I am looking ahead in the next six months or so to be given radiation treatments to destroy the cancer. The procedure is quite delicate and I would like to check my doctors track record for this procedure and not from him but from public records but I do not know how to go about this process. I would be anxious to hear from anyone that does know. Thanks.
I want to research a doctors experience in the field of prostate cancer.I would like his standing in thisfield
Everyone gets auditted from someone these days so the information will be somewhere out there. Remember that this information has to be carefully interpreted eg some physicians select better cases to treat and may have better outcomes because of this. Ask your doc how many he's done and then just ahve faith. Numbers are just numbers at the end of the day and most people would actually be happier not knowing.
And radiotherapy instead of surgery suggests (atleast in the UK) non-curative treatment.
PS If you're friendly with a doctor I'd ask him for personal recommendations, he may even recommend someone if you're not on friendly terms. Remember doctors (should) get a broad level of experience and will have worked with at least a few local urologists/ radiologists. This route is much better than looking for statistics in my opinion
Friday, May 21, 2010
Women, how do you feel about men who suffer or died from prostate cancer?
Men, how do you feel about women who suffer or died from gynecological cancers (breast, ovary cancer, etc...)?
I'm not posting this in the "Health" section, because I know that medical staff or people into medicine see it the same way as any other diseases.
How about you?
Oh, and be sincere.
Don't limit yourself to pay lip service about this.
Furthermore, we all know that because of social prejudices, some diseases are more a motive of shame than others.
It's sad, but it's true.
Women, how do you feel about men who suffer or died from prostate cancer?
Men and women face cancer together. See what happened to Roberto when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Reply:it must be embarrassing to them but it's totally not their fault so i don't make a big thing of it, that would be too shallow.
Reply:I feel sympathy for the individual and their families. Beyond making yourself aware of family medical history, monthly self-exams and routine physicals, there is nothing really these people can do to prevent these specific diseases.
What exactly are you getting at?
Reply:What? How could there be shame to having any form of cancer? I don't understand exactly what you're asking here.
Reply:I feel the same way toward them as I would with anyone suffering from any form of cancer. If you feel that having prostate cancer is 'shameful' then its time for you grow up.
Reply:My father in law had prostate cancer and this makes me worry about my husband developing it. I read about ways to prevent this disease.Low carb is one way to prevent this. Oh and sex is a good preventative, so I make sure that I sex him a lot. I also encourage him to eat a low carb diet.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...
http://story.israelherald.com/index.php/...
Dental Jobs
I'm not posting this in the "Health" section, because I know that medical staff or people into medicine see it the same way as any other diseases.
How about you?
Oh, and be sincere.
Don't limit yourself to pay lip service about this.
Furthermore, we all know that because of social prejudices, some diseases are more a motive of shame than others.
It's sad, but it's true.
Women, how do you feel about men who suffer or died from prostate cancer?
Men and women face cancer together. See what happened to Roberto when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Reply:it must be embarrassing to them but it's totally not their fault so i don't make a big thing of it, that would be too shallow.
Reply:I feel sympathy for the individual and their families. Beyond making yourself aware of family medical history, monthly self-exams and routine physicals, there is nothing really these people can do to prevent these specific diseases.
What exactly are you getting at?
Reply:What? How could there be shame to having any form of cancer? I don't understand exactly what you're asking here.
Reply:I feel the same way toward them as I would with anyone suffering from any form of cancer. If you feel that having prostate cancer is 'shameful' then its time for you grow up.
Reply:My father in law had prostate cancer and this makes me worry about my husband developing it. I read about ways to prevent this disease.Low carb is one way to prevent this. Oh and sex is a good preventative, so I make sure that I sex him a lot. I also encourage him to eat a low carb diet.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...
http://story.israelherald.com/index.php/...
Dental Jobs
My dad in august and was 95 years old & had prostate cancer to, He went to hospitol & more below,?
Then after his Prosate cancer got worse, He had a Bad Ache, %26amp; he thought it was a Bad Back Acting up, %26amp; OK, heres My question, When he went to nusing home, He was Eating/ %26amp; all of a Sudden Refused to eat, He Was alert enough to Sign Papers Not to Put Tubes/ wires/ On him, Ok, heres My real question, My older sister, Told the Nursing Home to increase his Morphine, to take him faster, %26amp; it did, What if They didnt? We kissed him on His cheek, He said Thank you, Very Faint, He Screamed in pain, %26amp; i keep thinking of The gross things i seen, When will it pass? the best advice, support, Story, will be best answer,
My dad in august and was 95 years old %26amp; had prostate cancer to, He went to hospitol %26amp; more below,?
