Prostate Cancer Support Group
Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Cancer occurs when cells of the prostate mutate and begin to multiply out of control. These cells may spread (metastasize) from the prostate to other parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer may cause pain, difficulty in...
Hello All,
I'm Robert (and usually hang out in the AFIB forum, that's another story) and have just recently (1 week ago) been diagnosed with PC.
Here's the short story: 58, AFIB cured, went in to my PCP in mid-Jan with sinus rot. He noted from my physical in DEC 13 that my PSA was 3.99. Since we didn't have a baseline before then, he took a blood sample.
PSA came back as 5.0 Another blood test revealed same results. Had the bioscopy, came back with 8 of 12 areas have at least 50% cancer cells. It was classified as a T1C, and a Gleason score of 6.
Now I'm looking at treatment options, and seem to be leaning toward the surgery with the da Vinci robot. It seems to show that much reduced ED and bladder issues. Of course I've read everything on the internet about it, watched videos, etc. and for the most part still seem positive. I saw that independent of what type of procedure (surgery, radiation) patients had, they developed ED and bladder issues in the 3-5 year range.
I'm wondering are there references you know of that discuss side affects mid-term and long-term. Also feel free to give me pointers, or share your journey with me.
The net-net: I don't like having PC, don't like the side affects, and don't like (letting cancer kill me) being dead.
Robert
I'm Robert (and usually hang out in the AFIB forum, that's another story) and have just recently (1 week ago) been diagnosed with PC.
Here's the short story: 58, AFIB cured, went in to my PCP in mid-Jan with sinus rot. He noted from my physical in DEC 13 that my PSA was 3.99. Since we didn't have a baseline before then, he took a blood sample.
PSA came back as 5.0 Another blood test revealed same results. Had the bioscopy, came back with 8 of 12 areas have at least 50% cancer cells. It was classified as a T1C, and a Gleason score of 6.
Now I'm looking at treatment options, and seem to be leaning toward the surgery with the da Vinci robot. It seems to show that much reduced ED and bladder issues. Of course I've read everything on the internet about it, watched videos, etc. and for the most part still seem positive. I saw that independent of what type of procedure (surgery, radiation) patients had, they developed ED and bladder issues in the 3-5 year range.
I'm wondering are there references you know of that discuss side affects mid-term and long-term. Also feel free to give me pointers, or share your journey with me.
The net-net: I don't like having PC, don't like the side affects, and don't like (letting cancer kill me) being dead.
Robert
Surgery in2003, recurrence and radiation 2006, recurrence 2008,10,13 and 3 rounds of hormone therapy to keep the PSA managed. You must be aware of how aggressive your disease is,everyone is different. If it is very aggressive,as mine is you have to consider life over loosing other bodily quality of life issues.
We never expected to be where we are and have to confront these decisions in our lives. Now that your here, join a Prostate cancer support group. Much information at www.ustoo.org an I ternational org. For PCa. Go to Resources Monthly Hot Sheets. The news letters cover medical information an are archived up to 5 years.
I know I facilitate an UsTOO Prostate Cancer Support Group for the past 11 years.
Good Luck
Edward2