MetalMan
Member
Prayers sent.....
Wishing you the best for a successful outcome.
Wishing you the best for a successful outcome.
Prayer Request - Continued Good News UPDATE Post 75
- Thread starter BC38
- Start date
straightshooter1
US Veteran
I'm, sorry for your diagnosis, I had been praying every day that it would not be Prostate Cancer.
That said, It is probably not the end of the world as they have apparently caught this early. You'll want to know your Gleason Score and to discuss the various options with your doctor.
I had several PET Scans since Spring of 2015 in connection with my throat cancer (which, thank the Lord, is gone).
But, in all of them, they lit up on my prostate. I had the finger wave with no nodules found, no evidence of anything, several PSA tests, always below 1.5 till the last one and the docs (and I) believed it was a false hit for prostate cancer.
Nonetheless, the VA docs thought we oughta do an MRI just to make sure and, sure enough, there was a tumor.
A prostate biopsy revealed a slow growing cancer, still in the prostate (had not escaped to attack anything else) and the doctors offered me several options for treatment from Active Surveillance to removal by surgery. He said he'd do any of them I wanted, but thought that the surgery was not the best option this early. I elected the Active Surveillance which consists of the finger wave every 6 months, another biopsy annually or bi-annually (I picked annually). Then treatment or continued surveillance depending on the findings.
I get my next finger wave in June. I love my doc, but must say he has the BIGGEST fingers I've ever seen, so I am not excited about it.
As to symptoms, I had none. My last PSA was only 2.1. No problems urinating, no unusual "feeling" when urinating and my urine didn't smell unusually bad (I am not a fan of the smell of urine, but mine smelled like it always had).
My point is, BC38, your diagnosis is not the end of the world, you have several, maybe even many, options.
My other point is, for any posters reading this, there ain't necessarily any neon signs flashing to tell you that you might have prostate cancer. If you haven't had the finger lately, you should seriously consider asking your doc about it (his or her fingers gotta be smaller than my docs). Also, PSA tests sure aren't the be-all, end-all, BUT they can point to a possible problem and, as long as you are getting blood drawn for some reason anyway, you might consider asking your doc for the PSA test.
Bob
That said, It is probably not the end of the world as they have apparently caught this early. You'll want to know your Gleason Score and to discuss the various options with your doctor.
I had several PET Scans since Spring of 2015 in connection with my throat cancer (which, thank the Lord, is gone).
But, in all of them, they lit up on my prostate. I had the finger wave with no nodules found, no evidence of anything, several PSA tests, always below 1.5 till the last one and the docs (and I) believed it was a false hit for prostate cancer.
Nonetheless, the VA docs thought we oughta do an MRI just to make sure and, sure enough, there was a tumor.
A prostate biopsy revealed a slow growing cancer, still in the prostate (had not escaped to attack anything else) and the doctors offered me several options for treatment from Active Surveillance to removal by surgery. He said he'd do any of them I wanted, but thought that the surgery was not the best option this early. I elected the Active Surveillance which consists of the finger wave every 6 months, another biopsy annually or bi-annually (I picked annually). Then treatment or continued surveillance depending on the findings.
I get my next finger wave in June. I love my doc, but must say he has the BIGGEST fingers I've ever seen, so I am not excited about it.
As to symptoms, I had none. My last PSA was only 2.1. No problems urinating, no unusual "feeling" when urinating and my urine didn't smell unusually bad (I am not a fan of the smell of urine, but mine smelled like it always had).
My point is, BC38, your diagnosis is not the end of the world, you have several, maybe even many, options.
My other point is, for any posters reading this, there ain't necessarily any neon signs flashing to tell you that you might have prostate cancer. If you haven't had the finger lately, you should seriously consider asking your doc about it (his or her fingers gotta be smaller than my docs). Also, PSA tests sure aren't the be-all, end-all, BUT they can point to a possible problem and, as long as you are getting blood drawn for some reason anyway, you might consider asking your doc for the PSA test.