Chicky, I'm so sorry, that must have been horrible for you. Your sister was right in asking them to increase his morphine. I'm confident that it helped to control the pain he had, and from your description it was a great amount. Your thoughts about his last minutes will eventually become less active. I went through something similar with my mom, who passed away from cancer. Try to focus on the happy times you had with your dad. I do that with my mom. Depending on how you handle things, it may take a while, which will be difficult, but again, try to focus on the happy moments you had. It will make it easier.
Reply:I am so sorry about your dad. It is very hard to lose your father. I lost my dad and my father-in-law to prostate cancer. If he was 95 and had cancer he was probably in a lot of pain. The morphine was to help with that. It is not uncommon for people to "give up" with old age, cancer and going in to a nursing home. They have no more quality to their life. That is what happened with my folks. They both died at home but they still gave up at the end and wanted to die. If he didn't want any heroic measures taken then he had accepted what was going to happen. Both my folks had morphine to kill the pain but it didn't kill them. The cancer did. If he had not had the morphine he would have died in agony. It sounds to me like he was given as much care as possible. There comes a time when all you can do is make the person as comfortable as possible. It will take time for things to get better for you. You've been through a lot and you've lost a lot. Give yourself time to grieve and know that you did the very best you could, right up to the end, for you dad. Hugs and prayers for you.
Reply:Respect your fathers final request as you respected him in the past.
Reply:I could not say it any better than the three persons above me. They are right on target. You will get through it. May God bless and keep you.
My dad in august and was 95 years old %26amp; had prostate cancer to, He went to hospitol %26amp; more below,?
Chicky, I'm so sorry, that must have been horrible for you. Your sister was right in asking them to increase his morphine. I'm confident that it helped to control the pain he had, and from your description it was a great amount. Your thoughts about his last minutes will eventually become less active. I went through something similar with my mom, who passed away from cancer. Try to focus on the happy times you had with your dad. I do that with my mom. Depending on how you handle things, it may take a while, which will be difficult, but again, try to focus on the happy moments you had. It will make it easier.
Reply:I am so sorry about your dad. It is very hard to lose your father. I lost my dad and my father-in-law to prostate cancer. If he was 95 and had cancer he was probably in a lot of pain. The morphine was to help with that. It is not uncommon for people to "give up" with old age, cancer and going in to a nursing home. They have no more quality to their life. That is what happened with my folks. They both died at home but they still gave up at the end and wanted to die. If he didn't want any heroic measures taken then he had accepted what was going to happen. Both my folks had morphine to kill the pain but it didn't kill them. The cancer did. If he had not had the morphine he would have died in agony. It sounds to me like he was given as much care as possible. There comes a time when all you can do is make the person as comfortable as possible. It will take time for things to get better for you. You've been through a lot and you've lost a lot. Give yourself time to grieve and know that you did the very best you could, right up to the end, for you dad. Hugs and prayers for you.
Reply:Respect your fathers final request as you respected him in the past.
Reply:I could not say it any better than the three persons above me. They are right on target. You will get through it. May God bless and keep you.
Would like to hear results from anyone having robotic prostatectomy? Prostate Cancer removal.?
I would like to hear the outcome of any guys who have actually experienced robotic prostatectomy? Prostrate Cancer removal. No hype from hospital WebPages, I WANT THE TRUTH! How Old? Gleason Score? Recovery? Incontinence? **Erectile Dysfunction-how long and did you recover? Did you use anything for E.D. and did it work? Would you do this type surgery again? Thank you fellows, all info appreciated.
Would like to hear results from anyone having robotic prostatectomy? Prostate Cancer removal.?
YUP! Been there and done that. Bladder too. 74
Physical recovery, 2-3 months, better at 5-6
Mental, 3 years depression.
No incontinence. Stoma and pouch.
No worry about ED. Divorced before recovery. Alone now.
Gleason score? No knowledge of that.
Meds won't work. Implant or pump, (works), are choices.
It doesn't quit, desire. Check with your doc. Good Luck and God Bless.
Again? Hmmm, knowing what I knew after surgery?. Nope!
