Tuesday, April 28, 2009

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer, anyone out there who knows who has been in my shoes

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer, anyone out there who knows who has been in my shoes?
My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer last thursday. the told him over the phone, and did not specify which type of cells were found via biopsy.

i am accompanying to his 1st oncology appointment, what questions should we ask his doc? does anyone who has been in my position have any advice as to how i can be supportive?
Cancer - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I've never been in your position but I will say a prayer for you and your dad.
2 :
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer too. My first doctor told me, on the phone, he was going to operate. Very rude. I did not want to have a radical operation he suggested so I asked for another opinion. I talked to Dr. Ramin, from Cedar-Sinai in LA ,and he suggested we use a new machine called the DaVinci Machine made by Intuitive Surgical Corp. The machine is called the DaVinci machine because it looks like something that DaVinci would have invented. It has 6 or 8 arms and the doctor sits at the head of the machine. There is no major cuts that could expose your Dad's cancer to the air that may allow the cancer to grow, my thoughts, and your Dad will recover faster and completely. My first Doctor told me he was going to operate and the result would be no cancer but I would be incontinent and impotent. Quality of life is very important to men. I recovered in 7 days,very easily, compared to 3 to 4 weeks. I am completely cancer free now for 2 years. My quality of life is excellent. The operation is dependent on how early the cancer is but I've told other men about the procedure and they have recovered fully like me. Ask and look yourself for alternatives for your Dad. Be realistic. There are nuts out there. I wish you and your Dad well. I don't know if you can contact me personally if you have any questions.
3 :
My dad was diagnosed with cancer when i was 14, the best thing is to just support him and be strong for him when the two of you are together. Keep things positive, but let him vent at first. Just let him know that you Will never stop loving him. Good Bless
4 :
my stepbrother has prostate cancer and this can be cured if caught in early stages.good luck and i hope your dad gets the treatment he needs. all you can do is be strong and be there for him when he needs you, take care
5 :
There are a number of support groups out there, both local and on line. Sometimes knowing that others have the same problem as you can be a big help. These support groups also offer valuable information. Here are a few links: http://www.ustoo.com/ http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/ http://www.malecare.com/index.html http://www.prostate.com/homepage/ http://dailystrength.org/c/Prostate-Cancer/support-group Hope these help, good luck to you and your dad.
6 :
I have. My father have prostate cancer. Years ago he also had stomach cancer, but today its cured. For prostate cancer the doctors prefer to control it and not cure. The stage and gleason are essential to see the rate of growing. My dad also takes some alternative that had shrink his tumor: Zyflamend, Biobran and Shark Liver oil. He also drinks a lot of pomegranate juice and green tea. I was very worried but today I'm happy because he's fine. Your Dad will recover too. Good luck
7 :
I was diagnosed with Prostate CAncer in 2005. I had Proton Radiation treatments in Loma LInda University Medical Center In Loma Linda California.. Proton Radiation is different than conventional radiaton in that it has little to no side effects and as good or better cure rate (about 90%). There is a website called Proton Bob that tells alot about prostate cancer .. If you go to it.. be sure and read the Testimonal section of former patients.. any one who has had Proton Radiation for prostate cancer is totally sold on it.. ..no side effects and it cures you!!!! no brainer decision. Also there is a new book out that any one with Prostate Cancer should read before having treatments. It was written by Robert J. Marckini, a former Prostate Cancer patient. It discusses Prostate cancer and out lines all of the treatments available today and has the pros and cons of each treatment.. Personally I feel that Proton Radiation is the very best treatment .. I was not sick one single day during or after treatments, my PSA is now .13 ,///thats point one three.... It is great. Main thing I would say is that your father needs to check out all the treatments available and choose the one he wants.. dont let some doctor rush him into some treatment that he does or he is trained for.. It my not be the best for your dad.. Some treatments.. leave you with some permanent side effects.. wearing diaper, no sex etc.. Personally ...again I feel Proton Radiation is the best.. it has no side effects.. of any kind most of the time.. lots of doctors are not familiar with it.. or think its experimental .. or want to treat the patients them selves.. a money thing!! Proton is available at Loma LindaUniversity Medical Center in Loma Linda , Calif , MD Anderson in Houston, Mass General in Boston and a hospital in Jacksonville Florida... the Proton Bob website gives the location.. hope this is helpful.. please feel free to email me if you would like more info .. I will be glad to visit with you dad on the phone... not a problem..

