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Posted 6/20/2008 9:59 AM (GMT -5)
First off, thx to everyone here who talked me into the biopsy.just got the results this morning. ONe of twelve sticks 5% 3-3 gleason he said its so small and so early take your time with what you want to do. he is a free hand surgeon thats what he recommends i know you guys researched the hell out of this stuff what do you guys think? im 45 in good health otherwise but scared to death none the less



thx everyone

rick
Posted 6/20/2008 10:10 AM (GMT -5)
First, don't be scared and don't panic....Like the doc says, its early in the game and you have plenty of time to deciee your options.   Lots of reading and research is ahead, along with discussing some of the options with people here who have gone before you, if you are inclined to do so.  Study, ask questions, and don't rush into anything early.  It'll take about up to 3 months for your biopsy procedure to heal, and most further treatment options require that the prostate be healed.   Sorry for the results you got, but you fit into the very top of the lucky guys who found out early.  First thing I would recommend would be a second opinion reading of the biopsy cores, to confirm the original diagnosis. 

Posted 6/20/2008 10:17 AM (GMT -5)
thx jim,
the total should read <5% if that makes a difference. i planned on the second opinion.



rick
Posted 6/20/2008 10:41 AM (GMT -5)

Rick

There are many options.  I have found the website listed below to be very good at discussing various treatments.  It's only short fall in my estimation is it does not really do Proton justice.

http://www.prostate-cancer.com/index.html

For Proton see http://www.proton-therapy.org/

Wishing you the best in your search for what is RIGHT for YOU.

I have reached the idea that there are 3 factors that come into play to determine the treatment one finally obtains.

1. Emotional                                                                                  

2. Physical

3. Financial

I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do.

Richard yeah tongue yeah

Posted 6/20/2008 10:42 AM (GMT -5)
Rick im so glad you got the biopsy,at least you know now ,take the time t find the right uro that gives you that warm confident feeling,like i said before i went through 2 the 3rd was the one.i waited 6 months to have the proceedure done ,remember to ask the hard questions,interveiw the heck out of these guys,i dont know what part of the country your in but if your anywhere in the west coast there are a handful of great surgeons, right now just be thankful you one of the few who caught it early,give yourself some credit rick this is not easy,relax,relax,relax your gonna do well..................................dirt
Posted 6/20/2008 11:58 AM (GMT -5)
Hi i also wanted to add that the dr said come back in 3 weeks we will discuss it. Take all the time you need you dont really have to make a choice for at least 6 months to a year. also after i went over the info printed up from his office with my options it is so slanted toward surgery its humerous thats just my take
im going to go over ever option and im going to get several other opinions.
Posted 6/20/2008 12:10 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Rick, we know how absolutely frightening this news is to everyone but your results are so small, just like ours were , that you have the benefit of time to explore all alternatives and interview as many urologists as you need to. Rod's biopsy showed 1 of 12 sticks at a 3-3 gleason and davinci surgery was done within 2 months. We were especially concerned due to his family hx. of pca . However, we should have had a second reading of the biopsy just for our reassurance because his prostate showed no cancer on pathology. It did show a few precancerous lesions however, and we certainly would have made the same decision if the second evaluation of the biopsy was the same.We advise everyone to have the biopsy evaluated twice, then take a deep breath and make your decision. All your information indicates you are in the very early diagnosis group,you will be cured and you are so in the right place for support and information! We're all here for you. Annie
Posted 6/20/2008 12:58 PM (GMT -5)
Rick--I'm sorry to hear that your biopsy showed prostate cancer.

I would insist on a 2nd opinion of the slides by an expert, especially with only 1 of 12 cores showing cancer.  My slides were sent to Johns Hopkins University and reread by Jonathan Epstein, one of the world's leading experts on prostate cancer cells.

Your situation, except for your age, mirrors mine.  You have plenty of time to research options and get second opinions on treatments. My wife and I took our time reading about treatments before deciding on surgery four months after diagnosis. 

Take care and hang in there...Tim

 

Posted 6/20/2008 6:20 PM (GMT -5)
Rick,
Sorry about the finding but sound advice by all above. Take your time and learn all you can about PCa. Knowledge is power and you have plenty of time to become very informed and ultimately base your final decision on what's the best course for you. All the best,
Bill
Posted 6/20/2008 10:04 PM (GMT -5)

Hi Rick,

I'm sorry you got the news you didn't want to have.  As all have said, the next step is the find out all you can and make a decision you feel most mcomfortable with.

A second opinion is easy to get.  You can have your slides sent to another lab for another reading.  You can also just take the pathology report to another surgeon and/or radiologist for a second opinion and advice. 

You do have some time as well.  For example, when I went for a second opinion (mine was early stage as well) the second doctor, who was a friend as well, said "Barry, just do something (surgery or radiation) this year, please."  At the time, that was six months to decide, so you don't have to rush.  I made my decision in less than one month, but that is up to you.

A good doctor won't push you either way on surgery vs. radiation.

It is a blessing you have caught this in what appears to be a VERY early stage!

Also, Rick, my doctor gave me a nice book with 100 questions and answers regarding prostate cancer.  It is very well done.  I would be glad to send the book to you (or someone else) free of charge.  Contact me at my e-mail address using the icon at the left.  I'll give Rick first dibs.

Please keep asking all the questions you can as you work through the initial fear. 

Don't worry, the fear is normal, you are not a wimp!  We all went through it and often go through it again as we await our regular PSA results (my 4th PSA result is due next Tuesday! :-) )

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you make this important decision.

Kind regards,

Posted 6/20/2008 10:42 PM (GMT -5)
Hey Rick,

Sorry about the biopsy results. But it sounds like you have an excellent chance of getting rid of the cancer. Take your time like all the guys and gals said but make killing the beast your goal...

Jim
Posted 6/20/2008 11:03 PM (GMT -5)
First we tell you get the biopsy, then we say check again. Well it's part of the process. Take it easy and don't get too worried. You got there early. You can take your time, but when the 2nd opinion is done, you will have work to do. Do check all the options and keep studying..

Tony
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