I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago. The Urologist was terrible I feel so violated from the experience. Out of 12 biopsies 11 were positive for PC. I am also HIV+. I immediately had my primary care HIV specialist refer me to our Cancer Center. Met with the oncologist yesterday. I did not qualify for the hormone trial just 45 days of radiation. Not sure it is the right decision. The urologist was just in a hurry to remove my prostate. That is why I quickly switched to the Radiation Oncologist. I realize today I need to ask more questions before I start radiation. I am also going through a divorce of 12 years. Being 56 and suddenly single here in Palm Springs has all ready been a nightmare. Now this I now am certain I am doomed to be alone. I have 2 friends who live in my complex. I go to school full time carrying dual majors. The only thing that gets me through each day are my 2 black lab service dogs. To be blunt I am a mess lol
No I have not did any googling until my ex gave me to the link here. This is all I have read. He is against radiation for me. My Oncologist told me yesterday I can still get an erection and still orgasm just no more ejactulating. In the gay world that is huge. I thought I was strong enough for this but now doubting myself. I have been a mess for 4 weeks, today different but not really better.
Thanks for my vent
Craig
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CRAGARZ
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I hear ya. I was 57 and was 30 days after a divorce when I got the news. I quickly got myself some psychotherapy so I could think straight, and learned the skill of Mindfulness so I could stay focussed on the present moment.
First - breathe! You didn't provide any information about your risk level (PSA, stage, and Gleason score) but even if you are high risk, taking more than 3 months to make a decision is not likely to make a difference in the outcome. Prostate cancer is very slow growing for a long time. If you provide more details, I can perhaps steer you towards treatments that may be worth exploring. Also, do you have any restrictions on where you can be treated? I talked to 6 different specialists and took 9 months to make my decision. I chose SBRT (5 radiation treatments) and have had no permanent side effects of treatment, other than loss of cum. That means I am fully potent, complete feeling in my prostate, good orgasms, better urinary function than I've had in years (I never get up at night to pee), and no rectal issues.
With surgery, you are assured of losing your ability to cum (although orgasms are usually preserved, even in guys who lose potency). With radiation, the odds are about 90% that your cum will dry up. I know a couple of lucky guys who still are able to shoot. I had SBRT 6 years ago, and I very much miss cum at orgasm. I usually tell guys upfront not to expect a mouthful or an assful. Sometimes it's fun to watch them try to get it, though.
All I know is I am medium stage. My PSA was 9.7 4 months ago. That's all I know for now. I am on basically Medi-Cal so I am limited to my area with my provider. Plus financially I can't afford a commuting treatment. I trust our Cancer Center here. A Instructor at school is a patient there as well and said I made the right choice.
Start getting into a habit of asking for and keeping copies of all your medical reports - especially your biopsy and PSA reports. The idea is that YOU are in charge of your health decisions and not anyone else. It is not for anyone else to tell you what choice is right for you - only you can decide that.
If you are intermediate risk, that would mean your Gleason score is 7 (either 3+4 or 4+3). If you can afford $250, it is a good idea to get a second opinion on your biopsy slides from Epstein at Johns Hopkins (and not anyone else). The Gleason score is very important and dictates which treatments are appropriate for you.
If you have to use that Cancer Center, then you have to take what they offer. (I guess they don't offer brachytherapy or SBRT.) 45 treatments is a bit of an ordeal. Make sure you exercise a LOT, and cum as much as possible - blood supply and use helps preserve function. You can get cheap Viagra from alldaychemists.com and split the pills to make them go farther - taking low doses every day for about 6 months (starting with your first treatment) may help preserve erectile function.
Allen has already given you good advice. The very best was probably to take a breath. You're still in shock. Be assured there is a virtual certainty that you will get through your initial treatment, and life will go on.
I'm nearly 10 years into my experience with this. Now age 53. From what you've said so far, my initial diagnosis was worse than yours. I'm HIV-, but my best friend is HIV+, so I have some insight on that part, too.
It sounds like your oncologist is a radiation oncologist rathre than a medical oncologist. Is that right? If so, then it's no surprise that at this point you've seen a surgeon who wants to cut and a radiologist who wants to radiate. I'd like to see you have a discussion with a medical oncologist who might have a broader view.
It sounds like you are going to Desert Regional. You talked about not being able to commute for treatment. Are you able to get over to LA for consultation/second opinion? Sometimes men have a quarterback at a major cancer center but have treatment locally.
My 2nd friend a well rounded nurse was here with me bringing me some soup when I got your reply. Yes you are correct I was diagnosed by a cutter and just saw a Radiation Oncologist. Her and I both agree with you I should see a Medical Oncologist. Thank you so much I believe that to be one of my next steps. Your very attractive BTW. Made me smile lol
My primary advice is to chill. I know that is easier said than done, but I would put each issue in its own "bucket," instead of thinking of them all at the same time.