Read more discusssions :

Friday, April 24, 2009

Wouldn't it be better to have your prostate removed if your blood test indicate you are high risk for cancer

wouldn't it be better to have your prostate removed if your blood test indicate you are high risk for cancer?
I have been tested as a high risk for prostate cancer. Instead of the pain full biopsy wouldn't it be best to just have my prostate removed?
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
In theory it sounds like a good idea, i mean Christina Applegate tested positive for the 2 most high risk breast cancer genes and she had a double mastectomy to prevent exactly that. I would consult with a doctor but it sounds like a good idea.
2 :
Being at high risk does not mean that you will develop cancer. It means that you should be closely monitored. Surgical removal of the prostate causes numerous problems which you may not be aware of. Removal is linked to impotence and complete loss of bladder control. You should discuss your medical status with your doctor and thoroughly understand the potential risks and benefits of any medical procedure before undertaking it.
3 :
It would cause incontinence and inability to have an erection. It you feel the advantage of not having the prostate outweighs the pain and side effects of not having one then you might want to consider it.
4 :
Not a good idea. A doctor won't remove a young man's prostate because he is a risk for cancer. My husband was just tested recently because his father had prostate cancer. When caught soon enough, it is very treatable. My father-in-law has been declared cured. Now that our Dr knows that my husband is at risk, he pays special attention and makes sure by doing blood test more often than usual. It's the same for the BRACA test for women to see if they are at risk for breast cancer. Now, myself, and 2 of my other sisters had breast cancer. 2 of us had bi-lateral mastectomies. Now, the other sisters were also tested and they tested positive but when they asked if they should have mastectomies just to play it safe, the Dr wouldn't do it. I'm sure if they wanted to, they could find a surgeon that will. But you can't expect any doctor to take out body parts that may or may not develop cancer because of risk involved. If you have that removed, you will be in for a surprise. Your prostate is responsible for controlling urine, without it, you'll have to wear a diaper because you could loose control. Sex will be very difficult. You will need something to get you, up, lets say. Think very hard if you are considering asking a DR to do this. Good luck, Hope you never get. That's another thing, Testing positive means you carry the gene. It doesn't mean that the gene will beome active. It can remain dormant in your body and never give you cancer. Let's hope that's the way it will be. God bless

Read more discusssions :

Monday, April 20, 2009

How low must 0bama/Pelosi drive down breast cancer before they focus on travesty of prostate cancer

How low must 0bama/Pelosi drive down breast cancer before they focus on travesty of prostate cancer?
My wife's father died from prostate cancer. Do women care about their brothers/fathers/sons?

Politics - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :

1 :
no
2 :
Radical treatments for prostate cancer are generally a bad idea. Most prostate cancers should be monitored, rather than treated. It is not at all clear what your point is.
3 :
Many, many more people die from breast cancer than from prostate cancer. It makes sense to focus more on the disease that causes more deaths. Just like we focus more on heart disease than on halitosis.
4 :
They both won elections on the female vote
5 :
You're blaming Obama and Pelosi for not enough focus on prostate cancer? You have no basis for that. Democrats have focused more on health issues than Republicans ever even thought about doing.
6 :
Historically most reasearch money has been poured into treating men's health issues. That the scales are balancing is not a reason to be upset. Surely you have a mother, sister, daughter, niece---all of which have a much higher chance of breast cancer than you do of prostate cancer.
7 :
Yes we do, but unfortunately men don't/won't go to doctors until they are practically dying, where women will go for most things.
8 :
ALL cancer is potentially a death sentence! Doesn't matter where in the body it is hiding. My husband has bladder cancer, that's close enough to the prostate! His life and other men have just as much right to the best care possible! Women's breast cancer seems to be more in the news, cos the breast - or the lack of it! is visible to the world!! Millions of dollars are spent on reconstruction of the breast, which to me, is a cosmetic thing! It doesn't prevent a reocurrance. Meanwhile, the poor men hide theirs behind closed zippers, and don't usually bring his problem up during normal conversation!! BUt what gets me about your question my dear is, what the hell do Obama and Pelosi know anything about cancer, and whose life is more important than another!?? They are supposed to be running a country, NOT our personal lives and healthcare!

Read more discusssions :

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Can a 17 year old have prostate cancer

