44 male just diagnosed prostate cancer

I agree with ChrisR that a bone scan or CT scan is unwarranted with your stats, David.

An endorectal MRI (preferably 3T) may be reasonable to help stage the disease and plan potential treatment.

ChirsR's point about the typically indolent nature of a true G6 is also something that should give you great comfort. At the same time, you should understand that there is about a 30% chance of your prostate harboring more aggressive Gleason grade cells that were not picked up on biopsy.

David,

The takeaway for you right now is that there is nothing about your diagnosis that suggests that you have to do anything in a big hurry. You should talk to lots of doctors about lots of different treatment options. Chances are any of them will work for your cancer. You are looking for the best story you can get about side effects.

Chris,

I agree that the bone scan is probably a waste of David's time and of his insurance company's money but I think you are off base suggesting that the primary reason that doctors do them is because they are greedy. I think defensive medicine is at least as big a motivation. Doctors don't get sued for ordering tests that are statistically unjustified in terms of the probability that they will find anything but they do get sued for the statistical anomalies where the test might have helped.

PCa wise, you do have plenty of time and a good many Christmases regardless of what you choose to do. But - you CAN improve your (PCa and everything else) results by improving your exercise and general health, simply by walking an hour or so a day (consult with your doctor before starting if you feel a need to; but it's something YOU can do RIGHT NOW, and being able to do something can help.)

Choose deliberately and with careful consideration what's best for YOU. Be mindful when reading 99% of the PCa literature that it's mostly written for an audience 20 years older than you. Dying in 20 years is one thing when you're 64, another at 44.

Right mid adenocarcinoma of prostate. Right apex. Right lateral base. Right lateral apex. All 4 are Gleason 6. 3+3.. 2.87 PSA. Bone scan says .No obvious signs of metastatic disease. Pelvic CT says prostate not enlarged. No adenopathy or ascites demonstrated. Bladder unremarkable. Colon diverticula are noted. Intestinal tract unremarkable. Small fat filled left unguinal hernia. Small fat filled umbilical hernia. 44 male just diagnosed. Meeting with urologist in 1 hour. Still very anxious. Any replies welcomed

I had anxiety issue when I thought I was healthy. I can't even concentrate at work. I've read articles till I'm dizzy. I don't know if I am glad I found out now or wish I waited until I was older to have it checked. I'm sure he will suggest surgery. I'm already leaning that way. Can't stand not knowing. But can't stand the thought if it coming back. I'm a total wreck. I tell myself I need 15 more years to get my child grown and stable. But I know in 15 years I'm gonna want 15 more.

Hi again David. Please keep in mind what others have said, that with your statistics, you do have time - time to learn about PCa and the various treatment options - so don't panic!

As I mentioned in my earlier post here, you need to focus on learning. You mentioned that "I can't even concentrate at work. I've read articles till I'm dizzy...." Yep, when I was at your point in my journey I encountered the "paralysis by analysis" syndrome as I was spending several hours a day doing all of the research and reading as much as I could - but that's o.k. as it will put you in a better place in terms of deciding your choice of treatment.

You also mentioned in an earlier post that your wife was at the book store shopping for you - I hope that Dr. Patrick Walsh's "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" and Strum and Scholz' "Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers" are two that she picked up - for me I found the two of them incredibly helpful during that part of my journey.

So you're meeting with a urologist today - I would encourage you to seek out and find an experienced oncologist, someone that is hugely knowledgeable about prostate cancer. From there if it were me I would be looking to talk to and if possible meet with as many of the medical experts in the different treatment approaches as you can. If travel to meet with "The Best" is not an option for you, then go down the path of phone consultations. Another member here AViking (and I'm sure there have been others) has had multiple phone conversations with Grimm, Scholz, and others. I also personally reached out and talked to professionals such as Dr. Jeffrey DeManes (HDR BT), Dr. Mani Menon (Surgeon) and Dr. Brian Moran (LDR BT) - and others, that are among "The Best."

FWIW, at my young age and excellent health, and with no symptoms or issues - while curing the cancer was / is my top priority, I'll be brutally honest with you here and say that preserving my quality of life ran a very close 2nd. Be aware of this by doing your research and getting these statistics from the practitioners/treatment modalities you may be considering going with. You only get one shot at this - one of the most important decisions we're likely to make in our lives.

As part of my journey to learn about the various treatment options I downloaded, purchased, and copied a number of studies and results that I would also be happy to share with you, so again if you are interested shoot an e-mail my way and I'll reply right away.

We are all out here to help - my very best wishes to you in this journey.

DDB44,

I'm in Bartlett, TN, just northeast of Memphis (next door). I have some great doctors. Email me and I'll send their names. BTW, I've not had any prostate surgeries as my cancer was caught way too late (PSA 128, Stage 4 and G-9). I'll be very happy to help you and meet with you as I only work a few hours a week. Again, email me if you like.

Dave in Bartlett, TN