I consider myself to be very fortunate. I'm 57, single and HIV- . In December I got my biopsy indicated that 2 of 12 biopsy samples had Gleason 6 cancer, one was 20% involved the other was 60% involved. I went through the Holidays with this knowledge and in early January met with my local urologist. He suggested surgery. I wanted a second opinion and went to the University of Pennsylvania. Again they suggested surgery as I was "young and fit" (haven't been called either in a long while)! So, I set a date (March 8) for my robotic prostate removal at Penn.
When I got home from the second opinion all of the thoughts you indicated were worrying you started racing through my head and I knew I had 6 long weeks to worry about everything. I made two decisions that were helpful: 1) to paint my home's main hall and 2) to go to the International Bear Convergence in Palm Springs. To be honest...both helped occupy my extra time and convince me that I was desirable (this very attractive young guy from PS and I are still in touch).
My surgery was 3 weeks ago. I'm just about fine: no more cancer, very modest dribbling, and I'm getting erections (amazing!), but haven't done a "test drive" yet. I'm back to work and feeling about 90%-95% of normal.
So, there is life after prostate surgery (or whatever you choose). And...my house is even looking kind of spiffy!
I wish I could buy you a beer and give you a hug. It really will be okay.
Hi NEPA, I was wondering if you would reach out to me and share more about your surgery experience. I am heavily considering that as an option. Thanks, Mark
The cancer isn't gonna get you tomorrow; you've got time, to think, to breathe. Sorry the urologist made things worse--I had a similar experience with the first doc I had when I had had kidney cancer (that came out before the prostate cancer did--two separate surgeries a few years apart). Anyway, I changed doctors, one of the best things I did. We've all got every right to expect to be treated well; when we're not it makes us even shakier--but a mean or unhelpful or sarcastic or whatever doc is not your fault. Since I made that change my docs have been considerate and helpful, so I hope your luck improves in that direction, too. You've got a lot going on; I hope your friends continue to be helpful and kind and I hope you can be kind to yourself. Good luck.
Hey, Craig, I was where you are years ago. This not easy, but it is "doable." I hope you will contact me privately (stelar0511@aol.com) and we can exchange ideas. Please remember that this is not about what you are losing . . . erection, ejaculate, and so on, it is about what you are gaining . . . a healthy life. You can hope that none of the bad stuff will happen, but it may. I will be happy to share my experience with you if you would like that. Take care, Buck
Craigarz that IS NOT TRUE. Radiation with also eventually take away your erections..it will just bve a much slower process. In addition, if you have 11 positive sections, that is not a cool thing. Chances are the radiation will not get it all and you will have ot have the operation anyway. Thusm, you will currently be recovering from the radiation side effections concurrently ( same time), having to deal with the prostate removal operation. I would think twice on the radiation. In addition, once your prostate is out, 95% of men never get their erections back with the exception of the penal injections, and a few responde to the cialus or viagra
The initial diagnosis is a shock for all of us. If you are an avid googler, you will find all kinds of statistics that are pretty scary. Remember that those statistics are averages, but you don't know which side of the line you will fall on so it's not helpful to get too hung up on what you read for stats.
My initial diagnosis was PSA 89, Gleason 9, with mets to local lymph nodes. You will notice that everyone on here will ask you your PSA and your Gleason score because it does help suggest what might be in line for you. I'm 52, so pretty young for this type of aggressive PC. I took the approach to be as aggressive in my treatment as I could, given my otherwise good overall health. My urologist and radiation oncologist worked together on my treatment plan. I immediately got a shot to reduce my testosterone (hormone deprivation or ADT) had surgery about a month after diagnosis and then radiation to the pelvic bed about six months later. My PSA dropped to 0.04 at it's lowest but now is climbing again. Not great news. I continue on 3-month injections of Lupron and will probably add in Xtandi in June if my PC has indeed become castrate-resistant.
But I focus on what is good. On the whole, I feel good. I do have side effects from the hormone deprivation which I am happy to discuss with you if you want. But I continue to work, I am getting out and traveling, doing my bucket list, and enjoying life in a way that I really wasn't before my diagnosis.
Please remember that everyone's journey is different. Side effects occur for some but not others. Treatments that failed for me might help someone else for years. The only thing we can do is live a day at a time, face one challenge head on until the next one comes.
Doctors are often discussing PC as they do HIV these days. Once a sure killer, now HIV is a chronic disease. They hope to get PC to that stage too. I think that is all of our hope in this forum.
The problem with checking on long term data about radiation is that the technology is changing so rapidly that it's near impossible to create meaningful data. In our Center we were doing 44 day treatments a few months ago, we offer 28 days now, and have the equipment to offer a 5 day protocol as soon as we're approved. Overall external radiation statistics are the same as surgery.
