THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2017 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.
My father had prostate cancer. I have been monitoring my PSA for six years or at least I thought I was. By PSA measured 4.3 at my last physical. On inquiry I learned that my doctor had only tested my PSA three times in six years : 2010 - 1.7, 2012 - 0, 2016 - 4.3.
Went to a Urologist (surgeon). Recommended TRUS biopsy 12 samples. I was not educated enough to ask for a MRI guided biopsy which I regret. Blind biopsies are barbaric. Two of 12 samples positive. 4mm and 2mm tumors both Gleason 6. By this time, I had educated myself on prostate cancer somewhat obsessively.
Given my urologist is a surgeon he started to hard sell me on radical prostatectomy. I quickly shut him down. I told him given my low risk, slowing growing cancer I was going to do Active Surveillance. He disagreed and then shift from recommending surgery to seed therapy which I thought was odd (giving away business) until he told me he partners with a radiation oncologist to assess the seed placement and he in turn does the insertion of the seeds.
In order to participate in active surveillance, your diagnosis needs to be low risk, slow growing cancer. Look it up on you own but it is basically -
- PSA < 10
- Biopsy < 2 or 3 course at < 50% of the sample
- Gleeson 6 there are exceptions for 7 (genetic markers)
When and if the time comes for treatment, seed therapy (by an expert) is something I am considering. Of course my first option is Focal therapy except the insurance won't pay for it at $20K-$35K
My current thinking is get more diagnostic information by way of an MP-MRI.
This will confirm by biopsy findings and give me a baseline for my active surveillance. Note many insurance companies do not cover MP-MRI for prostate cancer diagnosis. I have been told the cost is around $1500.
Education is critical with this diagnosis. If you don't look out for yourself, you will note get the treatment you deserve.
I live in Fort Worth Texas. I am looking for doctors and facility recommendations.
Randy's e-mail address is: mrlittle99 AT hotmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")
NOTE: Randy has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.
