Newly Diagnosed - 41 years old

Hi,

I was given the news today that nobody wants to hear about their invite to this exclusive club. From what I know right now it seems entirely treatable - regardless of which treatment method I choose.

I have been lurking on this forum reading everything I possibly could for the last two months since my first PSA test indicated that there was something up. I don't think there is enough gratitude that I can give to all of the members on this board for their honesty, candor, and general support. The information on this forum prepared me for getting my diagnosis and made it not nearly as scary as when I got my first PSA score back.

On a slightly funny note - the nickname my wife and I have for PCa is "Dickbutt Cancer." That's how we cope. Dark, dark humor.

I'll keep posting as I go on this journey. I might even respond to a few posts. Thanks everyone.

Sorry to have to welcome you here, but I'm glad you found us. I was new here about a year ago and found this board to be more balanced and non-judgmental than some of the other PCa boards. The folks here know quite a lot and are very willing to share.

You haven't told us much about yourself, so we shouldn't yet be suggesting treatment modes to think about. What I will suggest you do is to look into all of your options, both surgical and radiation, (maybe not active surveillance with the G3+4?) and learn all that you can about the efficacy and side effects profile of each treatment that interests you. Be very careful which docs you talk with about which treatments. Remember that your urologist is a trained surgeon. He will probably recommend surgery and may not speak too highly about radiation. If you want to learn about radiation treatments, talk with a radiation oncologist, not a urologist. But wait. . . there's more. Among radiation oncologists, most specialize in only one or two modes of treatment, so if you're interested in brachytherapy (radioactive seeds), don't talk with a radiation oncologist who specializes in external beam radiation.

Do some homework, then come on back with your questions and I'm sure someone here can help you learn what you need to know to make a proper choice.

nichols717 said...
... I might even respond to a few posts. Thanks everyone.

Huh?

Sorry to hear you have to join our club. But anyone who would come up with the name Dickbutt Cancer will likely be a great participant. (And if you're not super active posting that's fine too. Whatever works for you.)

Let us know when you get your full pathology report and no matter what it likely makes sense to send your biopsy slides to Johns Hopkins for a second opinion.

Good luck to you and let us know how we can help.