How Much Time Between Your Diagnosis to Your Start of Treatment?

Posted by bens1 @bens1, Mar 9 7:29pm

I was wondering if there was any value to knowing whether managing the time between when we get diagnosed and when we begin treatment, might limit the spread of the cancer based strictly, experientially.

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I was diagnosed with Gleason 8 in July of 2022, which had not left my prostate, all on the right side. I chose RARP and was scheduled for late November. 2 days prior to my surgery date, I contracted the flu. Surgery was rescheduled and I did on Jan 31st, 2023. Pathology downgraded to Gleason 7, lymph nodes clear and all contained in the prostate. No radiation nor drugs since and PSA has been undetectable (so far)

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I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on 9 February 2012, with localized, low-grade disease. I chose active surveillance, giving me time to actively monitor the disease, while getting referrals to specialists in all treatment modalities, benefiting from advancements in treatments, and thoroughly evaluating all treatment options. Over 9 years later on 19 April 2021, I began 28 sessions of proton beam radiation (+SpaceOAR Vue + 6 months of Eligard). Today, almost 3 years post-treatment, numbers are still good. Depending on your diagnosis, time is on your side. Take the time to make the decision that’s best for you.

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@brianjarvis

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on 9 February 2012, with localized, low-grade disease. I chose active surveillance, giving me time to actively monitor the disease, while getting referrals to specialists in all treatment modalities, benefiting from advancements in treatments, and thoroughly evaluating all treatment options. Over 9 years later on 19 April 2021, I began 28 sessions of proton beam radiation (+SpaceOAR Vue + 6 months of Eligard). Today, almost 3 years post-treatment, numbers are still good. Depending on your diagnosis, time is on your side. Take the time to make the decision that’s best for you.

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How old were you at the time you decided on active surveillance, if you don’t mind sharing?

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At age 68, one 4+3, one 3+3 Decipher 0.84. When I decided to schedule the biopsy in August (for a late September biopsy) I started reading journals, papers, study's, NCCN guidelines and forums. I studied for 2 months. I strongly advocated for myself within the health system.

I was diagnosed September 27, 2023, finished SBRT December 28th, will finish 6 months Orgovyx June 5th.

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@southgeorgia

How old were you at the time you decided on active surveillance, if you don’t mind sharing?

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I was 56y. I also got an independent 2nd opinion to confirm the 6(3+3), and a biomarker (genomic) test to check for any underlying issues. All numbers being nominal, I chose active surveillance.

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I was told I needed Xtandi on January 9th. Nothing has happened yet. Today is March 9th. Can't get ahold of anyone to move this along. I am taking Lupron and have another shot scheduled on April 3rd. My oncology pharmacist said she would check on it. Nothing has happened. Am I missing something? Is anyone out there using this combination? My prostate was removed but my PSA doubled in 6 months.

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Depends on the severity of the biopsy findings and Decipher if it's done. E.g., for gleason grade 6, the chances "the treatment" is worse than the disease" favors active surveillance unless and and until things worsen via repeat biopsies and PSAs. Gleason 8 and above, no value in waiting to treat. Grade 7...should be based on additional findings, e.g., age, specific microscopic findings, imaging studies, PSA level and rate of rise, personal values, cncern over treatment risk and side effects. Complicated calculus. Patrick Walsh's book can be helpful. https://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Walshs-Surviving-Prostate-Cancer/dp/1538726866/ref=sr_1_1

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@brianjarvis

I was 56y. I also got an independent 2nd opinion to confirm the 6(3+3), and a biomarker (genomic) test to check for any underlying issues. All numbers being nominal, I chose active surveillance.

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I was 62 when diagnosed (last year) and also chose active surveillance…

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@southgeorgia

I was 62 when diagnosed (last year) and also chose active surveillance…

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I was diagnosed Gleason 8 and three months until I had surgery. Would of been longer but surgeon has a cancellation

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bensl, it's anxiety producing to wait even if actively deciding with a tumor or tumors growing. With aggressive cancers, especially ductal prostate and for cancers close to suspicious for ECE. ADT can reduce the tumor size by half, while halting it's growth. Two months is said to be the ideal amount of time for ADT before surgery.

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