Concerns about prostate cancer surgery while having heart conditions

Posted by toivos @toivos, Sep 8, 2022

Husband is 76. history of cardiac arrest, defibrillator, mechanical mitral valve at age 53. PC diagnosed 6 yrs ago and on active surveillance. now Gleason is 7(3+4), spa is 18.5. Dr recommends treatment, surgery or radiation. even with all his issues, he is fit and active. husband wants surgery. never wants another biopsy. The last 2 caused acute bleeding, acute anemia and need for blood transfusions.
we are looking for a doctor, preferably in Minnesota, experienced in surgery for men on blood thinners for the mitral valve. doctors don't mention it in their bios. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Welcome @toivos. I can understand your concerns about your husband's heart issues as he prepares for prostate cancer surgery and possibly additional treatments.

Your husband may be asked to stop taking medications that increase his risk of bleeding several days before the surgery. Read more here:
- Prostatectomy: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostatectomy/about/pac-20385198

I might refer you to seek a consult at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, especially since your husband is dealing with cancer and a heart condition. The multi-disciplinary approach helps. Mayo Clinic offers expertise in addressing heart problems while being treated for cancer. This specialized discipline is called cardio-oncology. In the Cardio-Oncology Clinic patients are evaluated prior to cancer treatment and during and after treatment if they have heart issues due to treatment.

If you'd like to discuss seeking treatment at Mayo, you can get started by filling out the online form to schedule a phone call to learn more. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

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thank you. I will do this later today or tomorrow.

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hi Colleen. I did not get a chance to fill out the form. I took my hospital today and I just got home. he started bleeding again last night and had to have blood and another procedure to stop bleeding at the sight of prostate biopsy. I will take my iPad to the hospital tomorrow and try to get it filled out,

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Hi Coleen. I submitted form and have a phone call scheduled for Thursday at 8:15!!

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@toivos

hi Colleen. I did not get a chance to fill out the form. I took my hospital today and I just got home. he started bleeding again last night and had to have blood and another procedure to stop bleeding at the sight of prostate biopsy. I will take my iPad to the hospital tomorrow and try to get it filled out,

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Oh gosh. How is he? How are you?

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Hi. Thanks for asking. All is better. He’s feeling much better and came home today.
Will see his primary next week to review meds and check his hemoglobin.
I did the online form and we have a phone call scheduled for Thursday at 8:15. Now it’s off to bed for hopefully a good sleep!

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Toivos, I and so many others avoided surgery altogether as a viable option. Look into the benefits of Proton Beam Therapy. No incisions, therefore no bleeding. No anasthesia, no pain with all the gain. What's not too like??

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