Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 Even though you might wish to get a second opinion on the biopsy samples, there is no reason why the Lupron shots should not be started. If brachytherapy (radiation seed implants) is going to be the treatment of choice, then it will be necessary to shrink the prostate before implantation be made. There has been reports that hormone therapy in conjunction with radiation treatment improves outcome with this form of treatment. The side effects of hormone injection is certainly not something to look forward to, but is something that has to be started before implantation. I was originally going to go with brachytherapy, but when confronted with the prospect of hormone shots, I quickly chose surgery instead. However, in your case, surgery may not be an option. Louis. . . . . new to group and a question Hi,My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for now. The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but I am really scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone therapy.Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas)very worriedSam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 Even though you might wish to get a second opinion on the biopsy samples, there is no reason why the Lupron shots should not be started. If brachytherapy (radiation seed implants) is going to be the treatment of choice, then it will be necessary to shrink the prostate before implantation be made. There has been reports that hormone therapy in conjunction with radiation treatment improves outcome with this form of treatment. The side effects of hormone injection is certainly not something to look forward to, but is something that has to be started before implantation. I was originally going to go with brachytherapy, but when confronted with the prospect of hormone shots, I quickly chose surgery instead. However, in your case, surgery may not be an option. Louis. . . . . new to group and a question Hi,My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for now. The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but I am really scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone therapy.Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas)very worriedSam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 Even though you might wish to get a second opinion on the biopsy samples, there is no reason why the Lupron shots should not be started. If brachytherapy (radiation seed implants) is going to be the treatment of choice, then it will be necessary to shrink the prostate before implantation be made. There has been reports that hormone therapy in conjunction with radiation treatment improves outcome with this form of treatment. The side effects of hormone injection is certainly not something to look forward to, but is something that has to be started before implantation. I was originally going to go with brachytherapy, but when confronted with the prospect of hormone shots, I quickly chose surgery instead. However, in your case, surgery may not be an option. Louis. . . . . new to group and a question Hi,My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for now. The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but I am really scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone therapy.Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas)very worriedSam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 > My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan > this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson (sic: > Gleason) scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for now. Sorry, but it is probable unless otherwise proven that the PCa (prostate cancer) is systemic, which is NOT the same as metastatic. But: how many of the biopsy specimens were classified as G9? I strongly recommend that Dad (what's his name?) (1) obtain a copy of the pathology report and (2) have the specimens and paraffin block sent to a specialist laboratory (see below). > The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but I am really > scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? I am not a medic and unlike some will not presume to give medical advice. However, my amateur understanding is that there is not likely to be a catastrophic development between now and February. > He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too > badly effected (sic: affected), so the proposed treatment is > radiation (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with > hormone therapy. This is called brachytherapy with adjuvant ADT (androgen deprivation therapy). > Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) No one here is medically qualified to answer that question, sorry. > very worried And rightly so. But a diagnosis of PCa is not a death sentence. I most earnestly recommend that Dad be encouraged to participate online rather than to depend upon anyone else, however loving and dedicated to his welfare. I deeply respect the ladies, wives and daughters mainly, who post on the PCa support sites on behalf of their men, but as a practical matter the direct participation of the person affected is, quite simply, indispensable. Here is my essay for the newly-diagnosed: Anecdotes contributed by other patients can be interesting, but should never, ever, be relied upon as authority for one's own decisions. In other words, what helps me might harm you and vice versa. There is a lot to do. (1) If applicable, I recommend having the biopsy specimens examined by a pathology lab that specializes in prostate cancer (PCa). Everything that is done from here on depends upon the accuracy of the Gleason scoring. Here is a list of such labs: Bostwick Laboratories [800] 214-6628 Dianon Laboratories [800] 328-2666 (select 5 for client services) Jon Epstein (s Hopkins) [410] 955-5043 or [410] 955-2162 Grignon (Michigan) [313] 745-2520 Jon Oppenheimer (Tennessee) [888] 868-7522 UroCor, Inc. [800] 