At age 67 my urologist diagnosed me w... - Active Surveillan...

Active Surveillance - Prostate Cancer

642 members355 posts

At age 67 my urologist diagnosed me with prostate cancer (March 5, 2018.)

jackcop profile image
11 Replies

The cancer is contained within the prostate and is said to be non-aggressive (Gleason = 3+3). The prostate was sampled 12 times and showed both lobes with cancer in 3 areas: one lobe had tumors of 0.3 mm (1% involved), 0.6 mm (2% involvement), and the other lobe had a tumor of 3 mm (8%). The tumors were small and were said to be not aggressive. PSA was 5.4 when diagnosed.

Abdominal CT scan and bone scan along with cysto were cancer free. When all was considered, we decided on Active Surveillance as a treatment measure. After 4 months I went back to urologist who assessed my PSA (5.9) and DRE & determined that no aggressive treatment was indicated at that time (July 19, 2018). Next app't is in 6 months.

Thanks for reading

jerryc

Written by
jackcop profile image
jackcop
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
11 Replies
Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner

Sounds like you are satisfied with your plan....well done!

P-M-A profile image
P-M-A

Jerry, great news, nobody has died of cancer with a Gleason 6? However that does not mean you should not monitor it. I have my bank of tests every six months and a color doppler test once a year. I have this for 9 years with no treatments and had a Gleason 6 then second opinion due to one core 80% and came back a 7. You have lots of time to study and research. Consider, plant based food plan for life, exercise, work on faith, supplements, protocol for yourself and maintain a positive attitude as your brain has to be trained to help with solutions and putting the cancer to rest. God Bless you

I think you and your medical team are on top of it. I’m not a doctor, but I would follow the same course.

123-Anoka profile image
123-Anoka

Rooting for you JerryC!

jackcop profile image
jackcop

Thanks to all. Yeah, p-m-a, this is still cancer and who knows whether it'll turn aggressive? Hate thinking about it...but ignorance may kill me. I really like the advice and support I receive from this forum, Darryl. thanks, again.

Umpire20 profile image
Umpire20 in reply to jackcop

Most true Gleason 6 never metastasizes into aggressive cancer. Did you ever seek a Second Opinion on the Biopsy Slides from Dr. Jonathan Epstein at Johns Hopkins?

jackcop profile image
jackcop in reply to Umpire20

Hi Ump!

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. No I haven't had a second opinion on the path. slides.

Since I'm going to see my uro next week, I'll wait to consider his rec. on a second biopsy. If not, than Ill ask him to send my first biopsy slides to another doctor, probably Dr. Jonathan Epstein at Johns Hopkins.

jerryc

Umpire20 profile image
Umpire20 in reply to jackcop

That post was Three Years ago! How are you doing now? Did you have treatment(s)?

Fox2018 profile image
Fox2018

Thanks for the info.

EdinBmore profile image
EdinBmore

Lucky you!! Hope the good news continues. Similar situation here: AS 7 yrs. Now treatment: hormones (avoid if you can, devastating); 25 IMRT; and brachy boost on 1/4. Suggestion: ask your uro about MRI fusion guided biopsy - targets suspicious areas vs. shotgun approach of regular biopsy.

Also Patrick Walsh's book, "Surviving Prostate Cancer," is a must read.

Btw, I am no gym bunny but started regular exercise. It really helps with mental outlook and does no harm.

Happy New Year,

Ed

jackcop profile image
jackcop

Thanks, EdinBmore.l

You may also like...

Contrast MRI vs biopsy

share my experience with contrast pelvic/prostate 3T MRI and prostate 14 core biopsy having...