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[Rusty]

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[Will Hinton]

Whatever else you do, seek a second opinion, and that with a noted cancer specialist, such as Cancer Centers of America, Cleveland Clinic, or whatever others you can find.  If you need to travel to get that opinion, it's worth it.  This is something that is worthy of much seeking oncology advise before a final decision is made as to treatment.
I lost my first wife to cancer and realized too late that our oncologist has a not-too-successful history.  A second, and maybe even a third opinion might have done better for her, if only in the lessoning of symptoms.
I'll put you on the prayer list for wisdom and healing, so go get that second, please.  There's been a lot of success with your kind of cancer, so take heart.

[Paul Wood]

Rusty,
I went thru the same issue 7 years ago. All the doctors I consulted said to stay away from the seeds. Problem is many of the seeds do not hit the target and sometimes the result is complications other than the cancer. My doctor said he often has to do surgery on seed patients to remove the seeds. He said that surgery was a big deal and very difficult. I chose the robot and the procedure/recovery were quick and painless. I have a PSA every 6 months and have no issues. No diapers and no ED. I honestly feel the biopsy was worse than the surgery. I wish you all the best.
Paul 

[jfv]

Treatment is very dependent on the aggressiveness of the cancer, your age and history of family longevity.  I'm going through it now.  Modern radiation is much more precise and has minimal side effects.  Better than the seeds from what my doctors tell me.  Unless you know the doctors personally and have a history of how they approach situations like this, I would definitely get a second opinion.

[Norm Furutani]

Couple months past my post check and all looks good. I agree with all the previous posts re: treatment. Sent you a PM.

Norm

[EddyR]

Rusty.    Back 10 years ago my PSAT went a lot heightened than 6. I went and had a more advanced psa test given to bicycle racers ? It came back normal.
Ed ruane

[EddyR]

RUSTY   I think the test I had was the MiPS. I had it for three years and the doctor told me to not bother to test any more'

https://www.pcf.org/news/new-urine-test-for-prostate-cancer-available-unlike-psa-test-is-ultra-specific-for-prostate-cancer/

Read this  http://www.uofmhealth.org/mi-prostate-score-test-improves-psa-predicting-cancer

 I was as high as 8
 I went from 2 to 8 in one year. Note it is common with pro bicycle racers as the pressure of the seat can cause it
   Get this test before jumping in to treatment
Ed

[Jim Fruit]

Rusty:

I feel that I had to respond because your story relates so much to mine. About two years ago i was diagnosed with prostate cancer with all of the negative indicators. As you are experiencing, I was very scared because I did not know what to expect. Research proved to me that prostate cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in men. The point about that is that today's doctors are very adept at treating this cancer and you can feel justified in expecting full recovery. My Urologist selected radiation as treatment. Three target seeds were implanted to guide the radiation upon. The was never any discomfort in treatment and I was fully cured in about four months. When I was notified that I had been fully cured, I cried in front of my son. I had never done that before, but it just indicated how traumatic the situation can be. You have our best in your recovery.

The second part of our stories is in reference to your questions to the guys about what to do with your model collection. Two weeks after I was notified about being cured from prostate cancer, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myaloma. This is an incurable bone cancer. The subsequent treatment for this cancer is continuing chemo. A side effect of this chemo has been the destruction of the nerves in the bottoms of my feet, making my balance questionable at best. I immediately became concerned about what to do with all of my modeling things because I just knew my flying days were over. I did not want to leave that load to my wife because I knew it would just hit the dumpster. I decided to give all of my stuff to my club (Chicagoland Circle Cutters) with the direction to use it however they wish. I am a scale builder, I kept all of my electric things.

Now the good part. A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from one of the guys who had won one of my scale ships in a club raffle. He had a lot of questions and we talked for quite a while. During our conversation, the fact  came up that he had lost a leg due to amputation. This man was still flying! And I am giving up because my feet hurt? No more.

Lastly, I saw two things on television yesterday that seemed to be directed specifically to you and I. One was an article about a lady who had become paralyzed in an accident. This lady was unable to learn to walk again but she could walk with crutches. This lady has hiked the full length of the Appalachian Trail in our country's eastern mountains and did so also in a long trail in our western mountains. My feet hurt? I don't think so.

The second thing that I saw on television was Monday night's Dancing With The Stars. A young lady was there dancing with all of the others. She had been born with a problem that left her paralyzed. She, however, was able to learn how to walk through therapy. There was further explanation about her situation at the end of the show. Even though she can walk and dance, she cannot feel her body below the waist!! My feet hurt no more.

The real crux of all of this, Rusty, is don't give up. Keep your spirits up and don't make any early irrational decisions. I recommend that you think about what to do with your hobby but don't unload right away. You are going to get through this prostate cancer thing and at that time you are going to be happy that you did not act too quickly.

