July ~ we were newbies and now having 7 months under our belt there is much to be seen in your 1st posting. 

 

I’m a firm believer that New Postings should be kinda like an AA Meeting…

Stand up and say…. Hi ~ My name is “Wish I Didn’t Have To Be Here”… I have prostate cancer!!!  Once it is said out loud by the individual… it allows you to move forward.

 

Giving a little of oneself by sharing “health status/results” helps us to help you!  So ~ we can share ourselves with you.  That’s why I eventually put together a Thread:  “Helpful Hints for New Members" 

 

I personally feel ~ you couldn’t ask for a more direct and trusted friend in Swimom…

If you take time to really see what she saw and read… from your posting… she was being honest…. Sometimes the true hurts and sometimes the truth makes us grow...  Even in fear... we may not see what's really there and then again... what's there maybe isn't something we wanted to see or read. 

 

You are back with us now.... and that's what is important!!!

 

She made the following statements in a past posting to me and I think of this often.

 

I sent this to Swimom……Partial Quote from me  TO: Swimom: 

 

You are a “ special guardian angel  “  to so many on this forum.  Your wisdom has helped guide them ~ in specific areas where their next stepping-stone looked a little wobbly…..  Pre & post surgery…. You’ve made their journey safer by sharing your knowledge.

 

You shoot from the hip and you’ve had to use “tough love” in some instances…. And that’s what I’ve come to respect about you!!!  Your honesty and your giving nature.

 

She sent this back to me…..Partial Quote from Swimom TO: Bluebird

When I think of you I see a Snow White like lady with a tiny little bluebird perched upon your hand standing in a forest where the sun shines through the trees. It takes a gentle and inviting hand to make a little bird feel safe. Guardian Angels come in all sorts of packages.

 

I'm so much more like a John Travolta guardian angel with dirty wings and an attitude.

 

If I had to pick a guardian angel between Snow White & John Travolta….  Trust me when I say…  I would pick John Travolta in a heart beat!!!!   She has so much knowledge in this area and many other areas…..  Truly ~ if you were told you could have just 1 guardian angel…. Swimom is the one you would want on your shoulder!!!

We are both valuable to this forum… and over time you will learn to let the past postings go….  Now is the time to continue on with your healing/recovery and know that reaching out to “all of us”… again is wonderful!

I do need to say that the posting from Brixy was totally uncalled for, unacceptable, and should have been “bumped”.  I’m sorry it wasn’t before you read it!!  That’s one individual who only posted 5 times so consider the source and let it go!  This is called flaming and is not acceptable in any shape or form.  Trust me when I say this…..  It will never happen to another member!!!!!!!  This I promise!

Your recent posting had the following that was missing from your first and it really lends to saying…. I am approachable….. I am needing help….

 

     Hi Friends

     Best to All  

     Bill

 

You are here now…. And we are glad you are!!

Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers,

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

June 29th ~ PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable

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Moma Blue,
You never stop amazing me! What a truly wonderful person you are! Where would this forum be without you? I'll tell you where, it would be just another ho-hum forum with people coming and going like the other PC forums I've seen. This place is special because you make everyone feel so loved and cared for! When I first posted here, I was begging for someone to help me, I was desperate and been seaching the internet for weeks looking for an answer to my problem. My 1st glimmer of hope came when Swimom replied back to me telling me about her husband Paul's battles with low T. and she offered to help me research the subject whidh had been alluding me. Without knowing what the **** I was talking about, I wrote back that my wife would never go for me taking testosterone with a history of PC. Well Swim posted back a sharp responce to that, something like she will not have to live in your body for the next 30 years! I knew right then this was going to be a big problem if my wife ever read it! When she did and saw Sim's post, (she saw me sitting at the computer for long periods of time, very unusual for me!) She said who the**** does this ******* Simom think she ******* is? She doesn't know a ******* thing about me! What she didn't know at the time (I didn't either) was that she and Swim were very much alike! (We found that out later on!) But getting back to you Moms Blue, After Lisa had her hissy fit, I told her to read passed Swims post to your 1st post to me. It said that "knowlage is power and power conquers fear!" She said WOW! I told here I wanted to continue to post here because I thought there were some great people here just like MomaBluebird! and that they could help me! So the rest is history. I was helped out of my deep dark pit of lonlyness and dispare by Swim and She & Lisa became friends! It never would have happened if it were not for your kind words on that 1st post! Gardian Angels! You bet!!!! You both are my Angels and I can't thank you both enough in words! I love you both and yhis special place would not be near as special with out the both of you! OK, thats enough from sappy Pete today! I have to go shopping for the big Supper Bowl Party! Me & Pete Jr. watching and Lisa falling asleep! I'll try to keep it low fat! God bless you all!
Your Good Friend,
Pete