Bob
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Ilike9mm
Member
I think you are going to be OK.
Now they are saying those numbers are not the end all diagnosis.
Now they are saying those numbers are not the end all diagnosis.
Prayers for best possible outcome.
OP
My Gleason score is 7 - which is on the lower end of the concern scale and my PSA density is .15 - also right on the lower end of what is considered a significant concern. As far as the biopsy can tell I appear to be stage 2a. They're working on scheduling a bone scan and MRI as soon as possible to do what they can to confirm all factors of the diagnosis as best they can. We think I will be OK with the MRI because they are pretty sure the hardware in my tibia is all titanium, but the hospital is digging up the records to confirm that 100% before we proceed.
I'm leaning pretty strongly towards surgery as the solution - probably arthroscopic. I'm only 55, so that seems to be the treatment course with the highest odds of a complete cure - which makes the most sense for me at my age. Everything I'm reading and being told says that if surgery isn't a complete cure, then radiation is a viable secondary treatment protocol. On the other hand if they try radiation first and it isn't a cure, then surgery is less likely to be effective as a second phase treatment.
The urologist I've been seeing doesn't do arthroscopic surgery - he's more old school. Though he has a lot of experience and a good track record with the more conventional surgery.
I met with my pastor today to talk about it - because he had the arthroscopic surgery 7 years ago. Afterwards I scheduled a consult with his surgeon for Thursday afternoon next week to get a second opinion on the PSA, biopsy results, and the arthroscopic surgery alternative. I've also got a consultation scheduled with a radiologist for next Thursday morning to get their opinion on my case as well.
Meanwhile I'm reading and researching to learn as much as I can to make the best-informed decisions possible. So far I'm not too freaked out about the whole thing. I think my wife is having a harder time dealing with it than I am. But that's normal for us. She frets a lot and I'm not a worrier.
I figure it will be what it will be and God's got it under control no matter what the outcome. I'm sure not going to make anything better by worrying myself sick (pun intended) over it. I'll just make the best most informed decisions I can and take it one day at a time.
I'm leaning pretty strongly towards surgery as the solution - probably arthroscopic. I'm only 55, so that seems to be the treatment course with the highest odds of a complete cure - which makes the most sense for me at my age. Everything I'm reading and being told says that if surgery isn't a complete cure, then radiation is a viable secondary treatment protocol. On the other hand if they try radiation first and it isn't a cure, then surgery is less likely to be effective as a second phase treatment.
The urologist I've been seeing doesn't do arthroscopic surgery - he's more old school. Though he has a lot of experience and a good track record with the more conventional surgery.
I met with my pastor today to talk about it - because he had the arthroscopic surgery 7 years ago. Afterwards I scheduled a consult with his surgeon for Thursday afternoon next week to get a second opinion on the PSA, biopsy results, and the arthroscopic surgery alternative. I've also got a consultation scheduled with a radiologist for next Thursday morning to get their opinion on my case as well.
Meanwhile I'm reading and researching to learn as much as I can to make the best-informed decisions possible. So far I'm not too freaked out about the whole thing. I think my wife is having a harder time dealing with it than I am. But that's normal for us. She frets a lot and I'm not a worrier.
I figure it will be what it will be and God's got it under control no matter what the outcome. I'm sure not going to make anything better by worrying myself sick (pun intended) over it. I'll just make the best most informed decisions I can and take it one day at a time.
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In the midst of the basic bad news, the bold print is good news.
I was in your situation, and learned that my options were:
brachytherapy (radioactive "seeds") and
external beam radiation - disadvantages to radiation are possible tissue scarring and resulting loss of future surgical options
open surgery - advantages are the surgeon can reach everything of interest, including lymph glands for biopsy; disadvantages are normal surgical risks, possible incontinence or impotence, (which can usually be avoided by a skilled surgeon doing a nerve-sparing procedure), longer recovery time = ~5-6 days in hospital.
robotic surgery - can't do it well if patient is too obese, surgeon cannot biopsy lymph nodes, faster recovery time than open surgery.