Welcome , many of us here have been exactly where you are at now..There are probably not many questions or particulars that you can't get an informed viewpoint on here. No matter who you are, this can be a terrifying experience.If you are recently diagnosed before receiving any treatments you might qualify for the test drug Tak - 700.Ive been on it for 2 yrs. and now I have no signs of P C .. That's going from #4 non op mets ,considered terminal no cure..Hopefully you are not that advanced .I did The RT like you are offered .But I did at the same time Adt & Tak 700? I thought that I was fearless until PC put me in kidney failure and near death. I suggest that you do get a prostate cancer specialist and hit it as hard as you can.Im nor the best informed person on this site Some of the knowledge and advice can help you immensely..My urologist told me that he was mad because he wasn't going to make any money off of me because I wasn't a candidate for surgery and that's his speciality and their bread and butter..Urologist are not the best informed on PC ..Sure, they know the basics but you need a specialist to call the shots for you ..I feel for you not just 1 thing but 2..We can help you with support so stay in touch.
You have excellent advice from Allan, Yost, and others. One additional item that will help with the confusion of so much information -- never go to a doctor alone! There is just too much being thrown at you - rapid-fire. You need a second set of ears and a note taker. When you start to think about what the doc just said the next two important ideas will slip by unheard.
So take that well rounded nurse friend with you. Don't go thru this alone!
I had a Heavy diagnosis like yours, I am 5 years out now , Gleason 9, radical prostatectomy and salvage radiation (34)sessions, 2 rounds of ADT, and yet still making my wife scream with the help of a penis pump, and sometimes penile injections....all is not lost and life becomes increasingly precious as time goes by. PSA on the rise, but still only at 2.1. ..I am 61, super active and in a great 30yr marriage. My cancer is aggressive and will likely take me out but I am in a war and will fight each battle as it comes. What has amazed me in this 5 years is how much my life is NOT over...hang in there, hang on every word you get from this group (esp Tall_Allen...he is a serious wealth of knowledge that man is) among many others who have something to offer. So much about this is attitude, gratitude, and how you approach it all. Hang in there, breathe, and stay true to yourself and your needs....AND keep reaching out and learning. There is so much to know (24 million hits the first time I googled Prostate Cancer), and this group is the most helpful thing I have found. Helps me to formulate questions and requests to my oncologist....advocating for yourself is so important. Hang in there, we are all with you.
Thanks for posting and sharing. Yes getting that initial diagnosis can be a bit jarring. When I was diagnosed a year ago, I too had a surgery happy Urologist that was a bit cold and non caring. I decided to get a second opinion with another urologist and it was the best thing for me. Not only did I get a verification of the results from the original Urologist, but a more complete and detailed information about other options.
I was referred to an Oncologist and a support team of caseworkers and a LOT of literature the original Urologist did not tell me about. After weighing all the literature and the consultations, I chose to get radiation. The result was a reduction of the tumor but my PSA went down by half. I see my Radiation Oncologist and Oncologist in late March for my next follow up. I'm doing "ok" I still have occasional erections and some sperm (not a lot) comes out. I chose radiation as a choice ( as opposed to having the removal of the prostate) and just went with my intuition.
I know all of this is new for you. I hope you will get all the answers you need and will have a support team that listens and cares about you. I also just joined this group about a few weeks ago. I found out about it via ASSPIG. I have been a member of the fisting community since 1998 and that was one of my go to sites. I just went for broke and posted that I had prostate cancer and wanted to know if there was a group for gay men to discuss issues that were not addressed in other more straight groups
I am a member of a prostate support group at Gilda's Club.. All are straight men with wives, kids, and girlfriends I don't fit that demographic.. just only that I have prostate cancer. A fellow ASSPIG member mentioned this site and I'm glad I am here, Hang in there. You are not alone. Peace
Hey Craig, I hear ya brother. This journey is not for the meek of heart.
I was diagnosed at 51, (2 years ago). Since then things moved very quickly for me. I decided to have surgery 3 months after my diagnosis, and after a short period of 3 months of healing from the surgery, I elected to do both 42-treatments of radiation and 1- year of Androgen Deprivation Therapy. Presently, I am beginning this new year with all treatments behind me. Fingers crossed PSA will stay undetectable and my testosterone level will return to normal.
Since diagnosis, I have had to rethink-reimagine many things in my life. Sex was and still is very important to me, so I plan to keep trying until I achieve my peak level of performance and satisfaction. I am way too young to throw the towel in! LOL. Lastly, I just want to offer my support and let you know that you are not alone, and this community is an amazing group of guys. Hang in there buddy!
Hello, and thanks for your posting. I thought I was on the young side being diagnosed last year when I was 56, but you were even younger!! Just wan to wish you well!
I just found out 5 days ago that I have Prostate Cancer. I have been all over the place mentally, emotionally as well. Just know you are not alone. Tall_Allen is a fountain of knowledge on the subject. He reached out to me and told me to get as many opinions as I possibly could, so far I have 2 scheduled. My advice is educate yourself. PCRI.org has really informative videos on youtube. Be your own advocate ! A lesson I learned when I had a stroke at 52. Educate yourself as much as possible on the treatments and the cancer so you can ask the right questions. My best to you and reach out to me whenever as newly diagnosed myself and just starting the process as well.
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