Jim fruit

[fred krueger]

Rusty,
Definitely go for a 2nd opinion!  I was diagnosed 1 1/2 years ago and my urologist wanted to do surgery or photon radiation.  He did not feel that seeds were the way to go for me.  My PSA was 15.2 and my Gleason score was 7.  Cancer appeared restricted to one side of the prostate.  I opted for proton radiation therapy as it is the least invasive (with the least side affects) and deposits the energy in the tumor and very little in surrounding tissue.  (I was very aware of this option as I worked at a high energy physics facility, Fermilab, that developed the first proton accelerator for this application).  I was treated a year ago at the Northwestern Proton Facility in Warrenville, IL.  So far, so good.  I did have had an issue with dead tissue from the therapy giving me UTI symptoms but that was corrected with a TURP.  This can happen with any type of radiation treatment.  There are currently around 20 (I think) proton facilities in the US for treating tumors, so you may want to check into that option.  Surgery is the most positive way to eliminate the cancer, but carries quite a few permanent side effects.
Fred

[Ed W. Prohaska]

I had a radical prostatectomy in Jan. 2000 and they got it all; no radiation or chemo needed. I won't sugar coat it. The procedure and recovery were brutal. I had to live with a stiff urinary catheter for six weeks, my bowels were backed up big time and there was a certain level of near constant pain. I lost 30 pounds but enjoyed gaining it back later with steak, eggs, potatoes, cheese cake etc.

For me the decision was financial with no wiggle room. I was on COBRA at the time; knew it would eventually run out and I'd be un-insurable (no ACA back then) so I told my Docs to pull it. I knew about the options, but couldn't afford to consider them. Yes there are side effects, but their nature and degree are different for everyone. I decided I'd rather live with side effects than die of cancer.

Of course its OK to get a second opinion, especially if you have any doubts about the original diagnosis and prognosis or are not comfortable with your surgical or treatment team. I'm pretty sure the surgery and recovery are much less unpleasant now vs. 17 years ago. It's likely the other treatments have also greatly improved, with better results and fewer side effects.

Unless your doctors recommend "watchful waiting" I'd suggest deciding on a course of action and running with it while the cancer is still contained and before it spreads. Later ... EWP ...

[Tom Luciano]

My father and brother had it. My father had everything removed probably 15-20 years ago. they found bladder cancer as well. The bladder cancer was tough to beat but after 4-5 years he was cleared. He did wear a bag for a while but was able to retrain himself.  My brother had it about seven years ago and treatment was much more advanced. He was one of the first cyber knife patience. he had this at 53 years old. He has full functionality. Both were told the seeds are an option but not the best course. Consult another doctor or two. They both are living very normal lives and my father just turned 83. He is still building and flying on a regular basis. If you want to talk to my brother let me know, ill put you in touch.

All the best,
Tom

[Fredvon4]

Rusty brother...I know I was a little glib in my other post on your thoughts to liquidate your model inventory

and I have been there done that with 2 cancers now...so I know the deep dread and immediate DEATH fear....

Prostrate Cancer, while very serious--- is NOT going to kill you TOMORROW!

Obviously --some insurance ---or other costs ----may steer you in certain directions

try to relax a bit... I know impossible... BUT please try!!

Get 3, 5, 7 opinions locally and even spend the bucks to travel to get Cancer Centers to give a diagnosis....and treatment recommendations

If, based on insurance, you are in a corner....op for LIFE.... I know I was being smart assed with "DEPENDS"

HINT....pay REAL close attention to "Possible side effects"  mostly from Chemo or Radiation....

Every body is slightly different....

My best advice....find that ONE son-bitch doctor...
You jazz with from the git go...
the guy or gal, who, IN YOUR GUT...
sounds like he/she knows his/her chit...
PUT your fu....g..... life in his or her hands

Family prayers from us to you frined

[peabody]

Hi Rusty....
Your implication that the MDs opinions might be swayed by advertising rings true....and therefore you should seek a second opinion....
Are you a Vet? The MDs there are pretty much unswayed by ads and the like....
Best

[Steve Riebe]

I had a radical prostectomy with nerve sparing surgery in 2003. There were little or no side effects. I believe surgery was the best choice (at least for me) because you can get radiation treatments following surgery if needed. You can not have surgery after radiation treatments due to scar tissue caused by the radiation.

[RogerGreene]

Hi Rusty,

In 2001 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My PSA was 4.8. I believe 4.0 is normal for most men.  My options were surgery, radiation, and seeds. I took the seeds. They put in 117 seeds in the four lobes. I urinated 3. For me it was the best choice. I am 74 and loving life.

However, an early PSA when you are in your early to mid 30's is best to get a bench mark of your PSA, So when you are older the Doc's have a relevance of you PSA if it gets higher.

Get a second opinion.

As I read most of the entries presented here you have what you are going to do well under control.

Just thought I needed to offer my history.

All the best to you.

Roger

[GEORGE CONNORS]

CYBER KNIFE RADIATION.......I would say don't do anything until you check this out.....I had mine in spring 2011......NO SIDE EFFECTS.......just did my PSA this week......less than .1.

As I recall, 5 treatments taking about an hour each, every other day....no downtime!!!  flying/ playing golf, being me.
radiation delivered by a robotic device directed by a computer with several highly skilled doctors and technicians in the control room.

This is advertised quite a bit in the New York area by Wintrop Medical facility.  I did mine in New Brunswick, NJ.

GC

[GEORGE CONNORS]

Let me add, that I consulted with my primary doc who monitored my PSA for several years; a urologist/surgeon; and two hospitals in New Brunswick - one specializing in 44 doses of radiation followed by hormone therapy; the other with Cyber Knife.

There is np shortage of info on the internet.....start reading; become knowledgeable; get several opinions.

GC