Should we get a second opnion?

Javamama

With his high PSA and advanced Gleason score, and the fact that other tests were performed (bone scans, etc.), it seems like you're getting good advice from your urologist.  Is the surgery open or robotic?  That's one thing you didn't mention.  Has the surgeon performed many of these?   Good questions to answer.  I personally don't think getting to the surgery early is a bad idea, given his scores.

One of the first things I purchased was Dr. Patrick Walsh's book, Surviving Prostate Cancer.  This is a great book that could help answer a lot of questions.  I would also spend these three weeks getting in as much shape as you can.  Also start Kegal exercises now, which will help to regain continence following surgery.  This is a scary time, but doing research and getting ready for surgery will reap benefits in the long haul.

I wish him good luck.  Keep in touch with this forum.

Welcome even though I'm sorry you have to deal with Prostate Cancer! Yes, you are at the right place. Ask away!

Yes, Be sure to ask how often the urologist/surgeon has done this surgery and what the success rate is. Does he do nerve sparing technique if the cancer is contained? And it can make a difference for the surgery whether it is robotic or open (this to can depend a little on the cancer itself.)

Besure to read a lot about it so you can make informed decisions. The more informed you are the better prepared to make decisions and the happier you will be with your choices. When you can be happy with the choices, you have no reason to look back and wish you'd known this or that.

Also, tell him to try to not get discouraged. There are many folks here that have been through many various situations so someone can steer you in the right direction. We are all here to help you out.

Bill

If his Gleason turns out to be 8 or more, starting with surgery (I believe!) offers the best chance of a "cure" -- this is an aggressive cancer. Certainly, seek a second opinion, but don't postpone the surgery.

My best wishes and hopes to your father, he is only a year younger then me.  If that biopsy report is correct, it is a very serious dx.  Every case if different, but with a true gleason of 10, surgery is often not done, but his doctor knows all the specs and circumstances.

My surgery is in a little over a week and a half, and I am hoping, that post surgical pathology will show that the PC has been contained.

At his age, and with that psa and gleason, waiting to decide or waiting and watching wouldn't make any sense imo.

Keep us posted, I pray he fares well in what lies ahead.

David in SC

Thank you all for your input! I woke up this morning and called Georgetown University Hospital and scheduled an appoinment with a Dr. Lynch there in hopes to get his opinion as well. I did not even think of some of the questions that some of you said to ask the urolgoist so thank you. My Dad is very hesistant about going to Georgetown to see this prostate specialist because he is worried that he will be upsetting his urologist. I did not postpone his surgery. Also, the urologist never gave us a "stage" of cancer that he was in. Is this important...I am assuming so!! Can't believe I did not ask that. He also gave my Dad a shot that he said would keep the cancer from progressing but my Dad neglected to ask him what the name of the shot was. OH MY!! Please keep my Dad in your thoughts. Not only is he dealing with this but he is also in the process of a messy seperation with my mother who has mental problems as well as a prescription drug addiction. Trying to keep him positive and stress free is my main concern but it is quite difficult at the croosroads in his life. He is currently staying at my home with my husband and I and our two young children. We need prayers!!! Sorry for rambling on........
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First, again, your urologist appears on track, but...The last thing your dad should be concerned about is upsetting his urologist! I have heard of stories of a urologist being upset because a patient said he would get a second opinion ~ and that is extremely rare. But as one who has gained enough experience to do so, I will say this, if a urologist has defined cancer in his diagnosis, and he doesn't offer up other doctors to go see to get a second opinion, or will get upset if you do, then you need another urologist, and you don't want him touching your dad any further anyway. This isn't about the urologist, it's about your dad and cancer. The most important piece right now is to find the most experienced doctor you can get. If surgery is the next step he will take, who does the surgery DOES matter. You want a very experienced surgeon. If you are in range of Georgetown, you are also in range of Johns Hopkins. Look up Alan Partin... Great, great surgeon and specialist in the prostate cancer field and his pathologist is Jon Epstein who is regarded as one of the best in the country. While I live in Las Vegas, I seriously considered going to Baltimore because they are world reknowned for prostate cancer. Luckily, so is where I did go and it was much closer to me.

Again, hang in there and stay positive.

Tony

My feeling would be it is always wise to obtain a second surgical opinion as well as the opinions of a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist about the best course of treatment.

Get the second opinion but please do not postpone the surgery. Read and research all you can. This is an aggressive cancer you are dealing with, however since it does not appear to have spread the outcome can still be good. Please stay in touch with us, there are many members here that can give you good suggestions.

peace and love
Dale

The urologist did tell us that only 1 to 2% of men have a problem with incontinence or impotence after a RRP. He also said that the catheter should only have to be in for 10 days after surgery. For what I am gathering most of you that had surgery did have problems with incontinence. This is a HUGE concern (as I am sure you all can understand) for my Dad and we felt reassured that it wasn't much to worry about. Not that it will change our minds but I want to go into this with realistic expectations., In saying that, should my Dad be prepared for ongoing problems with these issues after surgery? Guess the second opinion is a good decision :). We will be going on the 20th to Georgetown and I think I finally have him convinced that it is the right thing to do if nothing else then to relieve an uncertainties that we may have. Again, we are not postponing the surgery...just making sure we are exploring options. I have been having him read your feedbacks and they seem to be reassuring him....thanks so much.....maybe I can get him to join in soon :).

Piano Thank you for your frankness

 

Javamama,

I had radical robotic prostatectomy in July. I did not have problems with incontinence or erections. I know my diagnosis was not as severe, but things went very well. I wore male pads for a few weeks, then used some of my wifes panti liners for a week or so.

I think many people who do post on here are the ones with problems. So keep that in mind that you might be reading a bit more negative than positive comments.

I am extremely happy with the outcome of surgery.

Glad you are getting all the info so you are prepared.

Keep asking! We are here to help! If you dad has any questions he is scared to have posted, feel free to email me. Just click on the envelope to the left of the posting.