Comments for Living with Prostate Cancer

Comment on Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment — Good Medicine or Business as Usual? by Ken

Ken — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:09:19 +0000

I think the PSA is a good first screening tool, as both my dad and brother have enlarged prostate, which was identified from a PSA test. Both are using saw palmetto based supplements to control the issues, and it has actually helped my dad shrink the size of his prostate.

I do agree that too many men are having radical surgeries, that are not only unnecessary, but impacting their ability to have a normal, healthy sex life.

While I am not a supporter of Obamacare, I think a positive will be more alternative treatment options being discussed to reduce overall healthcare costs.

Comment on Prostate Cancer Special on Larry King Live by Leah

Leah — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:05:19 +0000

As you know, I am not a doctor, but to me the sharp drop in PSA is unusual (normally it would trend upward), so I would suggest getting second and third opinions (even though MD Anderson is a first-rate institution). A good book to consult is “America’s Top Doctors For Cancer”; see castleconnolly.com. Also, it’s probably a good idea for your husband to have another PSA test to find out more. Regarding cryotherapy, my impression is that it’s not yet ready for prime time. I know of several patients who have had severe side effects from it.

The most important thing is don’t allow yourselt to be rushed into treatment.

Good luck,
Leah

Comment on Gleason Grade 7 or Above: Why You Should Consider Open Surgery by Leah

Leah — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:34:09 +0000

Speaking as a non-physician, it seems to me that surgery is best viable option in your situation (that depends on whether the PC has escaped prostate, in which case surgery may not be beneficial. That leaves salvage radiation as an option later on, if necessary. Choosing radiation as primary treatment does not give you good follow-up options (e.g., salvage surgery) if the cancer returns. I don’t think active surveillance would be an option because your husband’s numbers suggest an intermediate grade cancer which, although highly treatable, should be actively treated.

It is important to find the most competent surgeon available, in a hospital that is a center of excellence in cancer treatment (usnews.com has rankings). The experience of the surgeon is most important — don’t focus on the technique.

My husband had practically the same numbers as your husband a few years ago and he chose surgery. We have not regretted our decision.

Don’t be discouraged — you can have a life after prostate cancer surgery.

Good luck,
Leah

Comment on Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment — Good Medicine or Business as Usual? by Richard Chowning

Richard Chowning — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:48:17 +0000

Thanks Leah,
You stated that the mission of your blog is to “play a role in bringing about the more humane treatment of PC patients and their families.” I am sure that you have already done that many times over during these past four years.
It seems to me the chemo therapy is so painful mentally and physically that it could be almost seen as inhumane. The side effects are so severe.

….Richard Chowning

Comment on Gleason Grade 7 or Above: Why You Should Consider Open Surgery by Karyn

Karyn — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:23:42 +0000

Hi Leah,

First, thank you for this blog.

Second – realizing fully that you are not a physician, I’m wondering what your thoughts are on a 57 y.o. male with a Gleason of 7 (3+4), a PSA of 10 (elevated to 10.1 in 8 weeks), and “T2″ stage prostate cancer. We are driving ourselves crazy with the options and relative merits and drawbacks of each, which second line of offense might be appropriate if the first technique doesn’t get the job done, and so forth.

Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks – K

Comment on Prostate Cancer Special on Larry King Live by DeAnne Bell

DeAnne Bell — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:53:42 +0000

Husband diagnosed this spring with pc–Gleason score 6 psa 7.5. Went to MD Anderson and had a second biopsy –Gleason 7 (3+4) and psa 2.4. There were 2 cores. Initially, they encouraged him to go on active surveillance. Now they are recommending treatment. We are looking at cryotherapy. Would love to hear from someone who may have knowledge. Also, we are curious about the declining PSA. His PC is confined to prostate gland.

Comment on Memorial Page for Dr. Aubrey Pilgrim by James Pilgrim (Garden)

James Pilgrim (Garden) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:07:18 +0000

Bud, as I knew him was my Grandfather. My father and mother had a very rocky relationship so I was around my Grandfather when I was younger but not as much as I got older. We had our differences in opinions, but I always admired him and what little time we got together I cherrished emmensly. I am saddended that because of differences in the family I never got to spend the time I wished I could have with my Grandfather and never got to meet my family, The Pilgrims. I will always hold the wonderful memories I have of him growing up and the chances we got to meet. I have learned so much more about him through research on the internet.

Comment on How I Became The “Trimix Lady” by Chuck Weidman

Chuck Weidman — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 05:06:53 +0000

It is stated to NOT freeze these hormones on the instructions as such will destroy the effect. Also, good info but my urologist says one should wait 48 hours between injections…is that necessary?

Comment on Saving Your Sex Life: A Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer by Don Graveline

Don Graveline — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:24:11 +0000

Amazon does not have Dr. John Mulhall book “Saving Your Sex Life: A Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer” do you know where else the book may be available from?
Thanks Don

Comment on How to Finding A Good ED Specialist by Leah

Leah — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:36:26 +0000

Sure, you can use anything from the blog as long as you attribute it.

Regards,

Leah