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Prostate cancer diagnosis on March 6

Posted by alanrittel @alanrittel, Mar 22 4:58pm

Had prostrate cancer diagnosis on 3/6/2026. Urology oncologist took 12 samples. Eleven were benign and one was determined to be cancer. Left mid gland transition zone, Gleason score 3+4 (group 2), tumor involves one of one cores and measures 1 mm in length. Pattern 4 = 30%. Met with Dr. and she is fine with active surveillance for now. She is having an urology radiation oncologist and a dr. that does focal therapy contact me. I am 75 years old. Am wondering if focal therapy could be the correct treatment. Not sure if Medicare will pay all costs. Wonder what others with similar diagnosis did?

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alanrittel | @alanrittel | Mar 23 11:24am
In reply to @jeffmarc "Focal therapy can work with the apparent early case that You have. It is not always..." + (show)
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Focal therapy can work with the apparent early case that You have. It is not always successful, but it has a high satisfaction rate. Medicare will cover various types of focal therapy.

Active surveillance may make sense. Definitely get checked out in six months. 30% of a four is a little bit high.

Here’s some more information on active surveillance.

Here is a video with Dr. Laurence Klotz, one of the experts on active surveillance. He can give you answers as to why you would or would not be a good candidate for active surveillance.


Here is a video by Dr. Epstein discussing active surveillance and more

Excellent Fred Hutch doctor video: Dr. Claire de la Calle

Active Surveillance for Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer w/ Dr. Claire de la Calle | Ep. 288

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@jeffmarc

Also I live near Colorado Springs and my dr. works for CU Health. She is getting CU Health Anschutz clinic located by Denver to do a consult on focal therapy. Our daughter lives near Kansas City and we may also consult with KU Medical Center.

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jim18 | @jim18 | Mar 23 1:53pm

Looks like you are a good candidate for focal therapy. This is by far the best treatment to minimize side effects both immediate and a few years out. Focal therapy may not be an option if the lesion gets worse after a few years of AS. Even if there is a recurrence there is a good chance that AS can be used at that time for the new lesion.

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mtnman | @mtnman | Mar 23 2:08pm
In reply to @alanrittel "@mtnman Am very happy for you. This gives me more optimism." + (show)
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@mtnman

Am very happy for you. This gives me more optimism.

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@alanrittel
I still remember when my wife and I went back to the urologist when the biopsy results came back. It's a gut punch.

Today I really have to remind myself that I had cancer and can now say I am cancer-free. Dealing with other age-related issues, but this one is far in the past.

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alanrittel | @alanrittel | Mar 23 5:50pm

Really appreciate your experience and that you are in remission. Its very encouraging information.

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alanrittel | @alanrittel | Mar 23 5:56pm
In reply to @jim18 "Looks like you are a good candidate for focal therapy. This is by far the best..." + (show)
Profile picture for jim18 @jim18

Looks like you are a good candidate for focal therapy. This is by far the best treatment to minimize side effects both immediate and a few years out. Focal therapy may not be an option if the lesion gets worse after a few years of AS. Even if there is a recurrence there is a good chance that AS can be used at that time for the new lesion.

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@jim18

Appreciate your review of my situation and your seeing me as a candidate for focal therapy. This is the approach I am hoping will work for me. Now waiting for the drs. to set-up consults. My urology oncologist graduated in 2024 from MD Anderson Fellowship program. They only accept 5 drs a year into this program. So I feel very comfortable with the doctor's recommendations and treatment.

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