New to the community...unfortunately

[peterman]

I'm a newbie. Just got diagnosed. Sucks. I'm open to any encouragement/advice you have to offer...

[peterman]

To add to what I just wrote... 55 years old, PSA = 5.6, Gleason score of 6. Still investigating treatment options.

[Dr_WHO in reply to peterman]

You are right, cancer sucks. However there is some very good news with your Gleason score of six. While you have cancer, at this stage it is low risk. You have a lot of options available to you from active surveillance to surgery and a lot of stuff in between. Most important, your cancer is at a state that it can be totally cured.

Yes it sucks having cancer but I am hoping for the best for you. They found my cancer when I was 58. Unfortunately for me it was a rare form that was very hard to detect. In my case it is Stage 4D1. Even so, I am still enjoying life.

[dlestercarlson]

First of all, don't get discouraged. Having a good attitude helps you fight this disease. I also found that it is important to find a good doctor who knows what he is doing but also is willing to listen to you understand your feelings.

[Roger2Dodger]

You have lots of time to find the best options of treatment. Do not feel like you have to do any thing right away. A Gleason score of 6..... These cancers may be called well differentiated or low-grade and are likely to be less aggressive; that is, they tend to grow and spread slowly.

I would also get a second opinion on treatment options. I did, and the was the best thing I ever did for my treatment plan. Again TIME is on your side!

G'Luck!

[Hidden]

You might want to check on HIFU as a treatment option. Unfortunately, insurance isn't likely to cover it. I had to pay out of pocket despite having Medicare.