Don't take me seriously. It's every ones choice to make.
You're welcome to contact me. eejayi@ yahoo.
Reply:holy moly, do they stick a robot up ur doodle? I have a family history of prostate cancer, can't wait...
Would like to hear results from anyone having robotic prostatectomy? Prostate Cancer removal.?
YUP! Been there and done that. Bladder too. 74
Physical recovery, 2-3 months, better at 5-6
Mental, 3 years depression.
No incontinence. Stoma and pouch.
No worry about ED. Divorced before recovery. Alone now.
Gleason score? No knowledge of that.
Meds won't work. Implant or pump, (works), are choices.
It doesn't quit, desire. Check with your doc. Good Luck and God Bless.
Again? Hmmm, knowing what I knew after surgery?. Nope!
Don't take me seriously. It's every ones choice to make.
You're welcome to contact me. eejayi@ yahoo.
Reply:holy moly, do they stick a robot up ur doodle? I have a family history of prostate cancer, can't wait...
How much pain is there with Radation Treatments for Prostate Cancer?
How sick will this make you and how much pain will there be? What are the chances of the cancer comming back after radation treatment? I have a friend getting ready to under go 9 weeks of treatment.
How much pain is there with Radation Treatments for Prostate Cancer?
I am undergoing radiation for breast cancer at this time. Pretty easy. No pain. Doctor says it may make me tired as we progress through the treatments. The people I talk to that have gone or are going through this say the same. As for chance of reoccurence, your friend needs to discuss that with his doctor. Every person's cancer is different. Too many factors are involved to make a comment on what the chances are that it will come back or not.
Reply:I don't know my husband is on zoladex for it, post here someone will beable to help you
http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/forums...
Reply:The worst pain I experienced from radiation therapy was from having to lie in the same position for an hour during treatments. They made me as comfortable as possible, so it was hardly a problem.
At the end of treatment, there was some "sun burn" of the skin, and it was unpleasant, but not a big deal either. Radiation didn't make me sick at all. Just a little tired, as others have said.
Lazla
.
Reply:Well since your friend is undergoing about 8 to 9 weeks of treatment I am making a few assumptions. I would assume that they are treating him using IMRT. IMRT is a specialized form of radiation that allows the physicians to "paint" the radiation in various intensities within the body. The physician is able to distribute a large amount, or a high dose to the tumor itself, and is then able to limit, or reduce the amount of radiation to normal organs and tissues with in the body.
The treatments themselves should only take about 15 minutes. This is more for the set up and position. The radiation is only one for about 30 seconds at a time. The most uncomfortable thing is going to be trying to hold still on a hard table during that amount of time. Other then that, the treatments themselves do not hurt. Your friend will not see or feel anything, just hear the buzzing of the machine.
After about 4 weeks, your friend may begin to experience some fatigue or tiredness. A nap will usually help alleviate that symptom. He may also experience a slight redness on his skin. If he begins to use lotion in those areas from day one, this will also limit that redness and keep the skin moist.
The only other thing that your friend may experience is some potential irritation when he needs to urinate. This is not experienced by all patients, but some do experience the symptom, but it usually subsides after 2 weeks from the end of treatment.
One last thing, if your friend is treated prone, or lying on his stomach, some places use a rectal balloon. This may get to be a bit irritating after 4 weeks into the treatments. Its more of a nuisance then anything. It is used by some physicians to get the rectum out of the treatment field. This way they can increase the dose to the tumor and limit the amount that the rectum receives.
If you have any further questions, you can email cancergeek@gmail.com.
Reply:I had seed implants 1/26/05 and had virtually no pain from it. I had a catheter in overnite that was uncomfortable but not as bad as I had expected. Started 6 weeks of external radiation 3 weeks later on 2/16/05 and had absolutely no pain from the radiation. The total external radiation experience at RCOG was truly a "radiation vacation" due to the support groups, educational seminars, fellowship, and social activities provided by RCOG.
How much pain is there with Radation Treatments for Prostate Cancer?
I am undergoing radiation for breast cancer at this time. Pretty easy. No pain. Doctor says it may make me tired as we progress through the treatments. The people I talk to that have gone or are going through this say the same. As for chance of reoccurence, your friend needs to discuss that with his doctor. Every person's cancer is different. Too many factors are involved to make a comment on what the chances are that it will come back or not.
