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Recently diagnosed: Treatment options for early stage prostate cancer?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 27, 2023 | Replies (74)Comment receiving replies
A consult with a medical oncologist specializing in urology was helpful for my decision-making with a similar clinical picture. Neither a surgeon, nor a radiation oncologist, she did not have a bias either way, and thus seemed most inclined to help me choose based on not only my own values, but physical and emotional status as well.
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Wow you got good urologist/oncologist. I wish I had that expeience. I had opposite experience with my urologist and then radiologist/oncologist.
Oncologist/radiologist telling me no difference, no benefit to proton radiation and on and on about expense (they did not have proton). Went on and on about no differences or benefits. Asked about secondary cancers caused by photon and was told would not have to deal with them for at least 10 years. When you get prostrate cancer you want the information being told to you by experts what is best for you and the pros and cons of all treatments available.
I even had the urologist tell me if I had treatment at another provider would not see me for any urology consultations, second opinions. I stated realized during treatments but as follow up after treatments for opinions and information. No was the answer only if had treatment at his provider. I have been going to this provider for 17 years for all my health needs and treatments.
Then initial consultation with photon radiolotist/oncologist told me they were recommending homone therapy with photon radiation. I questioned the affect of hormome therpay on my exercising. I was told they could do for one month and see how I did.
I began to asked questions (don't think they liked questions) and they said the only reason they would not recommend hormone treatment (along with photon radiation) if I had cardiovascular issues. I told them I have heart failure and ICD/Pacemaker. Reply, "Oh then we would not recommend hormone treatment." I have been going to this provider for 17 years for my heart failure, ICD/Pacemaker, primary care, and all medical treatments. You think the oncologist/radiologist would have reviewed my file before recommending a treatment.
Did not like what I heard so went for second opinion at another provider. Immediately told me hormone treatment ruled out with my heart failure, and my age affected having surgery. They went over benefits and difference of Proton and Photon radiation. I picked this provider and started Proton radiation therapy there. At least they read my file and knew me physically and mentally.
They were informative and explaining differences between therapies and knew I was considering photon and proton and gave me all kinds of information and web sites to read to make up my mind of which was best for me. I chose them.