Recently diagnosed with prostate cancer: What questions to ask docs?

Posted by solesky @solesky, Jun 28 7:14pm

I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, I have a Gleason score of 7 in 3 areas and a 4 in another spot, I'm scheduled to meet my new oncologist, surgeon, and hormone Dr early next week to discuss my options. What I got from my talk with my urologist was because of my age, 73, I'm at the in between age of what option for me is best. He basically said I could have radiation treatment or surgery to remove my prostate and hopefully be cancer free after surgery. So many side effects and things to deal with after surgery, but I'm leaning towards the surgery just to be done with the cancer. but honestly, I know absolutely nothing about this. Got any questions I can ask these Dr's during my meeting? I'm pretty much scared to death of this whole thing. Help.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

lag | @lag | Jul 7 6:30am

In reply to @phl6953 "How to contact Dr. Eugene Kwon from Miaoyou Medical International Rochester Campus via video" + (show)

To contact Dr. Kwon, you need to phone Mayo Rochester and ask to be connected to Urology, and then tell the person who answers why you are calling.

VancouverIslandHiker | @vancouverislandhiker | Jul 8 10:03am

so excellent advise here . I would just like to add ... keep a file , a medical file of all conversations with doctors and what they said and what you asked . Also get copies of every image you have done ( at least summary findings) . Believe me , you will need this with all the terms and Doctors you will visit . Your own medical file will be a great starting point for conversations with Dr's . Best of luck - keep us in the loop ! James on Vancouver Island .

retireditguy | @retireditguy | Jul 8 5:19pm

Sorry, but I couldn't find an online free copy.

robertmizek | @robertmizek | Jul 8 9:41pm

In reply to @phl6953 "I don't live in the United States. Do you have an online version of the paperback..." + (show)

You can purchase an online copy of the book compatible with the Kindle app through Amazon. That’s what I did. I think it cost me $12 US.

pieperfarm | @pieperfarm | Jul 9 8:19am

Erections, continence, life expectancy. Pick a solution that works for you. I had HIFU at 57. Surgeon wanted to remove prostate, which normally does not cause continence issues until age 80, because it had a 86% survival rate for me (I also had markers & DNA tested). When pressed HIFU with active surveillance had a survival rate of 84% and could be repeated as necessary. You will lose erections and continence with surgery, the only question is when (60, 70, 80). I have a PSA test this week, and my first MRI after the HIFU. The HIFU took care of the Gleason 6 and Gleason 7 on one side of the prostate. I still have Gleaon 3+3 on the other side.

clandeboye1 | @clandeboye1 | Jul 10 7:28am

Quick buy Dr. Patrick Walsh book Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer -- Educate yourself FAST . It will give you answers to most of your immediate concerns & treatment options .
Seek 2nd Oncology & Radiation Oncologist opinions . .
DO NOT RUSH INTO A KNEE JERK DECISION -- YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DIE TOMORROW .
Good luck .-- Keep us posted .

westernflyer | @westernflyer | Jul 31 8:26am

Can only comment on my experience. Mine was localized; Gleason 3+3; T1 as slow-growing prostate cancer diagnosed after two (2) biopsies. The first question is how much the cancer has spread. If the cancer is well-defined and in a specific localized within the prostate, then the option for proton radiation therapy might be an option. I went through 2.5 months of proton radiation therapy at Loma Linda Hospital in 2010.

If the cancer is throughout the prostate gland, then other more radical options are available to include surgery.

The question from what I understand from my experience and reading volumes on the issue is the "intensity" or the scale of cancer. PSA is the "marker" usually, but not always, but usually so. The steps to validate the locations and intensity would be perhaps the PET scan followed by a biopsy. Then the options for radiation, surgery, or other are considered. THIS IS JUST MY VIEW-ALWAYS OBTAIN A SECOND OPINION OR MORE.

clandeboye1 | @clandeboye1 | Aug 1 9:53am

First and foremost don't panic and make any knee jerk decisions - You are not going to die tomorrow .
To educate yourself purchase Dr. Patrick Walsh's Edition 5 book " Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer " > You will find the questions you need to ask in his book . Also the different options and pros & cons .
Finally . ALWAYS SEEK A 2ND OR 3RD OPINION and ALWAYS FROM PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED MEDICAL .
Urologisyts , Radiation Oncologists etc . Ask for a Multidisciplinary Prostate Team Opinion . Not just your Urologists opinion .
Good luck.

clandeboye1 | @clandeboye1 | Aug 2 9:43am

What was your Gleason Score 7 , Was it Gleason 3 + 4 = 7 or Gleason 4 + 3 = 7 ? There makes a difference in your potential treatments .
Again Dr. Walsh's book will explain .

clandeboye1 | @clandeboye1 | Aug 2 9:49am

In reply to @westernflyer "Can only comment on my experience. Mine was localized; Gleason 3+3; T1 as slow-growing prostate cancer..." + (show)

I'm curious did you ask for a 2nd Opinion on your 2nd Biopsy Pathology Slides . ?
My 1st Biopsy was negative -- My 2nd Positive Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 in six cores . I am awaiting the results of a 2nd opinion on the 2nd Biopsy results to assure me they did not miss any Gleason 7 or more likely misdiagnose the six Gleason 6 --- some being 7 .