411-1839 This is a " second opinion " and should be covered by insurance/Medicare. The cost, last I heard, was about $350. More if further tests, which might be prudent, are ordered. The chosen lab can give instructions on shipment arrangements. In civilized jurisdictions, those specimens are the property of the patient and not the medic, not the lab. Sometimes it is necessary to educate them on that point. (2) The authoritative website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html is an excellent beginning. See also http://prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#newly_diagnosed Some medics who specialize in treatment (tx) of PCa are listed via this portal: http://prostate-cancer.org/resource/find-a-physician.html If a particular medic is not suitable due to distance (but there are men who travel thousands of miles for treatment) or otherwise, there is no harm and much possible gain in simply asking for a referral. There are also men whose primary medic is some distance away, but who receive their routine treatment (tx) near home. (3) I heartily recommend this comprehensive text on PCa: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews), & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know. (4) Personal contact with other patients can be very helpful. Local chapters of the international support group Us Too can be found via their website at http://www.ustoo.com/chapter_nearyou.asp Regards, Steve J " Empowerment: taking responsibility for and authority over one's own outcomes based on education and knowledge of the consequences and contingencies involved in one's own decisions. This focus provides the uplifting energy that can sustain in the face of crisis. " --Donna Pogliano, co-author of _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_, subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 > My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan > this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson (sic: > Gleason) scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for now. Sorry, but it is probable unless otherwise proven that the PCa (prostate cancer) is systemic, which is NOT the same as metastatic. But: how many of the biopsy specimens were classified as G9? I strongly recommend that Dad (what's his name?) (1) obtain a copy of the pathology report and (2) have the specimens and paraffin block sent to a specialist laboratory (see below). > The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but I am really > scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? I am not a medic and unlike some will not presume to give medical advice. However, my amateur understanding is that there is not likely to be a catastrophic development between now and February. > He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too > badly effected (sic: affected), so the proposed treatment is > radiation (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with > hormone therapy. This is called brachytherapy with adjuvant ADT (androgen deprivation therapy). > Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) No one here is medically qualified to answer that question, sorry. > very worried And rightly so. But a diagnosis of PCa is not a death sentence. I most earnestly recommend that Dad be encouraged to participate online rather than to depend upon anyone else, however loving and dedicated to his welfare. I deeply respect the ladies, wives and daughters mainly, who post on the PCa support sites on behalf of their men, but as a practical matter the direct participation of the person affected is, quite simply, indispensable. Here is my essay for the newly-diagnosed: Anecdotes contributed by other patients can be interesting, but should never, ever, be relied upon as authority for one's own decisions. In other words, what helps me might harm you and vice versa. There is a lot to do. (1) If applicable, I recommend having the biopsy specimens examined by a pathology lab that specializes in prostate cancer (PCa). Everything that is done from here on depends upon the accuracy of the Gleason scoring. Here is a list of such labs: Bostwick Laboratories [800] 214-6628 Dianon Laboratories [800] 328-2666 (select 5 for client services) Jon Epstein (s Hopkins) [410] 955-5043 or [410] 955-2162 Grignon (Michigan) [313] 745-2520 Jon Oppenheimer (Tennessee) [888] 868-7522 UroCor, Inc. [800] 411-1839 This is a " second opinion " and should be covered by insurance/Medicare. The cost, last I heard, was about $350. More if further tests, which might be prudent, are ordered. The chosen lab can give instructions on shipment arrangements. In civilized jurisdictions, those specimens are the property of the patient and not the medic, not the lab. Sometimes it is necessary to educate them on that point. (2) The authoritative website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html is an excellent beginning. See also http://prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#newly_diagnosed Some medics who specialize in treatment (tx) of PCa are listed via this portal: http://prostate-cancer.org/resource/find-a-physician.html If a particular medic is not suitable due to distance (but there are men who travel thousands of miles for treatment) or otherwise, there is no harm and much possible gain in simply asking for a referral. There are also men whose primary medic is some distance away, but who receive their routine treatment (tx) near home. (3) I heartily recommend this comprehensive text on PCa: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews), & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know. (4) Personal contact with other patients can be very helpful. Local chapters of the international support group Us Too can be found via their website at http://www.ustoo.com/chapter_nearyou.asp Regards, Steve J " Empowerment: taking responsibility for and authority over one's own outcomes based on education and knowledge of the consequences