Just found out I have prostate cancer...

Woth a 3-3 I would do exactly what you are doing which is watching it carefully. Mayo is the place with great expertise and systems to diagnose when further treatment is needed. For now, if I were you, I would be doing a whole lot of internet research so that you know what you are the doctors are talking about. Good luck.

I also had a very large prostate, 120 grams before my 5 proton radiation treatment and I believe I am actually flowing better now than before the radiation.

jeb0505: As suggested by a couple of folks here, you might want to get a decipher test (evaluates level of aggression) and another consultation or two, outside your current institution, preferably a center of excellence. I had a 3+4 and a 3+3 and was 69 at the time last year. Out of the 5 radiation oncologists I spoke with, all of them definitively used the Decipher test as an indicator. Given the changes in your PSA, the additional consultation and Decipher test might also help you feel a bit more comfortable with your decision, either way.

You will find that though the doctors have dedicated their lives to helping people with cancer, doctors are not precise about the timing of any growth that occurs and there are natural biases related to treatment suggestions. The Walsh book that was suggested by others here also noted the bias.

For me, I wanted the cancer taken care of because the concept of monitoring meant that every 3 months I would be worrying about whether it had spread to a place outside of the prostate that would require hormone or chemotherapy treatments that might impact me forever or even a couple of years . My brother waited too long, in my non doctor opinion, and he had radiation and is still on Lupron and desperately trying to get off because of the side effects and he went to Weill Cornell in NY city for his diagnosis and treatment.

I was in a similar situation, but had a GS or 7 (4/3). I was 56 (healthy, active, positive life attitude, etc.) last year and was shocked when diagnosed with prostate cancer. For me, I disagree with watchfully waiting for the cancer to grow and potentially metastasize. I always use the analogy of standing on a train track and seeing a train coming a mile down the tracks - Why not get off the tracks prior to the train getting closer? Your cancer is probably contained presently, and to wait for it to grow and potentially spread seems risky to me. However, I am someone that is focused on wanting/praying for 30+ more years of cancer free life and I am not concerned with short term pain or inconvenience to possibly rid myself of the cancer that was growing within me. I went with the most aggressive treatment form - Radical prostatectomy that allowed for post operation pathology of prostate, seminal vesicles and nine removed lymph nodes. Thankfully all were clear - This does not guarantee cancer free life, but is a positive indicator.

If you decide to address your cancer, please do your research and go to a center of excellence and pick a doctor that is the best you can find. I went to Mayo-Rochester. Excellent experience!!

Best of luck with your decision,

Jim

What a great post. Insightful for all of us who have PC. I had my surgery RP. Best decision I have made in my 70 years on Earth!!!

It has been said many times before but time is your friend here.

Watch your PSA now that you have a reading and just takes things from there.

From my reading I would say you have picked a good option. My doctor never named my cancer, but my Gleason Score was very aggressive, 4+4. So I had a RP done. One thing: Get the book. I copied the cover. Read and know how to survive the cancer. There is all kinds of info, but THE BOOK, Patrick Walsh's Surviving Prostate Cancer" will help you make decisions based on years of treating prostate cancer. And, use Mayo Clinic or reputable sites.

Watchful waiting is probably the best thing to do right now. My guess, after 15 years of worry about WW effect is that anything you do other than great diet, careful exercise, plenty of sleep, and keeping up with current medical practices will probably do more harm than good. I was diagnosed about 20 years ago, and at 83 years old, I can outrun my 25 great grandchildren for short distances. Of course, I was active in sports for about 60 years, although I have many forms of cancer, including MM, Raynaud's, encephaly, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy r23, basal C on ears and eye sockets, etc. So live as near as possible to the life you want to live. oldkarl

@jeb0505, I hope that you have seen and been able to digest all the helpful responses you received from fellow members who have walked this path a few steps ahead of you.

I wanted to check in. How are you doing?

Hello Colleen,

I'm doing alright, considering. I do this i want to get a second opinion about my results, treatment options, etc.