FW: [WW] Active Surveillance vs Watchful Waiting WW Digest, Vol 7, Issue 62

[Guest guest]

For Charlie De,

Below is the remark on another support list of a patient who was diagnosed

three years ago and remains on Active Surveillance. Read his reasoning and

it is that reasoning that I am encouraging you to think about.

Chuck

Re: [WW] Active Surveillance vs Watchful Waiting WW Digest, Vol 7,

Issue 62

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Jon,

I am in a similar position as you. Diagnosed 2009 at age 60, low grade, in

an AS study, regular checkups and monitoring. At this time I am not having

annual biopsies due to an issue I had with my initial biopsy. PSA has been

basically stable within a narrow range.

Sorry to hear about your progression. I have thought a lot at times about

the points you bring up. In my case I have other health issues to take into

account. I feel the same as you do. I have had (so far) 3 years without

the complications of treatment. In the meantime as you mention there have

been significant improvements in treatments with more expected in the

future. I agree with all you have said.

In addition, I spent the time becoming more knowledgeable about PCa. I have

become involved in USToo. I have been to several presentations. I have

done a lot of reading. I know a lot more about treatments, outcomes,

complications, and what is on the horizon.

The more I learn and understand about the disease and my situation the

better I feel about my decision. Not to say it hasn't been emotional at

times nor easy. There have been a few doubts. However I have no regrets.

If in the future the cancer progresses and I need to seek treatment, I feel

in a better position to understand and make a decision. If I do not

progress and do not need to seek treatment then I will have avoided the

problems with treatment.

Good luck going forward.

Geoff in IL