and contingencies involved in one's own decisions. This focus provides the uplifting energy that can sustain in the face of crisis. " --Donna Pogliano, co-author of _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_, subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 > My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan > this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson (sic: > Gleason) scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for now. Sorry, but it is probable unless otherwise proven that the PCa (prostate cancer) is systemic, which is NOT the same as metastatic. But: how many of the biopsy specimens were classified as G9? I strongly recommend that Dad (what's his name?) (1) obtain a copy of the pathology report and (2) have the specimens and paraffin block sent to a specialist laboratory (see below). > The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but I am really > scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? I am not a medic and unlike some will not presume to give medical advice. However, my amateur understanding is that there is not likely to be a catastrophic development between now and February. > He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too > badly effected (sic: affected), so the proposed treatment is > radiation (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with > hormone therapy. This is called brachytherapy with adjuvant ADT (androgen deprivation therapy). > Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) No one here is medically qualified to answer that question, sorry. > very worried And rightly so. But a diagnosis of PCa is not a death sentence. I most earnestly recommend that Dad be encouraged to participate online rather than to depend upon anyone else, however loving and dedicated to his welfare. I deeply respect the ladies, wives and daughters mainly, who post on the PCa support sites on behalf of their men, but as a practical matter the direct participation of the person affected is, quite simply, indispensable. Here is my essay for the newly-diagnosed: Anecdotes contributed by other patients can be interesting, but should never, ever, be relied upon as authority for one's own decisions. In other words, what helps me might harm you and vice versa. There is a lot to do. (1) If applicable, I recommend having the biopsy specimens examined by a pathology lab that specializes in prostate cancer (PCa). Everything that is done from here on depends upon the accuracy of the Gleason scoring. Here is a list of such labs: Bostwick Laboratories [800] 214-6628 Dianon Laboratories [800] 328-2666 (select 5 for client services) Jon Epstein (s Hopkins) [410] 955-5043 or [410] 955-2162 Grignon (Michigan) [313] 745-2520 Jon Oppenheimer (Tennessee) [888] 868-7522 UroCor, Inc. [800] 411-1839 This is a " second opinion " and should be covered by insurance/Medicare. The cost, last I heard, was about $350. More if further tests, which might be prudent, are ordered. The chosen lab can give instructions on shipment arrangements. In civilized jurisdictions, those specimens are the property of the patient and not the medic, not the lab. Sometimes it is necessary to educate them on that point. (2) The authoritative website of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html is an excellent beginning. See also http://prostate-cancer.org/education/education.html#newly_diagnosed Some medics who specialize in treatment (tx) of PCa are listed via this portal: http://prostate-cancer.org/resource/find-a-physician.html If a particular medic is not suitable due to distance (but there are men who travel thousands of miles for treatment) or otherwise, there is no harm and much possible gain in simply asking for a referral. There are also men whose primary medic is some distance away, but who receive their routine treatment (tx) near home. (3) I heartily recommend this comprehensive text on PCa: _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd ed., subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide " by medical oncologist and PCa specialist B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano. It is available from the PCRI website and the like, as well as Amazon (30+ five-star reviews), & Noble, and bookstores. A lifesaver, as I very well know. (4) Personal contact with other patients can be very helpful. Local chapters of the international support group Us Too can be found via their website at http://www.ustoo.com/chapter_nearyou.asp Regards, Steve J " Empowerment: taking responsibility for and authority over one's own outcomes based on education and knowledge of the consequences and contingencies involved in one's own decisions. This focus provides the uplifting energy that can sustain in the face of crisis. " --Donna Pogliano, co-author of _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_, subtitled " The Empowered Patient's Guide. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 wrote: > My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his > treatment plan this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the > Gleeson scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for > now. The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but > I am really scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? > > He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is > too badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation > (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone > therapy. > > Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) Sam, I'm assuming that your Dad is not yet known to have metastatic cancer and that the treatment he is getting is aimed at the prostate. What I say in the following assumes that. If that's wrong, then what I say below doesn't apply. When a doctor combines radiation and hormone therapy, he or she usually administers the hormone therapy first. That is usually done with Casodex or similar pills, followed by an injection