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re: Found out today I’ve got Prostate cancer. Advice on radiation or surgery?

Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:50 pm to
Posted by Gorilla Ball
Member since Feb 2006
11826 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:50 pm to
We are about the same agent my PSA levels have fluctuated
4.5 June negative biospy 2017
4.5 late winter 2017
4.7 2018
5.8 2019
5.0 2020
5.0 April 2021

A second biopsy was done fall of of 2020 using a different biospy method and it did turn up positive- it’s small something like 1/3 of an 1/4”. My Dr said let’s just monitor it. I agreed.
I’d suggest a second opinion my Dr. Andrew McCall who I really respect.
Posted by OldmanBeasley
Charlotte
Member since Jun 2014
9734 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:50 pm to
Get a second opinion
Posted by OMLandshark
Member since Apr 2009
109486 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:50 pm to
Dude, I’m sorry that this happened, but you’re at the wrong place for medical advice.
Posted by Gorilla Ball
Member since Feb 2006
11826 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:52 pm to
Agreed 1000%
Posted by kisatchie53
Member since Jul 2011
1964 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:53 pm to
Good luck OP, had 2 uncles in their 70s get prostate cancer, both beat it.
Posted by EA6B
TX
Member since Dec 2012
14754 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:54 pm to
If you opt for removal, Dr. Stephen Bardot, Ochsner New Orleans.
Posted by MBclass83
Member since Oct 2010
9412 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:56 pm to
At least you have a screening tumor marker that indicates cancer.
This post was edited on 7/7/21 at 6:57 pm
Posted by FullFontE
RTP
Member since Jan 2020
379 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:58 pm to
I think both are good options, based on Gleason scoring and PSA/staging. Our patients do really well with the robotic assisted surgery, the Da Vinci. Minimizes recovery time significantly and has great outcomes without need for chemo meds/radiation, if caught early. My BIL just got it as well, and he’s doing fine.

Proton therapy is non-invasive and spares radiation dose to the rectum and bladder as well as the hip joints. By precisely targeting the radiation to the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, patients should have greater quality-of-life along with cure.

I don’t know if there is a proton therapy center in LA, but I know there is one in the DFW and Jacksonville, Fl area. You would think that there would be one at MD Anderson, but I’m unsure.
Posted by alpinetiger
Salt Lake City
Member since Apr 2017
5864 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:58 pm to
quote:

I’m 55 and went for my annual check up in May, my prostate levels were high. My doctor sent me to a urologist and he did a biopsy two weeks ago.Today I got my results. I feel fine and it’s early stages but anytime you here the C word it will hit you. My wife was with me , telling my kids and siblings was tough also. I have too choices surgery or radiation, If any of y’all had this let me know your opinions. TIA
Get a second opinion before doing anything. Low-risk prostate cancer is often overtreated with surgery and radiation. Don't take my word, you can read up on it independently.

My oldest BIL was diagnosed 11(?) years ago, and surgery or radiation was recommended. He opted for a second opinion, who recommended monitoring before anything invasive. He gets a check-up every six months and so far so good.

Posted by Pettifogger
Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone
Member since Feb 2012
79403 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 6:59 pm to
quote:

I don’t know if there is a proton therapy center in LA, but I know there is one in the DFW and Jacksonville, Fl area. You would think that there would be one at MD Anderson, but I’m unsure.



MD Anderson has one as does Emory Winship in Atlanta now.

This post was edited on 7/7/21 at 7:01 pm
Posted by EA6B
TX
Member since Dec 2012
14754 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:00 pm to
quote:

Dude, I’m sorry that this happened, but you’re at the wrong place for medical advice.


