New guy

[Dyrryx]

I’m recently diagnosed with a G 3+4 and PSA 4.7-told I was intermediate risk by my urologist- am seeing Rad Onc this week- not sure where else to look- hopefully I will gain knowledge (like most of you show!) by March ( will see urologist then) . Reading everything I can get- getting overwhelmed- suggestions to ask Rad Onc?

[Tall_Allen]

There isn't ONE RO you should be seeing, there are at least two. SBRT, LDR brachytherapy, HDR brachytherapy, IMRT or protons have about the same odds of curing you, but you will have to visit with specialists in each. An LDR brachy specialist, for example, may have little knowledge about SBRT. You have time. Where do you live and do you have any restrictions about where you can go for treatment?

[Dyrryx in reply to Tall_Allen]

I’m in Michigan- only restrictions are insurance coverage (eg. checked with a Cleveland Clinic and they won’t take my insurance-) im sure some will and I’m willing to try- will take you advice and line up the different radiation options

[Tall_Allen in reply to Dyrryx]

I'd recommend you talk to Daniel Spratt at U.Mich and Alvaro Martinez in Detroit.

[Dyrryx in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks- Martinez is very close to me and I will visit Spratt also (what makes you lean toward them?)

[garyi in reply to Tall_Allen]

You can't do much better than RO, Dr. Alvaro Martinez, in my experience.

21co.com/physician/alvaro-a...

[Frostypro in reply to Dyrryx]

Hey man I am in Michigan also. Had consults with all the best RO's after talking woth Tall_Allen. I would have been very comfortable with either Dr Spratt or Dr Martinez. But my final consult was with Dr King at UCLA and my insurance covered it. So I opted for a mini vacation to the west coast as I just couldnt pass up that entire scenario at the time. But like I said we are lucky to have Spratt and Martinez right here in Michigan. Research them and you'll see why. Definitely go see them before deciding.

[Dyrryx in reply to Frostypro]

Thanks- going on both of your recs- will do my research

[JuliesHusband]

I'm in a similar position and looking at treatment. This is interesting as in dealing with prostate cancer we get to make the choice.

Oh, joy.

You can find a wealth of information on the web and go crazy trying to sort through it. Talk to oncologists and urologists and ask them about the most recent studies, what they do in their practice and why. Let them help you winnow through the information.

I've seen urologist and two radiation oncologists, talked to proton therapy folks in San Diego and Seattle. Each has a perspective that may help you decide.

Let the doctors know what direction you want to go. Some men just want to get rid of the cancer and regret hasty decisions as there are quality of life issues that can differ a bit with the treatment. I'm trying to figure out best to avoid impotence without taking on unnecessary risk.

[Dyrryx in reply to JuliesHusband]

Thanks for the advice about my direction; I will explore the other areas you mentioned

[tallguy86]

Hi New Guy, I would suggest you do some deep breathing and just S L O W down! I understand it can be overwhelming to hear a Pca diagnosis. There is a lot of great information available for you to read and digest. You don't have to do this all at once and it is important to have a good support system in place. Write down questions, write down information you need clarified. There are many options available and as always there are potential side-effects from each option. Pca is unique to each individual as we are all very different as "individuals." This site is great for getting some of the info and suggestions that can be beneficial for you! You are in my loving thoughts as you walk this new journey in life! Joe

[Jeff85705]

ROs recommend radiation and uro surgeons recommend surgery. Get a less opinionated response by seeing a clinical oncologist who is knowledgeable about prostate cancer. I got the best advice when I saw one, when I asked my uro for a 2nd opinion (that and an RO). My situation was nearly identical to yours. I ended getting RALP and haven't regretted it. Either rad or surg have their side effects, and either choice will be a life changer. I recommend "100 Questions & Answers About Prostate Cancer" by Pamela Ellsworth, MD. It is a great resource. Some docs give it to their patients. My uro did. Best of luck on the road ahead. My thoughts are with you.