F&%$ !! Prostate Cancer

[obgyn65]

Sorry to read this. Take care.

[KingB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Live And Learn I'm sorry to hear of the diagnosis. A Gleason of 3+3 has excellent prognosis and the 3+4 is only very slightly worse. The most excellent thing is that your caught it. Going to Sloan for treatment is fantastic. My DH was diagnosed 4 years ago (PSA went from 1.2 to 2.4 in three months !) and is now great with PSA readings of 0.00. Hang in there. I know what you're going through. Soon you will be in Hawaii !

What caused your DH to get another PSA test within 3 months of the first one. Was he feeling other symptoms? I am asking because the test is usually done yearly.

[Cessna5354]

Certainly the worst news and best news,

Worst that this has happened to you, Best (weakly said) that you know, and take measures. Those who don't are at great risk.

Best to you & your family !

Editorial: I wish all money spent on Ethanol, Wind-Solar Energy, Electrical cars was directed to conquering cancer.

[Ronstar]

Sorry about the diagnosis. Sounds like you're in good hands. Take care, research, and heed the advice of your clinicians.

[Live And Learn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingB What caused your DH to get another PSA test within 3 months of the first one. Was he feeling other symptoms? I am asking because the test is usually done yearly.

Lucky coincidence. He started a Statin and his doctor ordered bloodtests to check for liver functions; he threw the PSA test on there out of habit.

[JOHNNIE36]

mystang, sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Just happens that I played golf today with two guys that had prostate cancer. They are just going about their normal lives. Also, last fall my brother was diagnosed with PC and he went through the surgery using the Davinci robotic method. Three days and he was up and about. No chemo. Best of luck to you.

[ratface]

Is the cat's meow. I attend a head and neck cancer survivor group and had occasion to see a doctor demonstrate this thing as it pertains to HN cancer. If it is an option for you do not hesitate or question it's effectiveness. I'm sorry for your diagnosis. Don't take any type of cancer lightly, let a tumor Board evaluate and recommend a suitable plan of action. Sloan is world known for HN cancer treatment BTW, a great place to be.

[Dreamer]

So sorry to hear that you have PC, but I am so glad that you are going to such a good medical institution. Good luck.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, Grasshopper. Good luck to you also.

[imoldernu]

Yeah... fear and depression... the very toughest parts. After the consult, the uncertainty is gone, and it's easier to deal with. Time for the shock to wear off, and more familiarity with the options helps.

I recall my own colon cancer... unexpected in 1989, which led to the decision to retire early. Not a pleasant time, but a c section, over and done and cancer free now, for 24 years.

Then, a year later, a 29 PSA led to urgent biopsies (12), with negative results ... (bad PSA reading). At the time... 1990, PSA testing was still in its infancy (approved in 1986), and there was great uncertainty and division among doctors as to treatment. A week of waiting builds anxiety, and the biopsy punches (needles) left memories. Even this procedure has now improved, thank goodness.

On the leukemia part... My next door neighbor just turned 80 and has been living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for almost 20 years.

Its ugly stuff no matter what, but we deal with it, and life goes on.
Best wishes for a good outcome... Hopefully this will just end up as a blip on the memory, many years from now.

[Rambler]

Sorry to hear of the diagnosis but you'll be fine at Sloan. I do not advocate watchful waiting due to my dad's pc. Doc in his case diagnosed cancer in 3 of 9 cores (17 years ago) and was told it was a mild form, not aggressive form. He opted for the surgery, which took place three months after the biopsy was taken. In that short period of time, a cancer that was not supposed to be aggressive had fully overtaken his prostate. Thankfully it had not breached the prostatic shell, which, after the surgery, the doc indicated would have happened given the rapid progression of the disease. You know this already, but C is not to be taken lightly, and since you are young it is best to treat early and aggressively. If you were 80 or 85, watchful waiting may be a course of action, but based on what I saw in dad's situation, I would treat it aggressively if in my 50's or 60s.

Not medical advice, just my opinion based on family experience. Dad, by the way, had RP and while he has had some issues related to the RP, he is cancer free, alive, and still pretty active for age 77.

R

[mystang52]

UPDATE - Just in case anyone is curious:
Had prostatectomy May 31. Cancer confined to the prostate, no spread. My recovery has been excellent, and the "usual" post-op effects have been minimal to non-existent. I resumed running and swimming 5 weeks post-op, and this past weekend resumed cycling. As long as training goes well, I expect to do a sprint Triathlon on September 8.
Didn't do that Hawaii vacation, but had a glorious time in Fort Lauderdale instead. And, along the way continue to really love the ER lifestyle!

[Coach]

That's excellent news! It sounds like you'll be enjoying life for many more years.

Coach

[MichaelB]

Good news indeed.

[RunningBum]

Great news! For you, of course, but also a good story for those who get the cancer in the future. Thanks for reporting back on this.

[powerplay]

That's good news! May you enjoy many more retirement years in good health.

[NW-Bound]

All right!

Congratulations on your speedy recovery.

[rodi]

Great news!

[chilkoot]

Great to hear! And congratulations!

[bbbamI]

Oh yeah baby....great news!

[grasshopper]

Good news all around, glad to hear that surgery went well and you are back to your active life.

I had my results from Julys PSA test, with a sugar free diet, weight loss, and a bit higher exercise level. Drum roll please, my PSA went from 4.5 to 2.8, doc says DRE suggests a little shrinkage of my prostate. I will continue active surveillance.