A place where there are numerous men that have been through the process, and can make comments based on their own personal experience with outcomes, and side effects of the various treatments, something the Dr treating them likely has not actually experienced themself. Seems like a perfect place to seek advice
This post was edited on 7/7/21 at 7:04 pm
Posted by tigertrueAU
Canyon Lake Texas
Member since Oct 2009
1251 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:04 pm to
My dad was around your age when he got prostate cancer. They caught it early as well. He opted for surgery. Then 5 years later it returned and he went with radiation. It’s been almost 5 years since the radiation and he’s doing great. He will turn 70 in March and lives a good life.
He’s a tough SOB and because of the way he behaved the family and wasnt allowed to show fear or doubt around him. He believes in God and put his Faith in him that he would have many great years ahead of him or that he would go “home” to be with the Lord.
I’ll say a prayer for you brother.
You got this.
frick cancer.
This post was edited on 7/7/21 at 7:08 pm
Posted by OMLandshark
Member since Apr 2009
109486 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:07 pm to
quote:

A place where there are numerous men that have been through the process, and can make comments based on their own personal experience with outcomes, and side effects of the various treatments, something the Dr treating them likely has not actually experienced themself. Seems like a perfect place to seek advice


bullshite. You’re asking to get sued. They haven’t seen the OP’s medical records nor do they have (at least 99.99% of them) the medical expertise on what needs to happen. It’s not asking “Should I get a C or a D cup in my breast plants?” This is fricking cancer. It’s not a one size fits all.

Now how to cope with cancer, some posters here can help on that, but a medical procedure, you’re extremely stupid or at best ignorant if you think you can give a poster the proper medical procedure going forward when you don’t know shite on the specifics.
This post was edited on 7/7/21 at 7:08 pm
Posted by Stevo
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2004
11430 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:07 pm to
He’s just looking for feedback, and lots of good feedback on here so far. Ultimately, do lots of research and decide what’s best for you given staging and consultation with your physician(s).
Posted by White Roach
Member since Apr 2009
9466 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:10 pm to
You and me, both. My PSA was 17.1 in April of '19. The absolute most stressful part of the whole deal were the bone scans, CTs, and MRIs while I was waiting to have it staged. Closely followed by unresolved A-Fib, which delayed surgery.

Once treatment began, I honestly felt like I was going to be okay. I had brachitherapy (where they needle inserted about 6 dozen radioactive pellets into my prostate through my 'taint) and 5-1/2 weeks of external beam radiation.

I also had hormone therapy - I think the shite is called Lupon, by I'm not positive - injections. In retrospect, I would pass on hormone therapy if offered. They've really fricked me up physically and havent done much for me mentally.

Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, so we've got that going for us. If you're in the NO Metro area, I can't recommend the team at the Yenni Treatment Center at EJGH highly enough. They're great! From the radiation oncologist (Dr Sidd Padman), nurses, radiation techs, to the receptionist. They were all super friendly, humorous, and most importantly, very competent. They made a shitty situation very tolerable.

Good luck! This is a bump in the road. You'll be fine. Take care and be well.

TLDR:
frick those hormone injections!
Posted by Pettifogger
Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone
Member since Feb 2012
79403 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:13 pm to
quote:

OMLandshark



I don't know, seems like overkill man. I think any guy 35 or older knows people who've gone through prostate cancer treatment. This question (radiation or surgery) was presented to each of the handful of guys I know who confronted it.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like it's very common to be presented with this choice, often with a list of pros/cons but without any specific best course of action recommended by a physician.
Posted by Gorilla Ball
Member since Feb 2006
11826 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:15 pm to
Geez - a message board opinion over a medical professionals opinion. Without knowing the Psa levels, family history, the size or anything- see a Dr. Please.
Posted by EA6B
TX
Member since Dec 2012
14754 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:17 pm to
quote:

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like it's very common to be presented with this choice, often with a list of pros/cons but without any specific best course of action recommended by a physician.


A friend of mine was just presented with the same choice, the Dr simply gave home the pros and cons of each treatment, the related outcome statistics. The choice was ultimately up to my friend who started calling people he knew who had been through the process, no different than asking the same question here.
Posted by jamiegla1
Member since Aug 2016
7016 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:20 pm to
Praying that you find the treatment that is right for you. It seems theres a lot of wisdom in the previous posts.
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
17810 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 7:21 pm to
Just remove it
Had a coworker had removal he was fine you will be fine good luck
This post was edited on 7/7/21 at 7:23 pm
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