Second guessing or being sure.
I am scheduled to have my prostate removed next week. In the past few days I have received comments from a number of men who have a similar situation to me. They ended having additional testing on their cancerous prostate and were told they didn’t need surgery, either because their Gleason score was lower than first reported or their cancer was determined to be very slow growing. I started wondering if I should get another opinion. I know it’s close to surgery time but I want to do what will provide me with the best outcome. My biggest fear is that if I do get another opinion and they agree surgery is best, I might regret doing it in the first place. I don’t know if this is being smart or as the day of surgery gets closer, I’m having “buyer’s remorse”. Any of you ever felt this way? Thanks for responding.
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Thanks. So much to consider in a short period of time.
Thanks. BTW, what treatment did you have done?
My biopsy gleason score was also 3+4 from local lab. Sent the slides to John Hopkins, they confirmed the 3+4 and said no cribriform noted. I then sent sample for a prolaris genomic test. It came back that I was on the borderline of active surveylance or treat. I too was worried about over treating a low grade cancer. The 5 SBRT treatments seemed like the way to go but I was afraid it would make my existing urinary issues worse. I opted for surgery and am glad I did. My post surgery pathology ended up being 4+3 with a small amount of 5 and there was cribriform morphology. My biopsy missed higher grade cancer the 4 portion of my 3+4 grew from the time of biopsy to the time of surgery, May to Sept. I kinda doubt that. The biopsy is just a small sample of the overall prostate so I believe it just missed some cancer. On the other hand, gleason scores are sometimes downgraded after surgery. If I was 3+3 I would have just watched it but having the 4 was the deciding factor for me. Each case is unique tho. I'm happy with my decision.
Don't listen to us. We each represent a series of n=1, and are amateur researchers. Go to the cancer center of excellence of your choice and speak with 1 or more doctors there. They spend their entire professional lives reading, thinking, and talking about this. Take your partner with you. Then listen to your heart and your partner. Even if insurance doesn't cover the visit, it's worth the out of pocket cost.
FWIW, I'm 74 with a similar biopsy and PSA profile to you. I chose surgery and 7 months later am feeling 100% positive about it, with undetectable PSA, return of continence, and successful sexual function with viagra and a loving wife. YMMV.
Thanks for the reply. Best wishes
Thanks and best wishes
I was 56 when I had my prostate removed, we followed that up with radiation treatment for the surrounding area, all was well for 14 months when the cystitis in my bladder decided to start peeling.
I have been fighting it ever since, cystoscopy every 6 months, emergency room visits, Supra Pubic Catheter.
It got to the point I was self-catheter myself 30 to 40 times a week.
I have changed Urologist 4 times, looking for answers that made since to me. One insisted that I get the bag, another wanted me to keep the SPC in. (The bladder spasms were vicious.)
I highly recommend 2nd opinions, but I will also say that if I was 10 years older when I was diagnosed,
I would have reconsidered my decision to go with removal, my quality of life leaves a lot to be desired.
Don’t mean to be Debbie Downer, but I highly recommend that you gather all the information and options before deciding.
Good luck on your journey.
I respect your opinion. Prayers to you for better health.
Yes u need to inquire about this for sure.
5 days maybe every other day treatment 5 total and finished.
Get the same dosage as a 35 day treatment
Thanks