Recent prostate cancer diagnosis.

[BobDeVito]

Hi all,

My prostate cancer is not advanced. It's very early and right now we are doing active surveillance for it. My highest PSA in Feb 2016 was 7.7 with a Gleason score of 3+3=6. My two most recent PSAs were 5.0 and 5.4. I had stage 3a male breast cancer in 2012 and am just coming up on my 5 year mark with NED in June. With that in the back of my mind, I just hope I'm doing enough. The Urologist is my age and said he wouldn't do anything other then active surveillance at this point. Next MRI guided biopsy is in the July/August timeframe. BTW, I'm a gay male with a very supportive husband. Thoughts?

[BerkshireBear]

Bob, Given your history with breast cancer I'd be asking for the genetic testing which determines the aggressiveness of your particular strain of prostate cancer. I've also had other seemingly unrelated cancers, and my oncologist says that while there is rarely any proven links between them, there's something in our makeup that seems to be more susceptible to cancers and often to the more aggressive forms. No studies prove this, it's just wisdom from years of treating lots of different folks. AS might be fine, typically it is, but given your history I'd want to pin down the true nature of your cancer ASAP.

[BobDeVito in reply to BerkshireBear]

I've had the genetic testing on the prostate tissue and the doctor was happy with the results. It was consistent with what they found with the MRI ultrasound biopsy.

[Tall_Allen]

It sounds like you have a very good urologist. I hope you are able to stick with it. In the longest running active surveillance program, over half the men have been able to avoid treatment for 20 years so far. I can understand how your other cancer makes you fretful. It may help to attend a live prostate cancer support group in your community to give you the encouragement you need to stay the course. I know it's hard when outsiders, meaning well, question your decision.

[YostConner]

I agree with Allen and add that I hope you have a medical oncologist on your team. And cheers to your supportive husband.

[Djb069]

I been in active surveillance since 2015 and I still going well

[Hidden]

Hi Bob, the MRI guided biopsy helped me to make the decision to end active surveillance after two years. The technology had changed significantly for more accurate testing from 2013 to 2015. That's when I chose the road for radical. Keep on track with your docs guidance. Best-

[NEPA]

Clearly these are important and difficult choices. While, I have no advice, I can share my experience. In Decembermy PSA rose from 3.9 to 4.6 and I had a biopsy. A few days before Christmas I was diagnosed with 3+3 cancer in 2/12 core samples (one was 20% involved the other 60%). Dr. Lee (5000 robotic surgeries) removed my prostate in early March at the University of Pennsylvania. The biopsy indicated my Gleeson score rose to 3+4 and the cancer was in 10-25% of my entire prostate.

Now, 8 weeks post surgery, I can hold my urine (well, 95%), I can get erections and, hopefully, I'm cancer free.

[Tall_Allen]

Thanks for those kind words, Harvey. I can only pass along what I know and what I've learned works for others

[kiltguy2]

Trust your Doctor, I asked mine, what would you do if all these results were yours. I have to say it is an adjustment to not have a prostate. But I didn't need Chemo or Radiation after. Active surveillance is being done much more now than it was in 2013. Your Doctor knows your history it sounds like you trust him so don't worry. I have learned there are no guarantees about tomorrow.