Prostate Cancer Support Group

Back in September, a routine visit to the urologist showed my PSA at 9.3. Over the next three months, repeat tests showed a downward trend (though only to 7.5), and then it shot up again to 9.5.

Had my biopsy earlier this month, and learned of the positive result last week. The good new, I guess, is that my Gleason is 6.

My urologist is a leader in the robotic surgery field, and right now I think that's what I'm leaning toward. However, I'm meeting with a radiation oncologist on Monday to hear what he can tell me.

It just seems that from the limited reading I've done so far, the long-term after effects appear better with surgery. Am I way off on that?

Ah well. I guess it says a lot for medical progress that my focus is on quality of life after treatment, rather than on worrying about survival. Or am I being naive?

In any case, glad to find this group...

Not so lucky to have a positive biopsy, though, eh? Good that you're looking at options, not just taking the advice of your urol. Have you considered active surveillance? It's worth at least a bit of investigation for you, unless you have a family history of guys dying from PC or some other reason to rule it out.

I had robotic-assisted surgery and have no second thoughts. But, 3 years post-op, I still have ED issues--perhaps always will. But if your doc's a top gun with the robot, you might have better results.

Anyway, you have lots to think about and some time to do that. You might start with the "push-pin" items on our front page.

Not a big fan of active surveillance. In my view, things could only get worse, at which point my outlook might not be as good. When it comes to luck and odds, I'll never win the lottery, but I'll always get the short end of something bad!

Re the after effects of the robot: How was the urinary incontinence? Is that under control? How long did it take? And the ED--wonder drugs of no help?

Thanks for the input.

Welcome to this forum, great bunch of guys here all of us dealing with the same dilemma. I suggest reading thorough the many postings and thumtacks; as you can imagine each one of us has had their own experience and means of coping. The bad news is your biopsy came out positive, the good news is there are many options and that you don't have to decide over night what is best for you. Take your time, don't freak out and do your homework. We are here to support you through this journey as we trail-blaze our own path to recovery.

I am very lucky in that the continence thing resolved for me quickly--within 8-10 weeks, I'd say. I still have a little "surprise" now and then--mostly when doing something physically demanding--but I am a Kegel-maniac. I think those have a lot to do with my recovery.

I take daily Cialis 5mg, and it helps the ED a bit. But not like I had hoped. That said, for some guys it or the other boner-pills (as Jon Stewart would say) work pretty well.

Post edited by: hollywoodmark, at: 02/23/2012 01:22 PM