Recently diagnosed with prostate cancer: What questions to ask docs?

Posted by solesky @solesky, Jun 28 7:14pm

I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, I have a Gleason score of 7 in 3 areas and a 4 in another spot, I'm scheduled to meet my new oncologist, surgeon, and hormone Dr early next week to discuss my options. What I got from my talk with my urologist was because of my age, 73, I'm at the in between age of what option for me is best. He basically said I could have radiation treatment or surgery to remove my prostate and hopefully be cancer free after surgery. So many side effects and things to deal with after surgery, but I'm leaning towards the surgery just to be done with the cancer. but honestly, I know absolutely nothing about this. Got any questions I can ask these Dr's during my meeting? I'm pretty much scared to death of this whole thing. Help.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

lag | @lag | Jul 7 6:30am

In reply to @phl6953 "How to contact Dr. Eugene Kwon from Miaoyou Medical International Rochester Campus via video" + (show)

To contact Dr. Kwon, you need to phone Mayo Rochester and ask to be connected to Urology, and then tell the person who answers why you are calling.

VancouverIslandHiker | @vancouverislandhiker | Jul 8 10:03am

so excellent advise here . I would just like to add ... keep a file , a medical file of all conversations with doctors and what they said and what you asked . Also get copies of every image you have done ( at least summary findings) . Believe me , you will need this with all the terms and Doctors you will visit . Your own medical file will be a great starting point for conversations with Dr's . Best of luck - keep us in the loop ! James on Vancouver Island .

retireditguy | @retireditguy | Jul 8 5:19pm

Sorry, but I couldn't find an online free copy.

robertmizek | @robertmizek | Jul 8 9:41pm

In reply to @phl6953 "I don't live in the United States. Do you have an online version of the paperback..." + (show)

You can purchase an online copy of the book compatible with the Kindle app through Amazon. That’s what I did. I think it cost me $12 US.

pieperfarm | @pieperfarm | Jul 9 8:19am

Erections, continence, life expectancy. Pick a solution that works for you. I had HIFU at 57. Surgeon wanted to remove prostate, which normally does not cause continence issues until age 80, because it had a 86% survival rate for me (I also had markers & DNA tested). When pressed HIFU with active surveillance had a survival rate of 84% and could be repeated as necessary. You will lose erections and continence with surgery, the only question is when (60, 70, 80). I have a PSA test this week, and my first MRI after the HIFU. The HIFU took care of the Gleason 6 and Gleason 7 on one side of the prostate. I still have Gleaon 3+3 on the other side.

clandeboye1 | @clandeboye1 | 6 days ago

Quick buy Dr. Patrick Walsh book Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer -- Educate yourself FAST . It will give you answers to most of your immediate concerns & treatment options .
Seek 2nd Oncology & Radiation Oncologist opinions . .
DO NOT RUSH INTO A KNEE JERK DECISION -- YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DIE TOMORROW .
Good luck .-- Keep us posted .