of Lupron or some similar drug. Has that been done yet? If not, you could push for that. It doesn't even require a doctor's visit. He can get your Dad a prescription for the Casodex pills and schedule an appointment (often done 1-2 weeks after the Casodex starts and has taken effect) for the Lupron (or whatever) injection. Once the drugs begin, the treatment has started. The drugs will suppress and even shrink the cancer for a considerable period of time, so your Dad will probably not get worse before February. In fact, the opposite will likely be true. The cancer will be damaged somewhat by the drugs and the prostate will be shrunken so that when the radiation starts it will have more cancer killing power than it would if it were administered now. In other words, radiation in February will be more effective than radiation now and your Dad will not get worse while he's waiting. The treatment you described sounds a little odd. You or your Dad may not have gotten the details accurately. When radioactive seeds are used there are usually many more than three, though sometimes only about three seeds are used when they are not radioactive but are used instead as x-ray location targets for external beam radiation. For Gleason 9 cancers, some external beam radiation is usually used because it can treat the area around the prostate as well as the prostate itself. As you probably know, Gleason 9 cancers are very serious. Your Dad's chances of a " cure " may not be better than 50/50. But even if the treatment doesn't cure him, hormone therapy can be used to hold the cancer in check for some time. How long it works depends on the particular cancer. Each patient is different. The only real question I have for you is whether your Dad is comfortable with the doctor who will be treating him. It is important to get a good radiation oncologist who has a lot of knowledge and experience with prostate cancer. If your Dad has any doubts, and maybe even if he doesn't, it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask about a second opinion. Once the hormone therapy starts he'll have some time to think things over and take the best course he can. In the meantime, if you or he want to learn more about prostate cancer, there are some very good introductory videos at Dr. Gerald Chodak's website at: http://www.prostatevideos.com/ And lots of good information at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate http://www.yananow.net/ http://www.prostate-cancer.org/ and elsewhere on the web. Best of luck to you and your Dad. Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 wrote: > My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his > treatment plan this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the > Gleeson scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for > now. The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but > I am really scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? > > He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is > too badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation > (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone > therapy. > > Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) Sam, I'm assuming that your Dad is not yet known to have metastatic cancer and that the treatment he is getting is aimed at the prostate. What I say in the following assumes that. If that's wrong, then what I say below doesn't apply. When a doctor combines radiation and hormone therapy, he or she usually administers the hormone therapy first. That is usually done with Casodex or similar pills, followed by an injection of Lupron or some similar drug. Has that been done yet? If not, you could push for that. It doesn't even require a doctor's visit. He can get your Dad a prescription for the Casodex pills and schedule an appointment (often done 1-2 weeks after the Casodex starts and has taken effect) for the Lupron (or whatever) injection. Once the drugs begin, the treatment has started. The drugs will suppress and even shrink the cancer for a considerable period of time, so your Dad will probably not get worse before February. In fact, the opposite will likely be true. The cancer will be damaged somewhat by the drugs and the prostate will be shrunken so that when the radiation starts it will have more cancer killing power than it would if it were administered now. In other words, radiation in February will be more effective than radiation now and your Dad will not get worse while he's waiting. The treatment you described sounds a little odd. You or your Dad may not have gotten the details accurately. When radioactive seeds are used there are usually many more than three, though sometimes only about three seeds are used when they are not radioactive but are used instead as x-ray location targets for external beam radiation. For Gleason 9 cancers, some external beam radiation is usually used because it can treat the area around the prostate as well as the prostate itself. As you probably know, Gleason 9 cancers are very serious. Your Dad's chances of a " cure " may not be better than 50/50. But even if the treatment doesn't cure him, hormone therapy can be used to hold the cancer in check for some time. How long it works depends on the particular cancer. Each patient is different. The only real question I have for you is whether your Dad is comfortable with the doctor who will be treating him. It is important to get a good radiation oncologist who has a lot of knowledge and experience with prostate cancer. If your Dad has any doubts, and maybe even if he doesn't, it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask about a second opinion. Once the hormone therapy starts he'll have some time to think things over and take the best course he can. In the meantime, if you or he want to learn more about prostate cancer, there are some very good introductory videos at Dr. Gerald Chodak's website at: http://www.prostatevideos.com/ And lots of good information at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate http://www.yananow.net/ http://www.prostate-cancer.org/ and elsewhere on the web. Best of luck to you and your Dad. Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 wrote: > My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his > treatment plan this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the > Gleeson scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for > now. The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but > I am really scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? > > He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is > too badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation > (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone > therapy. > > Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) Sam, I'm assuming that your Dad is not yet known to have metastatic cancer and that the treatment he is getting is aimed at the prostate. What I say in the following assumes that. If that's wrong, then what I say below doesn't apply. When a doctor combines radiation and hormone therapy, he or she usually administers the hormone therapy first. That is usually done with Casodex or similar pills, followed by an injection of Lupron or some similar drug. Has that been done yet? If not, you could push for that. It doesn't even require a doctor's visit. He can get your Dad a prescription for the Casodex pills and schedule an appointment (often done 1-2 weeks after the Casodex starts and has taken effect) for the Lupron (or whatever) injection. Once the drugs begin, the treatment has started. The drugs will suppress and even shrink the cancer for a considerable period of time, so your Dad will probably not get worse before February. In fact, the opposite will likely be true. The cancer will be damaged somewhat by the drugs and the prostate will be shrunken so that when the radiation starts it will have more cancer killing power than it would if it were administered now. In other words, radiation in February will be more effective than radiation now and your Dad will not get worse while he's waiting. The treatment you described sounds a little odd. You or your Dad may not have gotten the details accurately. When radioactive seeds are used there are usually many more than three, though sometimes only about three seeds are used when they are not radioactive but are used instead as x-ray location targets for external beam radiation. For Gleason 9 cancers, some external beam radiation is usually used because it can treat the area around the prostate as well as the prostate itself. As you probably know, Gleason 9 cancers are very serious. Your Dad's chances of a " cure " may not be better than 50/50. But even if the treatment doesn't cure him, hormone therapy can be used to hold the cancer in check for some time. How long it works depends on the particular cancer. Each patient is different. The only real question I have for you is whether your Dad is comfortable with the doctor who will be treating him. It is important to get a good radiation oncologist who has a lot of knowledge and experience with prostate cancer. If your Dad has any doubts, and maybe even if he doesn't, it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask about a second opinion. Once the hormone therapy starts he'll have some time to think things over and take the best course he can. In the meantime, if you or he want to learn more about prostate cancer, there are some very good introductory videos at Dr. Gerald Chodak's website at: http://www.prostatevideos.com/ And lots of good information at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate http://www.yananow.net/ http://www.prostate-cancer.org/ and elsewhere on the web. Best of luck to you and your Dad. Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 Thank you for your advice. I realise this is Dad's (Bruce's) issue to deal with in his own way and we may well have the details on the treatment a little off (from your messages perhaps it is 3 glass vials of pellets?). It is all pretty scary and happened quickly. (He was in for a hearing check and described some symptoms in passing (that he had checked by another doctor) when his ear specialist asked for permission to sent him to the prostate specialist next door.) He seems very comfortable with the doctor, and grateful that to date things have moved quickly. His doctor is a prostate specialise and wants to send him to a bladder specialist late in Jan followed by treatment early Feb. 9 of the core samples taken had cancer in them (I am not sure how many were taken, but I think it was 11 or 13) The full body and bone scans showed no signs yet of cancer elsewhere. As to my spelling... I was always better at maths, sorry. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 Sorry to hear about your Dad, . You’ve got some good advice so far from others on this site. In answer to your specific question <snip> Should we be trying to push faster? <snip> The answer is that although it is difficult to be certain, because we are not your father’s doctors and we do not have any detailed information of his diagnosis, it is unlikely that there will be any substantial change in your Dad’s condition between now and February, especially if he is having the ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) [which is the technical term for hormone therapy] before his radiation therapy. Here are three suggestions for you, which may help to calm your worry a little: Go along to my website YANA – You Are Not Alone Now at http://www.yananow.net which is specifically set up for newly diagnosed men and their family and go through the site, page by page. That will get you some basic facts, which I am sure will help oyu. Your Dad, if he doesn’t use a computer, might lke to read the booklet I wrote, which I called A Strange Place which yo can find on the site here http://www.yananow.net/StrangePlace/index.html