@jercalif I don’t think it had anything to do with extra compassionate urologists.

When I was initially diagnosed with PCa in 2012, my first comments to my urologist were, “I don’t know anything about prostate cancer so, I’ve got a zillion questions to ask before you cut anything out of me, or bombard me with radiation, or inject toxic chemicals into me……” That set the tone for our future discussions. (In fact, he recommended surgery; I said no, my numbers are in line with active surveillance protocols. I was on active surveillance for about nine years.)

No, we have no urologist shortage here. With 2 major hospital networks, many urology centers, and a VA medical center nearby, there is no issue with access or it being a “seller’s market.”

With my PCa journey, at each step of the way - urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncoming - it always involved self-advocacy and shared decision-making.

There were no less than a half-dozen decision points where we weren’t in agreement on my treatment path. I never felt pressured or that I had to do what the urologist/radiologist/medical oncologist suggested. When their argument was stronger than mine, we went with their recommendation; when mine was stronger than theirs, we went with my recommendation. But, that required me to thoroughly research and come up to speed on the nuances and protocols with this disease so that these would be informed discussions, and not just emotional opinions.

As often happens having different medical teams, our experiences were totally different. I think that I was fortunate in having selected a medical team that was open to working with me (rather than being assigned a team as some are).

“How do you know if a urologist is compassionate until you meet?” At that first referral appointment you just sit and talk with them about your situation, as if you were interviewing them (like you would if you asked someone to work on your house, or replace your roof, or do any other major project for you). Once you feel good that you’ve found someone you can work with, then go on to the next step.

If I lived in a “seller’s market,” things might be approached differently. But, I don’t; so I can’t answer from that perspective.