Prostate Cancer

[rws]

Hi,
I'm a 64 year old who was just diagnosed with Prostate Cancer During my annual physical my PSA came back at 5. It had been in the 3's for a long time. My PCP suggested I consult with a Urologist I did that and found after a biopsy that I did, indeed, have some cancer.
The stats are :
PSA = 5
Gleason = 7
Biopsy = 2 of 12 (on left side)
Size = 27.7 grams
Bone scan and CT scan were both clear.
I began doing some research on the internet for some of the proceedures to treat the condition and after talking with the urologist we had decided on the DaVinci Robotic proceedure. His son who is in practice with him was to do the surgery. I met with him and he was concerned about some scarring from an earlier surgery. He has decided I am not a candidate for that proceedure and has sent me to yet another surgeon to see about a Radical Perineal Prostatectomy. I do not know much about this proceedure yet but am researching as we speak.
Scared? Very! Anyone out there had this proceedure that can offer some feedback? I have looked at HIFU but not sure that's an option.
Any info appreciated. Thanks
Russ

[ohnoo]

Your stats are perfect for HIFU, call 888-874-4384 to talk with a nurse about it. I had HIFU, no pain, no side-effects.

I spent a lot of time reading at yananow (you are not alone).

Blue Cross /Shield pays for HIFU, not sure about the others. It costs $25,000. but I am so glad I spent it.

I am 64 too, hope this nightmare is over soon with great results.

[rws]

Ohnoo,
Thanks for the reply. I spoke with a nurse at the SC HIFU center (DR Scionti) and because I have some "stones" or calcium deposits in the Prostate from earlier prostate infection theytell me that I am not a good candidate for HIFU. Seems every door is closing on me.
Russ

[ohnoo]

Drats!! But yes, calcium would redirect the beam and possiby hurt another spot that was not intended to hit.

What about ADT? The physician who owns/operates the yananow.net site cured himself in one year using ADT...here's his summation:

"Terry Herbert in Melbourne, Australia

Diagnosed ‘96: Age 54: Stage T2b: PSA 7.2: Gleason 7: No treatment.
Jun '07 PSA 42.0 - Bony Metastasis: Started ADT Jul '07; Stopped ADT May '08. Mar '09 PSA 0.36

As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data: Dr Charles “Snuffy” Myers."

http://www.yananow.net/Experiences.html#hifu

You aren't in a hurry.....your scores are low, it's confined...

[buckmelanoma]

I talked to a person who had the davinci procedure done. Has not had a erection since. (2 yrs) A radical will be the same results. Are you a seed candidate> (brachytherapy) You say that 2 or 12 were positive. Were they cancer cells or hi grade pin? Hi grade pin is pre- cancerous. Your 64 yrs old. Check all options. Most of the time if its hi grade pin, another biopsy is done in 6 months. Don't let anyone scare you into something you're not comfortable with.

[rws]

A lot has transpired since I last posted. My urologist had initially been very negative on the "seeds" procedure due to long term side effects. He recommended the DaVinci procedure but then backed off that due to some scarring from surgery on my bladder in high school. Then he suggested I talk with a surgeon in his group about a Radical Perineal Prostatectomy. Befor I even saw the surgeon he called and came full circle back to the radiation seed procedure. Talk about confused and befuddled. He again claimed the scar tissue was an issue preventing the RPP. I did some research on my own and have been in contact with another surgeon as well as the one in his group and they both feel there is no reason why the RPP cannot be done. That's the plan at this point.
Thanks for the replies.
Russ

[buckmelanoma]

Russ, I wish you well and you sound pretty comfortable with your decision. If ever I do need to have something done I'm going the seed route. The radical is just too "radical" for me. The radical does pretty much eliminate any possible recurrence of prostate cancer but also has its long term side effects which I don't want to deal with.

Take care

[rws]

Thanks Buck, It's a very personal decision and everyone's situation is different. There is a lot of information onn the net as well as mis-information. Age is another factor. Best wishes to you as well.
Russ

[ohno]

Have you researched cryosurgery? few docs do it, so docs don't recommend it, but it has far less side effects, 88% cure rate at 5 years.

given your stats ~ you shouldn't be in a hurry....

[rws]

Ohnoo,
I'm comfortable with my decision and the Dr I have selected has a lot of experience in the field and I also have the support of my local surgeon who knows this doctor.
Thanks for the reply.
Russ