As you will see there is a pdf version for easy printing, but I also have some hard copies which I am happy to mail out if that would be easier for you. Finally, you might find it helpful to join the special Ladies Only Forum at http://www.ladies-prostate-forum.org/ladies/ for the womenfolk of men with prostate cancer. It is closed to men so I can’t verify the quality of the discussions, but from all reports the women who go there get tremendous support, and you’ll probably find some other daughters there. But in any event, please post some details of your Dad’s diagnosis – Age, PSAs leading up to the diagnosis, Gleason Score and Staging (these terms are all explained on the YANA site) and any questions you might have. Just remember – there are no dumb questions. We all started off where you are now, but we’ve collectively learned a lot over the years. All the best Terry Herbert I have no medical qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since then. My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za Dr “Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data " From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Sent: Saturday, 20 December 2008 10:32 AM To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: new to group and a question Hi, My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for now. The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but I am really scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone therapy. Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) very worried Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 Sorry to hear about your Dad, . You’ve got some good advice so far from others on this site. In answer to your specific question <snip> Should we be trying to push faster? <snip> The answer is that although it is difficult to be certain, because we are not your father’s doctors and we do not have any detailed information of his diagnosis, it is unlikely that there will be any substantial change in your Dad’s condition between now and February, especially if he is having the ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) [which is the technical term for hormone therapy] before his radiation therapy. Here are three suggestions for you, which may help to calm your worry a little: Go along to my website YANA – You Are Not Alone Now at http://www.yananow.net which is specifically set up for newly diagnosed men and their family and go through the site, page by page. That will get you some basic facts, which I am sure will help oyu. Your Dad, if he doesn’t use a computer, might lke to read the booklet I wrote, which I called A Strange Place which yo can find on the site here http://www.yananow.net/StrangePlace/index.html As you will see there is a pdf version for easy printing, but I also have some hard copies which I am happy to mail out if that would be easier for you. Finally, you might find it helpful to join the special Ladies Only Forum at http://www.ladies-prostate-forum.org/ladies/ for the womenfolk of men with prostate cancer. It is closed to men so I can’t verify the quality of the discussions, but from all reports the women who go there get tremendous support, and you’ll probably find some other daughters there. But in any event, please post some details of your Dad’s diagnosis – Age, PSAs leading up to the diagnosis, Gleason Score and Staging (these terms are all explained on the YANA site) and any questions you might have. Just remember – there are no dumb questions. We all started off where you are now, but we’ve collectively learned a lot over the years. All the best Terry Herbert I have no medical qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since then. My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za Dr “Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate data " From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Sent: Saturday, 20 December 2008 10:32 AM To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: new to group and a question Hi, My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson scale but seems to be contained to the prostate for now. The doctor says it can wait for treatment until Feb but I am really scared. Is it reasonable to wait this long? He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation (via three pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone therapy. Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) very worried Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 >dear samantha, learnedn about the condition of the father, nothing to worry about prostate cancer, two years before i was daignosed with prostate cancer glycen score of 7 and PSAwith 48ng then i decided to go for IMRT i had it with zoladen injections and every thing has come to normal if psa is increased we can think of orchidectomy even after normal i preferred orchidectomy to reduce the testosteron content in the body go for radiation first and many other ways to fight prostate ca so dont worry i am living there is no worry for any thing . worry kills us not deseaase. fegards have faith on god. > Hi, > > My dad got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. He got his treatment plan > this week. The cancer is apparently a 9 on the Gleeson scale but seems > to be contained to the prostate for now. The doctor says it can wait > for treatment until Feb but I am really scared. Is it reasonable to > wait this long? > > He has been told he can't have surgery because the prostate is too > badly effected, so the proposed treatment is radiation (via three > pellets surgically impanted) combined with hormone therapy. > > Should we be trying to push faster? (I know it is xmas) > > very worried > Sam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2008 Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 Sam: Your spelling is a lot better than my math. With 9 of 12 samples positive and a Gleason 9 your dad does have a pretty serious condition. Thank