Newly diagnosed questions

Posted by lorkem258 @lorkem258, Aug 27, 2023

Results of 12 core biopsy are two Gleason 7 3+4 left aper and left lateral mid, and 1 was ‘ Focal prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), not sure what that means but seems to mean precursor for cancer? That result was in right apex.
age: 62 years old. What is the usual next step? Do they do something now to see if it’s fast or slow? Or do we jump right into treatment options. Seeing the dr Thursday but just wanting to get a feel for what’s to come?
Thank you

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jackph | @jackph | Sep 4, 2023

Steps in the process of diagnosis.
1 PSA
2 MRI
3 Biopsy
4 Decipher or other genetic test to further refine intensity and risk.
5. PSMA PET scan to identify potential spread outside the prostate.
6. Consult with an Oncologist
7. Decisions about treatment.
A great resource is the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI)
Search on YouTube.
Good recent videos on treatment options for Gleason 4+3=7
I am not a doctor. I am a prostate cancer patient.
I took the above steps and found them very helpful
Especially PCRI for information.
You might also look for a therapist to help explore the emotions related to having a cancer diagnosis.
Hope this is helpful.

hammer101 | @hammer101 | Sep 5, 2023

Great steps laid out by jackph. Prior to my first meeting with a doctor, I spent several hours per day researching treatment options. I was a Gleason 7 (4/3), thus knew I had prostate cancer and wanted to understand treatment options prior to talking to my doctor. This allowed my wife and I to have an informed conversation and ask more in-depth questions during the appointment. I was 56 when diagnosed (Nov 2022) and ended up going with a robotic assisted RP at a center of excellence (Mayo-Rochester). Reasoning for RP - Healthy, active, life expectation (want) of 30 more years of cancer free life, personal want to have cancer removed and complete pathology of prostate/seminal vesicles/lymph nodes removed.

Good luck