Reply:I don't know my husband is on zoladex for it, post here someone will beable to help you
http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/forums...
Reply:The worst pain I experienced from radiation therapy was from having to lie in the same position for an hour during treatments. They made me as comfortable as possible, so it was hardly a problem.
At the end of treatment, there was some "sun burn" of the skin, and it was unpleasant, but not a big deal either. Radiation didn't make me sick at all. Just a little tired, as others have said.
Lazla
.
Reply:Well since your friend is undergoing about 8 to 9 weeks of treatment I am making a few assumptions. I would assume that they are treating him using IMRT. IMRT is a specialized form of radiation that allows the physicians to "paint" the radiation in various intensities within the body. The physician is able to distribute a large amount, or a high dose to the tumor itself, and is then able to limit, or reduce the amount of radiation to normal organs and tissues with in the body.
The treatments themselves should only take about 15 minutes. This is more for the set up and position. The radiation is only one for about 30 seconds at a time. The most uncomfortable thing is going to be trying to hold still on a hard table during that amount of time. Other then that, the treatments themselves do not hurt. Your friend will not see or feel anything, just hear the buzzing of the machine.
After about 4 weeks, your friend may begin to experience some fatigue or tiredness. A nap will usually help alleviate that symptom. He may also experience a slight redness on his skin. If he begins to use lotion in those areas from day one, this will also limit that redness and keep the skin moist.
The only other thing that your friend may experience is some potential irritation when he needs to urinate. This is not experienced by all patients, but some do experience the symptom, but it usually subsides after 2 weeks from the end of treatment.
One last thing, if your friend is treated prone, or lying on his stomach, some places use a rectal balloon. This may get to be a bit irritating after 4 weeks into the treatments. Its more of a nuisance then anything. It is used by some physicians to get the rectum out of the treatment field. This way they can increase the dose to the tumor and limit the amount that the rectum receives.
If you have any further questions, you can email cancergeek@gmail.com.
Reply:I had seed implants 1/26/05 and had virtually no pain from it. I had a catheter in overnite that was uncomfortable but not as bad as I had expected. Started 6 weeks of external radiation 3 weeks later on 2/16/05 and had absolutely no pain from the radiation. The total external radiation experience at RCOG was truly a "radiation vacation" due to the support groups, educational seminars, fellowship, and social activities provided by RCOG.
How to decide, surgery versus radiation for prostate cancer, which has least side effects?
PSA 6.25 and cancer rated 7
How to decide, surgery versus radiation for prostate cancer, which has least side effects?
Your Age, How fast the PSA got to 6.25 and other factors are involved. My PSA went from 1.5 to 4.5 in 6 months. Biops showed a Gleason of 4+4=8. I opted for surgery only because if they get it all quick it can't come back. Any other treatment is just that, treatment not removal. My PSA at 6 weeks PostOp was 0. Doctor said it has to stay 0 for 4 years to be considered cancer free. Side effects are different for each man. My surgery was in July 07 and last week I bowled a 283 game with a 707 set. Working full time, and only side effect is wondering what next? You can read a lot here:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Pro...
Reply:My dad had surgery back 8 years ago and so far no recurrence. I think someone he knew had the radiation and his came back. My dad also had some kind of hormone treatment, a little capsule placed under the skin a couple of month before surgery to shrink the prostate so it was easier for the surgeon to remove it all. His was caught early so that made a difference too. I hope you do well with what ever you decide.
Reply:i would go with sugery,
when my grandma had radiation
all it did was stop the growth and make her tired and miserable
good luck!
Reply:The decision to treat Prostate Cancer with Surgery or with Radiation Treaments is an individual choice. The decision should be made after a consultation with your Dr. and perhaps a second and even third opinion from another Urologist and a Radiologist. Each treatment option for Prostate Cancer carries risks of complications from the treatment and potential side-effects, the most common being incontinence and impotence. The degree of risk varies by treatment and the skill of the surgeon or radiologist.
Your Dr. should take the time to explain all the risks, side-effects, and benefits of each treatment option.
You mentioned that your psa is 6.25 and your cancer is rated
7. Do you mean you have a gleason score of 7? if so, it is important to know if it is 3+4=7 or 4+3=7. There is a difference. the lower number in front means the cancer is less aggressive and therefore easier to treat.