goodness it was discovered as early as it was. Much advancement in PCa in just the last several years and at this point he does have a real good shot at a cure and many years ahead. One thing as to the timing of treatment: most times after a biopsy it's necessary to wait a month or six weeks to let the gland heal and to let the hormone treatment take its course. I was diagnosed in Nov. and had surgery in Feb. No hurry. Hard to enjoy the holidays for sure. Here's hoping for a successful outcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2008 Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 Sam: Your spelling is a lot better than my math. With 9 of 12 samples positive and a Gleason 9 your dad does have a pretty serious condition. Thank goodness it was discovered as early as it was. Much advancement in PCa in just the last several years and at this point he does have a real good shot at a cure and many years ahead. One thing as to the timing of treatment: most times after a biopsy it's necessary to wait a month or six weeks to let the gland heal and to let the hormone treatment take its course. I was diagnosed in Nov. and had surgery in Feb. No hurry. Hard to enjoy the holidays for sure. Here's hoping for a successful outcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2008 Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 Sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis. Times like these are beyond unfair. I'm in a similar boat with my own father's CaP (prostate cancer) and can identify with your fear and worry. Since my dad's diagnosis, the best advice I've received was: slow down. That is to say, take time to digest what is happening and then get informed about the type of cancer--PSA #, clinical stage, and Gleason grade--your father has as well as all options for treatment (the good, the bad, and Eli Wallach, er, I mean, the ugly). Also, pay attention to your father's emotional health/well being as he (and by extension your family) moves along on the road to recovery. Maintain strong social support (If available) with friends/family and seek out support groups in your area. Good luck and Godspeed. >> Thank you for your advice. > > I realise this is Dad's (Bruce's) issue to deal with in his own way > and we may well have the details on the treatment a little off (from > your messages perhaps it is 3 glass vials of pellets?). > > It is all pretty scary and happened quickly. (He was in for a hearing > check and described some symptoms in passing (that he had checked by > another doctor) when his ear specialist asked for permission to sent > him to the prostate specialist next door.) He seems very comfortable > with the doctor, and grateful that to date things have moved quickly.> > His doctor is a prostate specialise and wants to send him to a > bladder specialist late in Jan followed by treatment early Feb.> > 9 of the core samples taken had cancer in them (I am not sure how > many were taken, but I think it was 11 or 13)> > The full body and bone scans showed no signs yet of cancer elsewhere.> > As to my spelling... I was always better at maths, sorry.> > Sam> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2008 Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 Sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis. Times like these are beyond unfair. I'm in a similar boat with my own father's CaP (prostate cancer) and can identify with your fear and worry. Since my dad's diagnosis, the best advice I've received was: slow down. That is to say, take time to digest what is happening and then get informed about the type of cancer--PSA #, clinical stage, and Gleason grade--your father has as well as all options for treatment (the good, the bad, and Eli Wallach, er, I mean, the ugly). Also, pay attention to your father's emotional health/well being as he (and by extension your family) moves along on the road to recovery. Maintain strong social support (If available) with friends/family and seek out support groups in your area. Good luck and Godspeed. >> Thank you for your advice. > > I realise this is Dad's (Bruce's) issue to deal with in his own way > and we may well have the details on the treatment a little off (from > your messages perhaps it is 3 glass vials of pellets?). > > It is all pretty scary and happened quickly. (He was in for a hearing > check and described some symptoms in passing (that he had checked by > another doctor) when his ear specialist asked for permission to sent > him to the prostate specialist next door.) He seems very comfortable > with the doctor, and grateful that to date things have moved quickly.> > His doctor is a prostate specialise and wants to send him to a > bladder specialist late in Jan followed by treatment early Feb.> > 9 of the core samples taken had cancer in them (I am not sure how > many were taken, but I think it was 11 or 13)> > The full body and bone scans showed no signs yet of cancer elsewhere.> > As to my spelling... I was always better at maths, sorry.> > Sam> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2008 Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 Thankyou all for the support and advice. It does help to be able to get a handle on what Dad is going through, without making him feel that he needs to provide detailed explanations to everything. I can also listen to him and understand what he is talking about... while remaining calm given that I know some of the negative and positive details already. We are both understanding his diagnosis and treatment more and passing this knowledge on to the rest of the family. It turns out that he is not having the pellets but HDR Brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation and the hormone therapy. There is so much information to digest at the moment. I suppose it will just take some time to get a handle on what is happening. thanks again, Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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