Phoenix Area Oncologist

My PCa hasn't been categorized as metastatic yet. I had surgery a few months ago. Should I find an oncologist anyway? Anyone know of a good one in the Phoenix / Glendale / Scottsdale area? I guess Mayo might be the best choice?

[bldn10]

You are fortunate to be right there where you can get a C11 Acetate PET if and when you get to that point. For that reason I would contact Dr. Almeida and see if he makes recommendations.

[arizonablue in reply to bldn10]

I live in Phoenix where I was treated back in 2006 first by a urologist, then a radiation oncologist and when all that failed my next step was to find a Prostate cancer oncologist. Unfortunately many of us who live in the Phoenix/Arizona area have found that there really isn't a specialized PC oncologist. So on a recommendation I have been travelling to Los Angeles to see Dr Tanya Dorff who is at the Norris Cancer Center at USC. She is focused on PC and since 2008 I have been seeing her, and I have never once regretted that decision.

[Hidden in reply to arizonablue]

Thanks for that recommendation. Stay strong.

[Hidden]

Yes, yes, definitely. You have cancer.

In fact, your urologist (a surgeon) has completed his/her job.

Be aggressive, be educated and move forward.

Check the NIH comprehensive cancer center in your state, U of Arizona in Tucson, cutting edge treatments, 800-524-5928 / 520-694-2873.

[ffiore]

My team oncologist is Rakesh K. Bagai, MD at the Ironwood Cancer Center in Scottsdale. He came to them from the Cleveland Clinic. I found him to be very professional and helpful. 480-257-1997

[Hidden in reply to ffiore]

Thanks. I will record that info.

[cfrees1]

I hear on this board many people who say that you definitely need a medical oncologist immediately but let me share my experience with you. My urologist, who is the head of the Urology and Prostate Cancer Research department at the University of Minnesota, is still taking the lead on my treatment, more than a year after my surgery. The model of care here is that he maintains the leadership of my cancer team until I reach castrate resistant status. He willingly referred me to a medical oncologist for a early review, but she basically said that given the state of my cancer, where I was in the treatment progression, I wouldn't really get involved with her until later stages. So it seemed like kind of a waste of time for me. My next appointment was set up for a Lupron shot with my urologist. Maybe that is an evolving way to deal with prostate cancer but it is what my team is doing. It's my belief that there is still a chance that you will never need your medical oncologist. If your cancer was not metastatic, and your PSA tests come back undetectable, you may be in the 80% who were cured from your surgery. Ultimately it's up to you, and your GP should definitely know about what you have dealt with. But a medical oncologist may not be your immediate next step. Just my opinion.

[Hidden in reply to cfrees1]

This sounds like a reasonable approach. Monitor PSA closely and see where things go before I seek out a medical oncologist. I'll be discontinuing eligard (6 month shot still in effect for another month or two) and see what happens. Hoping for the best but preparing for the alternative.

[cfrees1 in reply to Hidden]

I look forward to the day when I can stop Lupron. Given the state of my cancer, early plans call for 3 years on the stuff. In February, I'll celebrate (?) my first year anniversary. LOL Only 2 more years. Just have to hope my PSA remains low. There are some guys on here who have been taking Lupron for as many as 17 years!

[Hidden]

See a Medical Oncologist that specializes in Prostate Cancer is the only advice that I will give. You have PCa; don't jack with it.

GD