Partner diagnosed with prostate cancer recently

@charlesprestridge
Thank you.
I appreciate your advice and kind words.
I hope that you find your path to healing.

Melinda

@jeffmarc ,
Hi Jeff. Thank you for the recommendation to Dr. Epstein.
My partners biopsy slides are on the way to him.
I spoke with him briefly prior to sending slides.
We definitely need additional information & help.
I confirmed that the Cribriform lesion is 1.4inches in length or 3.5cm.
Very scary. And the pathologist that signed the initial report was very hostile and was not able to help & didn't want to discuss.
I'm really glad that Dr. Epstein is willing to advise us..
Thank you again. I hope your doing well.
Melinda

@myboo2u
Something is wrong with that pathologist. It is not possible for the cribriform to be 3.5 cm, sure, the lesion could be that big but the cribriform piece in it can’t be even a fraction of that size.

It should be interesting to hear what Dr. Epstein has to say.

@jeffmarc
Yes, we are truly looking forward to speaking with Dr. Epstein.
It took over a week or more just to get the slides sent.
I will update you, if okay with you.
Melinda

@myboo2u
I’m very interested in hearing what happens.

You could send me a private message if you want to.

Hello Melinda,
I don’t have much to offer in way of information but just wanted to offer support as my husband is also going through treatment.

You may also want to check out the group for caregivers. There are also online caregiver support group meetings each Thursday.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/

@canadaanne
Hi Anne, Thank you for the support group information.
I think I need it.
I'm definitely struggling with this & how to help my partner. And I keep randomly breaking down and crying-even when I'm just driving to the grocery store. Our friends & family call to see how things are going, but I'm having a hard time talking to anyone.

I just want to make sure that all appt's are scheduled for my partner, that we have clear & detailed information, proper testing & follow up care. And I also want my partner to get some private one on one counseling. But this is not happening.

When all that is done, I just want to hide under my covers.

Prior to my partners prostate cancer diagnosis, I was my mom's full-time caregiver for about 4-5yrs. She's older, disabled & has dementia.
I've had to hand those responsibilities off.
This is a bit tricky for me.

So, I think the caregiver support group would probably be really helpful.

How are you doing? And feeling?
How long have you & your husband been dealing with the PC diagnosis?

Any suggestions other than the support group that you have found to be helpful?

Thank you for reaching out.
I appreciate it.
Melinda

Hi Melinda. My husband was diagnosed with PC about a year and a half ago and I remember experiencing where you are right now. The learning curve is steep for this disease. You have come to a good place for support and information. We used a lot of advice we received from this group to understand PC and learned what to talk to our doctors about, from treatments to meds to insurance to living everyday life. When your path becomes clearer you might feel better, I know I did. My husband has lots of high risk factors including cribiform and PC in some regional lymph nodes. He is very much alive and responding well to his treatments. My thoughts are with you.

@myboo2u
I think that 3.5cm is size of lesion not cribriform. I agree with wheel1 and you are moving too quickly with this. Prostate cancer is typically slow moving so no need to rush. I would take more time to educate yourself about the various treatments. Would seek out 2nd & 3rd opinions from cancer centers of excellence even if it means traveling to another state. Also you can consult with prostate cancer specialist via zoom calls. There are you tube videos by Dr Scholz that will explain many different treatment options. He does not think surgery is best option with all the cutting edge treatments available. Plus around 40-50% of men who have surgery end up needing radiation at some point anyway! Wishing your partner & you the best!

@myboo2u
Another Support group you should consider is ancan.org. They hold weekly meetings for advanced prostate cancer patients, Some Husbands and wives show up together to get help. If you are new, they work with you first and give you at least 30 minutes to go over treatment options. I’ve been attending their weekly meetings for almost 5 years. You wouldn’t believe how much you learn going to those meetings. You can even watch a previous meeting if you go to the website.

They have meetings for caregivers, They have speaking freely meetings for the men to discuss issues other than treatment, issues about their feelings, worries and fears. Lots of guys show up, you don’t have to talk about anything you can listen and maybe then you want to participate.