Follow up today on prostate biopsy results....not good.

[LB]

LB, he knows I most likely will seek at least a 2nd opinion. I have a bone scan scheduled next Thursday and the results followup shortly thereafter. If I question his decision then, I'll look elsewhere. I may return to him but only after seeing other doctors.

Sorry if a came across a bit blunt. I went round and round with my younger brother on this issue awhile back. He wouldn't listen to me at all. He was dead in 2 years at 67....

I'm definitely staying on top of it and so is the dr., he's been pushing me a bit recently and I understand why. This was a rough week actually. The day I found out I had this cancer, although unknown to what level yet, was also the 13th anniversary of losing the first of two daughters to cancer. It hit me as I was walking back out to my car, was a bit overwhelming and had to sit there for a few minutes to gather myself. I'm sure it will end well but that first piece of info hits rather hard.

I know .. I also have it.

[bassman]

John

FYI

Another, more recent clinical trial study from the UK on the "one and done" treatment for early stage, low grade PC......


https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/prostate-cancer-radiation-study/2019/05/01/id/914075/?ns_mail_uid=edfebed7-f8c8-45f2-a5ef-0502892bab6e&ns_mail_job=DM27181_05042019&s=acs&dkt_nbr=010124txdng2

[GRR]

John -
I sent you a note about this last year. I saw your recent follow up report. I wanted to add a couple of things for you to consider.

My condition was very similar to yours in all respects (2013 - age 63). The malignant cell count was slightly lower than what you reported.

Upon advice of my urologist and oncologist I opted for the 8-12 wks (forget exactly how many) of daily radiation treatments. Consisted of lying on table for 15 mins as big ray gun rotated around. No immediate side effects or discomfort.

Following that I received one treatment of seed implants, done as inpatient under general anesthesia, but home the same day. Two days with walking catheter at home was torture.

Clinical tests show the malignancy has not returned and PSA remains at zero.

Unexpected side effects were what they call urinary stricture, which is the result of radiation scarring of the urethra, causing it to constrict to the point of closing. This happened to me the night before Superbowl a couple of years ago. By Sunday afternoon I knew this wasn't going to get better so called my urologist who turned off the Superbowl immediately to see me. Treatment was a insertion of a smooth tapered rod. Not pleasant, but not really painful and the relief was immediate and overwhelming.

Dr said some/many/most patients need to repeat this frequently, often self-administered at home.

The follow up to that was 40 days of hyperbaric treatment - laying in a clear lucite pressureized O2 chamber for 2 hrs. You get to watch TV, but I had to take Zanax or something like that to overcome claustrophobia. Got easier with time.

I haven't had a recurrence and so far, no indication of re-stricture.

Another unexpected result of radiation I think is weakening of the anal sphincter. Have to be careful to frequently void, don't work with full bowel, don't cough, sneeze, etc.  A result of the changes in the prostate itself is that sexual capability becomes virtually non-existent.

Other than the two outpatient regimens that nobody knew about because I was able to go during non-work hrs,  my life hasn't changed as a result of the procedures.

In retrospect, I think I took the correct route. Surgical removal might prevent all of the above, but I understand the recovery period can be long and uncomfortable.

The robot surgery sounds interesting and should be looked into.

The state of modern medical practice available to us offers much to be optimistic about. I think you'll be fine.
Gary

[bludragon]

John
I had prostate cancer and had choice of chemotherapy or surgery. I took surgery, no waiting. I hope you have your results of bone scan. My urologist is more than likely one of tops in Canada ( I live in Montreal) . Wonder if you should give him a quick phone call. He is also my surgeon. My recovery was 100% with zero side effects. I was operated in 2011. Send me an email if interested. The bone density test is a great test but they should be getting back to you quickly. If it has not spread and depending on your age you may outlive the cancer. If it is agressive I would suggest the operation. I was 61 so I said out with it. Best of luck in any case.
bludragon

[John Schmidt]

GRR, judging by your aftereffects of seed implants, I'd say the dr. screwed up on the placing of the implants. They're supposed to purposely space them away from the two elimination vessels to which you referred for the very reason you demonstrated....to keep from damaging them. I've had three different drs. speak to that without my asking about it.