53 years old, Surgury, Radical Prostatectomy 8/20/03, PSA 6.6, Gleason 3 + 3 = 6, Adenocarcinoma extent (moderate) Stage & Margin:T2NOMX, No Metastases, Organ Confined, bone scan: Neg.  

17
Pet You are a riot! Tell Lisa I got some movie tickets and nobody who will go with me. Heck, if she catches a flight we could be at the 7 o'clock feature AND have time to catch a drink at the local Sharks Club before the redeye.

So, Lisa made her way past my..um...matter of fact way of talking. I'm glad. She does sound a bit like my personality at that. It may be that we both have a connection with the health related industry. It takes a particular personality to be in the field. Usually A types...thus her, what the **** is this woman doing to my husband attitude! Well...1400 miles away, not much...LOL!

When you said Lisa wouldn't like it, my first thought was this guy is reaching out in desperation for his life here and he's worried about his wife? The comment wasn't toward Lisa my dear...it was toward you!! Lisa would never be angry if you had to do something or suffer. No woman would. No matter how much we may be afraid, we will do what ever needs to be done. Women are comfortors, we're healers from the inside. Once in a while it's a matter of not knowing just what's going on inside. That sometimes takes a while but we get that too eventually with or without our loved ones help. Intuition isn't completely automatic. You sound like you tried real hard to hide some stuff and Lisa found it. Am I anywhere close to accurate?

I suspect once the communication opened up on your end the two of you had lots to say to each other.
I've had to pry stuff out of Paul for 20 years. What used to take years to get out of him only takes a day or a week now. Hot candle wax and bamboo shoots!!! I fianlly found the trick!!!!
18

Pete ~ What a sweetheart you are!!! 

 

You’ve truly touched our hearts…  This is the reason we keep this “stepping-stone” close!  This forum is a part of us now… and we thank you for letting us know that we have made a difference.  This really means a lot to us!!!  That’s why we are here ~ and that’s why mama blue will continue to chirp ~ chirp ~ chirp… 

 

Like several people have said… on a few different threads.  You have options to read what you want! And ya know when mama blue starts……..

 

Yes ~ I remember that posting from Swimom… to you very clearly!!!!!  I think I recall saying out loud…  GO SWIM!!!!!!! And I may have even high fived it with Buddy while I said it!

It truly was a wonderful day…… the day that Lisa came onboard!!!

 

You both have given so much back to this forum with “all of your” postings.  Each and every one!!!!  What a wonderful ~ Healingwell Family ~ we have here!!!  Thank you for allowing “us” to join each of you on your journeys.

 

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

 

 

Warm wishes are just like the rainbows

that help make our clouds disappear,

They help us feel precious and cared for,

and fill us with comfort and cheer (optimism).

                                                                 

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

June 29th ~ PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable

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PEEEETEEEE....got th at right this time. Pet is somehting Lisa lovingly calls you!
20

Lifeguyd *Bill…previously known as… WillingToLearn *Bill

 

We can all learn from your 1st posting... there's important information here.

 

 

Threads started by:.... lifeguyd                                           Updated 4-26-2007

(direct link ~ just click on the title!  Reminder to click on the REFRESH icon once there)

 

2-23-2007  Good doctor's appointment but Viagra shocker...

2-16-2007  urinary discomfort  

2-07-2007  Movin on down the road

2-10-2007  My friend has Brachytherapy problems...

7-17-2006  I have some very early "prediagnosis " questions.

 

 

Bill ~ Thanks for staying with us and thanks for the updated info on your new thread..

 

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

J  We invite you to visit our personal thread:  Click Here:  “Our Journey” ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

2nd PSA 02-06-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)

Post Edited (bluebird) : 4/26/2007 5:33:42 PM (GMT-6)