I was diagnosed in July. My PSA was 7.0 and my gleason score was 3+4=7. After researching all options I decided on robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, which is a relatively new surgical procedure. I chose this treatment over the conventional surgery because there is less trauma to the body, there is less bleeding, and less risk of infection. Recovery time and discomfort (pain) is significantly less than the traditional prostatectomy. Also in the hands of a highly skilled surgeon (someone who has done hundreds of these)
there is a better chance of reducing side-effects.
Whatever you decide to do, make an informed choice. There are many treatment options available for Prostate Cancer, go with what feels good to you, don't let doctors or
other people pressure you into doing what they think is best.
Here are a few resources that may be of help to you in your research, I found them very helpful.
Reply:I am sorry you are going through such a scary experience. I think SURGERY definitely. Surgery can REMOVE it where radiation most likely only shrinks it or attempts to stop the growth. If it is operable, you should consider it strongly. Best of Luck to you, you will be in my prayers tonight.
How to decide, surgery versus radiation for prostate cancer, which has least side effects?
Your Age, How fast the PSA got to 6.25 and other factors are involved. My PSA went from 1.5 to 4.5 in 6 months. Biops showed a Gleason of 4+4=8. I opted for surgery only because if they get it all quick it can't come back. Any other treatment is just that, treatment not removal. My PSA at 6 weeks PostOp was 0. Doctor said it has to stay 0 for 4 years to be considered cancer free. Side effects are different for each man. My surgery was in July 07 and last week I bowled a 283 game with a 707 set. Working full time, and only side effect is wondering what next? You can read a lot here:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Pro...
Reply:My dad had surgery back 8 years ago and so far no recurrence. I think someone he knew had the radiation and his came back. My dad also had some kind of hormone treatment, a little capsule placed under the skin a couple of month before surgery to shrink the prostate so it was easier for the surgeon to remove it all. His was caught early so that made a difference too. I hope you do well with what ever you decide.
Reply:i would go with sugery,
when my grandma had radiation
all it did was stop the growth and make her tired and miserable
good luck!
Reply:The decision to treat Prostate Cancer with Surgery or with Radiation Treaments is an individual choice. The decision should be made after a consultation with your Dr. and perhaps a second and even third opinion from another Urologist and a Radiologist. Each treatment option for Prostate Cancer carries risks of complications from the treatment and potential side-effects, the most common being incontinence and impotence. The degree of risk varies by treatment and the skill of the surgeon or radiologist.
Your Dr. should take the time to explain all the risks, side-effects, and benefits of each treatment option.
You mentioned that your psa is 6.25 and your cancer is rated
7. Do you mean you have a gleason score of 7? if so, it is important to know if it is 3+4=7 or 4+3=7. There is a difference. the lower number in front means the cancer is less aggressive and therefore easier to treat.
I was diagnosed in July. My PSA was 7.0 and my gleason score was 3+4=7. After researching all options I decided on robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, which is a relatively new surgical procedure. I chose this treatment over the conventional surgery because there is less trauma to the body, there is less bleeding, and less risk of infection. Recovery time and discomfort (pain) is significantly less than the traditional prostatectomy. Also in the hands of a highly skilled surgeon (someone who has done hundreds of these)
there is a better chance of reducing side-effects.
Whatever you decide to do, make an informed choice. There are many treatment options available for Prostate Cancer, go with what feels good to you, don't let doctors or
other people pressure you into doing what they think is best.
Here are a few resources that may be of help to you in your research, I found them very helpful.
Reply:I am sorry you are going through such a scary experience. I think SURGERY definitely. Surgery can REMOVE it where radiation most likely only shrinks it or attempts to stop the growth. If it is operable, you should consider it strongly. Best of Luck to you, you will be in my prayers tonight.
Should Hillary Do A 5K Run For Prostate Cancer?
Or Should She Only Do It For Breast Cancer?
Should Hillary Do A 5K Run For Prostate Cancer?
I'd pay to see that! Those fat little legs couldn't run if a bear was chasing her! LOL
Reply:May be she can walk instead of run like the people in Miami who walked for prostate cancer awareness programs
Should Hillary Do A 5K Run For Prostate Cancer?
I'd pay to see that! Those fat little legs couldn't run if a bear was chasing her! LOL
Reply:May be she can walk instead of run like the people in Miami who walked for prostate cancer awareness programs
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