← Return to 44yr PSA180 Gleason9 non-metastatic. Surgery or Treatment?

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Profile picture for westernflyer @westernflyer

I know Heidelberg somewhat, having been stationed at the US Army base (V Corps) nearby. Diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer in 2010 with biopsy in Spanish hospital and the Navy hospital at Rota, Spain. I am former 05 US Army, then working contract post retirement. Gleason 6; PSA 6.47. I underwent proton radiation therapy at Loma Linda Hospital in Loma Linda, California. I stayed at March AFB quarters during the 2.5 months of "every morning at 0700" proton radiation. I have read many comments about a wide range of prostate related issues on this site, hence a layman's opinion. Undergo radiation: Understand the various types and compare the availability, cost and expertise. Proton radiation does little damage to the prostate gland. If after treatment your PSA continues to rise over time, the surgery option is always available. Surgery is the "best" option, but the complications are numerous and can result in radical change in lifestyle. If you are retired, then you have TriCare for Life. If that is the case, I would recommend a place like Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville (near JAX Naval air Station). Proton radiation is expensive as the equipment cost is near several hundred million dollars. 05/11A Florida

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Replies to "I know Heidelberg somewhat, having been stationed at the US Army base (V Corps) nearby. Diagnosed..."

Hi @westernflyer, my problem is that the PSA is 180, and about 80% of the biopsy cylinders are affected with Gleason 9, so the cancer is very aggressive. I am a veteran but I live in Germany as an ordinary citizen and I have German health insurance. Unfortunately there are no VA centers overseas.
I heard that i can get some treatment for VA Service Connected related issues at the Landstuhl Hospital, but so far I have not had the need to.
Thank you fro sharing your struggle. If push comes to shove, I may consider flaying back to the States to get seen at the VA center. But so far the German system has provided plenty of options and in a relatively fast pace, even though I had to make lots of phone calls