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Newly diagnosed: What influenced your treatment decision?
Add me to the list. I had a biopsy on 7/25 and confirmed the cancer with my doctor Monday, I'm told it's an "entry level" tumor. I see a radiologist on Friday to help decide between surgery and radiation. I'm open to your thoughts on that decision. I'm told any treatment would wait 2 months after the biopsy, so it could start as early as Oct. 1. I'm glad to at least know my situation and move forward. And grateful to have found this group.
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I'm truly grateful for the information you've shared with me. I see the radiology guy today and back to the urologist next week. I'm staying optimistic but the thoughts of what this could mean are never far from my mind, I lost my sense of smell from a concussion 31 years ago, and eventually finding groups similar to this one provided tremendous information. I'm thrilled to see this group is every bit as beneficial.
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2 ReactionsReason for waiting is for the biopsy tissue to repair itself and to better identify the location. MRI's and PET scans are used to identify the specific location of the cancerous cells. This is particularly important if targeted radiation is used. The biopsy will categorize your cancer on a Gleason scale; also a "T" designation.
For example, mine was Gleason 3+3; T1 Meaning slow-growth cancer. I selected proton radiation therapy. I encourage you to review that option. It may depend on insurance and location. I flew from Spain to LA, rented a car and spend 2.5 months every weekday morning under the "bid machine". I stayed at March AFB nearby. Most of the time ate in the hospital cafeteria.
The decision will rest on the results of your biopsy. I had two to make certain "i had it"..both were identical. One at a Spanish hospital, the other with a urologist from Bethesda Naval Hospital.
If you are near Mayo, then that would be my first stop.
Don't depend on one opinion.