I hope your doc has gone or will go over all your options, in detail.
Take the advice of posters above, read up on these options, prepare a list of questions for your doc.
Pray for a clear head for yourself, and wisdom and compassion from your doc.
I did, chose open surgery for a full look around, surgeon happily reported he got it all, margins and nodes clean, everything still working as it should, and it will be nine years cancer-free next month.
You should have the same good result; medicine has gotten very, very good with this disease.
BTW, my urine stream is massively improved since my surgery; I should have had the danged thing out ten years earlier.
I'll pray for an equally good outcome for you. Keep your spirits up and Never Give Up!
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CScott
Member
Prayer sent. Best of luck to you. You are not alone in this.
Scott
Scott
straightshooter1
US Veteran
I did not realize you were so young. I am 70 (and quite surprised to find myself still here every morning), so the recommendations by the docs may be different.
My doc thought the seeds would be the best option for me if I didn't want to do the Active Surveillance.
My Score was 3 + 4 = 7 which is not the lowest it could be, but is certainly not high, either.
I'm hoping and praying that, if I'm still around when the cancer starts to break out and take a run at something else in my body, I'll be able to do the seeds rather than the removal of the prostate by surgery.
I'll be praying for you every day.
Bob
My doc thought the seeds would be the best option for me if I didn't want to do the Active Surveillance.
My Score was 3 + 4 = 7 which is not the lowest it could be, but is certainly not high, either.
I'm hoping and praying that, if I'm still around when the cancer starts to break out and take a run at something else in my body, I'll be able to do the seeds rather than the removal of the prostate by surgery.
I'll be praying for you every day.
Bob
American1776
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BC38:
I'm very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
With a cancer diagnosis, try your best to get a few opinions. Try to find a large cancer center that specializes in cancer treatment (Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc). If that isn't an option, try to go to the best University affiliated hospital to see what they have to say. You will have the best chance at the best outcome at one of the big cancer treatment centers, or a big hospital that does lots of surgeries for cancer every year.
Best of luck
I'm very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
With a cancer diagnosis, try your best to get a few opinions. Try to find a large cancer center that specializes in cancer treatment (Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc). If that isn't an option, try to go to the best University affiliated hospital to see what they have to say. You will have the best chance at the best outcome at one of the big cancer treatment centers, or a big hospital that does lots of surgeries for cancer every year.
Best of luck
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I'm hoping for the best outcome possible.
If it'll help my wife had stage 2 cancer of her saliva gland on her right side. Surgery and radiation treatment took care of it.
Although her smile's a bit lopsided now.
I find it endearing.
If it'll help my wife had stage 2 cancer of her saliva gland on her right side. Surgery and radiation treatment took care of it.
Although her smile's a bit lopsided now.
I find it endearing.
It is good you are researching your options. Try to stick to respected professional websites such as M.D. Anderson hospital or National Cancer Institute etc.. Dr. Google usually leads to a death sentence in 3 clicks. I know from experience.
chuckie
Member
Prayers on the way
OP
Thanks to all for all the positive feedback and prayers.
I'm not doing much internet research - yet. I'm about halfway through Dr. Walsh's book and am now leaning more towards traditional surgery, though I'll still be going for the laparoscopy and radiology consults. From what I'm reading traditional surgery by an experienced surgeon who specializes in this operation gives the doctor the opportunity to feel and thoroughly investigate the surrounding tissues and therefore increases the probability of making sure they get ALL of it the first time.
My Gleason score is the same as yours straightshooter1. 3+4=7, so as you said, not the best possible, but a far cry from the worst. That and a PSA in the 9.5-12.5 range, combined with my age, and otherwise good health adds up to a general recommendation of going for the surgical cure.
At my age and with no other health issues to complicate recovery, it is looking like a 75%-85% probability of full recovery and complete cure with surgery and no further treatment needed.
