Connect
← Return to Gleason 6 (3+3) treatments
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
All this brings me to my concern about my local urologist. I went in a little over a year ago once my PSA was above 4.0. Thinking that if we caught it early I would be able to get focal treatments and try to avoid the side effects of either surgery or radiation.
He did a MRI that indicated a likelihood of cancer. When I went to his office he said... "probably nothing, I will see you in a year." No biopsy.
I have a strong family history of PC, small prostate, low testosterone, and a MRI that indicates probable cancer. The research says you add all this up and more than likely I have at least moderately aggressive cancer, if not aggressive.
Move forward to this year... PSA had increased again. He just wanted to do another MRI. I said no... I wanted a biopsy. The results were Gleason 7 (3+4). With moderately aggressive cancer on both sides of the prostate. When he called to tell me the results it was obvious he wanted to do surgery.
My question is... did he wait hoping that it would progress so he could do surgery and get paid more? Or was putting off the biopsy a legitimate medical decision? If we would have done the biopsy last year... would it have been on one side and I would have been eligible for focal treatment? I will never know now. And this bothers me.
Replies to "All this brings me to my concern about my local urologist. I went in a little..."
Have you educated yourself by purchasing : ?
Dr. Patrick Walsh's 5th Edition book " Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer "
It gives new cancer patiients an indepth education in Testing , Gleason Scores and what they mean , Treatments radical Surgeries plus Focal Therapies and their side effects . And much , much more -- Money well spent .
Your Gleason 3 + 4 = 7 is considered " Favourable Intermediate Grade Cancer " which is good.
Gleason 4 + 3 = 7 is considered " Unfavourable " " " NOT GOOD.
In short , there is no need to rush out and get a treatment tomorrow and make a knee jerk decision you may regret . Digest the book , and checkout ALL YOUR OPTIONS -- AND YOU SELECT THE ONE SUITABLE FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY .
Finally , as you will read everywhere on this forum . Pick an expert surgeon , with a history of performing a large volume of your selected treatment . You do not want to be the guinea pig for an intern in training .
p.s. What did your MRI show for the T Score and PI-RADS Score . They show on the MRI Report .
Connect
CHANGE YOUR UROLOGIST .
Any Urologist who ignores an MRI is in my opinion is " A QUACK " .
If you live in the USA , I would consider consulting with a Personal Injury Lawyer who specialises in Medical Malpractice cases . You may have a strong case . The lawyer as you probably know takes these cases on a "Commission Base . It will not cost you a dime up front .
Finally . There are many Focal Therapy options for Gleason 3 +4 = 7 cases .
Good luck -- Be your own advocate . It's your health .