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Prognosis and Treatment

Mamby61
  • 17 replies
  • 126 subscribers
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Hi All,

I'm a 62 year old bloke living on the Gold Coast in Australia.  I'm very active and physically fit, problem is I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.  This is after a biopsy and a pet scan.  My Gleason score is 7 (3 +4) although my specialist said it could be higher as my pet scan was non-concordant with my biopsy and showed a higher level of cancer on one side than did the biopsy (the biopsy showed some cancer on the right upper side and very little on the left, while the pet scan showed a lot of cancer on the right upper side and some on the left). I saw it and it looked like a rainbow!  He says he's not sure if it has broken through the capsule, but it may have and we will only find out once the prostate is removed and tests done on it.

I was all good to head down the surgery side as that is what my specialist strongly recommends (and he is regarded as one of the best, it not the best in my region) however after watching a YouTube episode called Your Gleason Score Matters featuring Dr Mark Scholz MD, I'm now not so sure.  Since watching this episode I have made another appointment with my specialist and been recommend by two other health professions to continue on with the surgery.

I'm more worried about the incontinence and erectile dysfunction issues than anything else. 

Would love others thoughts on this.

  • in reply to Static

    Hi Static,

    So sorry to hear about ED and the pads.  Its something I think I am going to have live with for a while at least.

    I wish you all the best for the future.

  • in reply to Millibob

    HI Brian,

    I really appreciate your thoughts and advice, much appreciated.

    Cheers

    Andrew

  • Hi Barry,

    Thak you for your message.

    PSA score was 8.8 and then 9.  4 years ago it was 5. 

    I have been told by a really good mate, who is a plastic surgeon, that my surgeon is very highly regarded.  Plus, every medical professional that knows him has told me, how good he is, so I'm not doubting his level of expertise.  Plus, a good friend had the same surgery with him and said his nerve sparing procedures were the best.

    I also had the PSMA pet scan, so it seems to be very accurate.

    FYI I found this forum through a very good friend who has already gone down this route, he recommended it and I'm glad he did. 

    Cheers

    Andrew

  • in reply to Worriedwife

    Hi Worriedwife,

    Thank you for your input and I agree wholeheartedly with what you have written and the need for more screening.  Dr Sholtz has his own agenda that is for sure.

    I should have mentioned my partner, she is awesome and 100% supportive.  I'm so grateful to have her in my life. 

    All the best.

    Cheers

    Andrew

  • in reply to eddiel

    Hi again Eddie,

    I just checked and I had 9 core samples.

    Cheers

    Andrew

  • in reply to Mamby61

    Hi Mamby61, I thought you may of had only a few core samples taken, sometimes 8 or 9 isn't enough for a true diagnosis, I am happy to hear you have a wonderful partner to support you, best wishes with whatever treatment you choose, take care.

    Eddie

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