Prostate Cancer Community

Please investigate all of your options before making a decision. Proton therapy was my choice, and I am happy with the results. HIFU has been promoted by another person on this site, and he was happy with it. Go to the internet and check out these options. Don't just accept your doctor's recommendations without further study. Each doctor has his own agenda, which may not be what will benefit you best.

Thanks, I will take your advise to heart! Can you tell me what was your Gleason score, so I can compare to mine at 6 (3+3)

I had one score of 3+4 and 6 that were 3+3 out of 12 samples that were taken. After a year and a half of watchful waiting I heard about proton therapy, so I contacted the Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, and they sent me a packet of info. I visited there for a consult. They accepted me, and I had my treatment starting in January 09. My PSA was 8.5 prior to treatment, 7.5 afterward. My 3 month checkup showed 2.0, and I'm scheduled for my 6 month checkup next week. We are returning to J'ville to meet several of the friends we made while there, and we expect to have a ball. Our entire experience during treatment was great - the staff was friendly and efficient, the friends we made were a big plus, and the absence of side effects was a bonus. Also, my insurance paid the entire bill, so our only cost was the apartment rental. Feel free to ask any other questions that you might have, and I'll get back to you.

Jerry--I went through the prostate cancer decision-making scenario in 2005. (Not an easy process!)My brother who is two years older than I am (70) also has prostate cancer and he chose the Radioactive Seed Implants as the least intrusive "cure."

Here's the problem with the seeds--once installed you cannot have corrective surgery afterwards. As a layman, the way I understand it is the prostate gland turns to "mush" and cannot be surgically removed afterwards. If the cancer cells are not ALL killed they can move to other organs, etc. like your lymph nodes (very bad) or your bones (also very bad).

Here's the way I looked at it when my PSA was at 9.2--I HAVE CANCER--period. I can be proactive and remove the cancer from my body BEFORE it spreads--or I can take the route my brother took with t he implants that DOES work for some people.

I chose radical surgery. I wanted the cancer OUT of my body. Now there is a price to pay if you go the surgical route; a LONG recovery period and major adjustments to sex. (The sex part can be LESS traumatic if you decide to leave in the nerve packet, but the packet may also contain cancer cells.)

As males (Especially T-type Alpha males!) we all tend to be over protective to our sexual packaging--but when the choice comes down to; "quality of life", death or good sex--one has to make that decision themselves as to what is more important. There are also other spin-offs where you can end up wearing a catheter the rest of your life...etc.

I'm not trying to scare you JL--just tell it like it is. You HAVE cancer--now you can play the "watchful waiting game" or feel sorry for yourself--but remember, prostate cancer rarely is the killer--it kills when it spreads to other organs.

Last month my brother's PSA jumped to over 50--he has been diagnosed with PSA cancer in his bones and it is spreading. There are some recent excellent treatments for him--but he knows he will die from prostate generated cancer--hopefully years from now--but....he is cursed to go through a LOT of medical treatment to stay alive.

My PSA is less than .001. I speed walk 5 miles a day; do 100 push-ups (Old man style!) and life is good.

I hope this note helps you at least a little. There is no easy way out once you have prostate cancer. If you chose surgery--don't be afraid to QUESTION your surgeon--how many prostrate surgeries has he/she done--what was the rate of complications? if he/she is worth their surgical salt they will NOT be offended. It's YOUR body they are working on-protect it!

ZLOTNIK

Hi, You have some great replys here. But, I don't see it mentioned that surgery can spread the cancer. There is a easy way out but you'll only hear about it on the web.

It's HIFU, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, it cooks the cancer without any incisions or pain. The rate of incontinence is less than half of one percent, the ED rate is 20%-30%, but cialis works for it.

The problem is it is not approved in the USA yet, it's been in use in Europe for 18 years with a 94% success rate. Japan posts a 97% success rate for low risk, and 67% for high risk. It is in clinical trials here, call 888-874-4384 for the Sonablate trial, or 866-650-4466 for Ablatherm trials. I understand that the trials are only concerned with curing the cancer, not saving quality of life....ask.