I've learned more about this disease in the last two days than I ever thought I would know (or want to know). Like I said, I'm only about half way through the first book I've ever read on the subject - and I'm sure I'll be reading at least a couple of books about it.
The one thing I will be researching on the internet is where to go for the treatment I finally settle on. Seattle is only 300 miles - a 4hour drive or a $100 plane ride - away and UW, Fred Hutchinson, Swedish Hospital, and Seattle Cancer Care are all possibilities if I decide not to go with someone or somewhere local.
I'm not doing much internet research - yet. I'm about halfway through Dr. Walsh's book and am now leaning more towards traditional surgery, though I'll still be going for the laparoscopy and radiology consults. From what I'm reading traditional surgery by an experienced surgeon who specializes in this operation gives the doctor the opportunity to feel and thoroughly investigate the surrounding tissues and therefore increases the probability of making sure they get ALL of it the first time.
My Gleason score is the same as yours straightshooter1. 3+4=7, so as you said, not the best possible, but a far cry from the worst. That and a PSA in the 9.5-12.5 range, combined with my age, and otherwise good health adds up to a general recommendation of going for the surgical cure.
At my age and with no other health issues to complicate recovery, it is looking like a 75%-85% probability of full recovery and complete cure with surgery and no further treatment needed.
I've learned more about this disease in the last two days than I ever thought I would know (or want to know). Like I said, I'm only about half way through the first book I've ever read on the subject - and I'm sure I'll be reading at least a couple of books about it.
The one thing I will be researching on the internet is where to go for the treatment I finally settle on. Seattle is only 300 miles - a 4hour drive or a $100 plane ride - away and UW, Fred Hutchinson, Swedish Hospital, and Seattle Cancer Care are all possibilities if I decide not to go with someone or somewhere local.
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...making sure they get ALL of it the first time is what drove my decision to have the retropubic traditional surgery.
It was a great relief to me when the post-op pathology came back that all the biopsied surrounding tissue, including lymph nodes, were negative for cancer. I could not have had that surety with laparoscopic surgery or radiation. I wish the same for you.
OP
Exactly - that's what I'm praying for too. Thanks for the encouragement.
If you don't mind sharing, what were your numbers at diagnosis - age, PSA, Gleason, stage - and did their diagnosis correspond to the post-op findings?
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manic mechanic
Member
Lifting brother.
OP
Been doing a lot of reading the last couple of weeks, and I had my bone scan and MRI last week. I saw the urologist to review the results today.
Good news: the cancer appears to be confined in the prostate - no signs of metastasis to bone or to my lymph nodes.
I'll be seeing the urologist who does robotic surgery tomorrow, and I'm trying to get an appointment with a medical oncologist to see if they recommend any other tests.
Once I complete those two consults I'll be making my decision on whether to go with surgical removal or radiation.
I'm still leaning towards surgery, though I'm now leaning more towards the robotic surgery rather than the traditional "open body" type.
Good news: the cancer appears to be confined in the prostate - no signs of metastasis to bone or to my lymph nodes.
I'll be seeing the urologist who does robotic surgery tomorrow, and I'm trying to get an appointment with a medical oncologist to see if they recommend any other tests.
Once I complete those two consults I'll be making my decision on whether to go with surgical removal or radiation.
I'm still leaning towards surgery, though I'm now leaning more towards the robotic surgery rather than the traditional "open body" type.
jrclen
US Veteran
Best wishes to you. I hope everything goes perfectly for you.
Hope that all goes well for you. Prayers offered.
John
John
Just a word of encouragement....... I was in a very similar situation in 2006 (except I seemed to be more scared than you). I was 60 when diagnosed, and am 72 now. Both my grandfather and father died from prostate cancer. I chose to have the da Vinci laparoscopic surgery, as that seemed to have the best success rate. I am very pleased to report that after 12 years I am still turning "undetectable" PSA readings. The surgery (and prayer) seemed to be really good for me. Praying that you have similar results.
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