Or, for $25,000. you can go to Mexico or Nassau and have a doctor from the USA treat you. That's what I did, very professional devoted doctor who wants to save men's quality of life. He brings his own team of nurses, anethiesologist and certified mechanic to monitor the machine, there were about 5 people with International HIFU uniforms on. It's the best money I ever spent. I have several friends who have gone as well, we all report no side effects, no hospital stay, no pain, and a great post cancer life. HIFU is the future.

Thanks for your in site, Everyone has told me don't be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS, and I will have lots of Question for my Dr, on Friday, I talk to a cancer specialists. I Know with all the help and support I have received on this site, I will be Fine! I'm going with the De Vinci Prostatectomy (Robotic Surgery) I will post more later on this subject.

Again Thanks for all the help Jerry

I have had the DeVinci Prostatectomy in 2/09. When I was diagnosed with pc my PSA was 6.1. To me the robotic surgery was just amazing and my PSA is now undetectable. It was a 1 night stay in the hospital and have no problem with incontinence other then a slight dribble when finished urinating which improved over the course of time. Since I had my nerve bundle removed ED is not a question. The only thing I hated was having the catheter for 10 days after surgery but I didnt have any urinary spasms. I am sure you will be pleased with the procedure. Good luck.

Hi , My name is Steve , My dad has had Prostate cancer since he was 74 yrs old he turned 80 this year ,nut his PSA has gone up alot He has had 26 treatments of Radiation,and his psa is up to 1400 , can anyone help me by telling me what else or where else can we go to get a second opinion ,you see the dr says there is nothing else he can do ,but my day is not in pain , he is just weak ,the Dr earlier this year gave him some Medicine that inflamed his liver thats when he started getting real sick, like vomiting and any thing he tryed to eat made him sick , after several treatments of radiation the other dr gave him decadron now he is not sick to his stomach , but its like the Dr gave up on him and say he dont hink he will live long , IF THERE IS ANYONE THAT CAN HELP ME PLEASE TELL SOMTHIN G

THANKS STEVE

Steve, Sorry to hear about your Dad, I have talked with a Cancer specialist on Friday. Ask his Doctor about The radiation seed implants, or going with the De Vinci Prostatectomy (Robotic Surgery) Your Dad has a big disadvantage because of his age. Stand (FIRM) my uncle had his Prostate remover at age 75 and he is doing great, so their is always Hope. If I can be of any help just email me. God Bless Jerry

Thanks Jerry for replying to me , Do you know if there is anything else that might help bring his PSA down , We are eating the right foods like spinach, cabbage and so forth . Thanks Again You dont know how much it means to me by you replying to me , My dad is all I got . God Bless you

I am NEW here so tell me if I am in the right place? I have a question: I had a complete physical from my doctor and everything checked out OK. Do I still have to go and get a Colonoscopy?

The prostate and the colon are two separate organs and are tested separately. I don't think that your physical included a check of your colon, so I would say that you should get a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is a very simple procedure, It never hurts to find out if your colon is clear and good. Have your doctor taken blood test for your (Colon or Prostate) Remember they are two separate organs and need to be tested.

Steve, I guess the number one question is how bad is the Prostate Cancer, What was his Gleason Score, Has the cancer spread to other areas (bone,liver) and so on. Let me know for a more positive answer. Be Thankful for each and every day you have with him. Prayer is a very powerful tool, I will be praying for you and healing for your Dad. A Prayer: Dear Lord,

Please help Me and my Dad in this time of need and overwhelming pain. I know we don't understand why our life is filled with this pain and heartache. But we turn our eyes to you as we seek to find the strength to trust in your faithfulness. We will wait on you and not despair; We will quietly wait for your salvation. Our heart is crushed, but we know that you will not abandon us forever. Please show us your compassion, Lord. Help Me through the pain so that we will have the hope, faith and strength to endure. I believe this promise in your Word to send to all fresh mercy each day. Though I can't see past today, I trust your great love will never fail.

In Jesus Name: Amen, Pastor Jerry