Can a 17 year old have prostate cancer?
I've peed a lot in the past hour. I'm starting to freak out because I heard that if you're peeing a lot, you could have prostate cancer. I think that usually men in the forties are the ones who get prostate cancer. Is it possible that I could have it even though I'm almost 18 right now? Trust me, I have peed a lot in the past hour. VIVA LA RAZA!
Men's Health - 14 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I pee a lot too I don't have cancer
2 :
Well how much did you drink the hour before the hour you've been peeing so much?
3 :
im not sure. contact your doc. hope you feel better :]
4 :
In the last hour? No.
5 :
that is purely false on the linkage
6 :
Not really...it is rather rare for you to have cancer at your age..but see a qualified physician if you think you need to...
7 :
Not peeing is indicative of prostate cancer, usually in men over age 45. You could be diabetic, but more likely you drank a lot.
8 :
Not Likely.. 1. you drank alot 2. You held it in for awhile 3.you might just be thinking too much
9 :
that would be rare. Possible. but rare. what all did you have to drink? and remember, it's now cooler out, so you're not sweating as much. I would be more worried if you felt like you had to pee, and it took forever for the stream to start, and you didn't pee much. And then 20 minutes later you had to do it all again. That's more of a sign of an enlarged prostate.
10 :
It would be highly improbable that you have prostate cancer. A doctor can easily determine that with the PSA test, which is a blood test. If you score more than 4.0 on the results, you have something wrong. Also the digital (finger) exam only takes a few seconds. You probably have a urinary infection. That can be cured with an antibiotic. If you develop a fever and get the chills, you know you have an infection. Either way go to a doctor.
11 :
simple no (people saying forty try more like 60 70 80)
12 :
Most of the time, early signs of prostate cancer is nothing. It is only when the cancer advances. You would feel pain in your bones, mainly in your spine. With the spinal cord inflamed you would feel weak or shooting pains in your legs. Also your sexual performance would be declining and probably have some problems with your bowel movements. Prostate cancer can be found in younger patients but due to the symptom you probably just drank more fluids than you realized. If you are still worried or these problems persist , please see a doctor.
13 :
Frequent urination is a symptom of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) as well as Prostate Cancer. In both cases, prostate enlargement can cause urinary problems. However frequent urination will be an ongoing problem. If you just experienced this in the past half hour only, then most likely there is some other cause. Statistically it is improbable that a 17 year old will have prostate cancer. According to MedTV: "From 1998-2002, the median age at prostate cancer diagnosis was 68 years. The percentages of people diagnosed with prostate cancer based on age were as follows: 0.0 percent were diagnosed under age 20 0.0 percent between 20 and 34 0.5 percent between 35 and 44 8.3 percent between 45 and 54 26.9 percent between 55 and 64 37.0 percent between 65 and 74 22.6 percent between 75 and 84 4.7 percent 85+ years of age. "
14 :
Talk to your doctor. And what does viva la raza mean?

Read more discusssions :

Sunday, April 12, 2009

How do you check yourself for prostate cancer

How do you check yourself for prostate cancer?
how do you check yourself for prostate cancer?

Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Aside from a surgical biopsy with a review from a pathologist, the most reliable indicator is PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level in the blood. This can be done at most medical laboratories, but only with a prescription from an MD. You really can't do it yourself.
2 :
You don't. You should see your doctor, there are several methods for screening (each with their own advantages and disadvantages) but none of them are something that you're going to be able to do at home.
3 :
You can't - although you can keep an eye out for symptoms. You should visit the doctor for a DRE (digital rectal exam) yearly once you are over 50yrs old (this is the Australian guideline, not sure what country you're in) and you can also look into having a blood test called PSA. Symptoms you should look for include: A dribbling urine stream, pain, difficulty starting to urinate, blood in the stream, a constant feeling of urine in your bladder, etc. Some of these symptoms can be normal for old age, but if you are worried at all you should go to your doctor. I'm sure someone will jokingly suggest a self-DRE, which is therapeutically useless because unless you have the longest fingers in the world, you will be unable to feel what you need to feel.

Read more discusssions :

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

If a man has a PSA level of 10, does that mean he definitely has prostate cancer

If a man has a PSA level of 10, does that mean he definitely has prostate cancer?
MY father just told me a truth I was not ready for, but they say that we fear what we don't know. Is there a chance that everything could be alright even with a PSA level of 10? Is it possible that prostate cancer doesn't exactly mean an early death?
Cancer - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
An elevated PSA does not necessarily mean prostate cancer, it can be due to inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) which is usually due to an infection that can be treated. If caught early prostate cancer can have a good prognosis with surgical removal of the tumor. There are other options such as hormonal therapy and radiation in addition to surgery or if surgery is not an option. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/psa/test.html#what http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000380.htm

Read more discusssi

Saturday, April 4, 2009

My wife is having an affair while I am battling cancer of the prostate, ideas what to do

My wife is having an affair while I am battling cancer of the prostate, ideas what to do?
We've been married 6 years and I got diagnosed with prostate cancer 3 months ago. I learned just this past weekend she is seeing someone else while I am at work...Her best friend told me this...Now I am at a crossroads what to do. We have 2 children (a 5 yr old and 2 yr old)...i am completely heartbroken and betrayed.

I only hope that her friend is wrong....If it is true, I can't stay with her...I just can't ....comments?
Marriage & Divorce - 18 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You should definitely confront her, because if your friend is wrong, you're throwing your marriage away for nothing. If it's true, leave her. No one with a soul cheats on someone who really needs them.
2 :
well, since you cannot communicate with her, ask her bluntly. then decide if you want to divorce.
3 :
Find out if it's true.
4 :
I would ask more questions from the friend so you can maybe catch her, so you know for sure. I would for sure confront her, and kick her out. Things happen for a reason. Have faith that god has you exactly where you need to be. God bless.... Good luck
5 :
Talk to her. See what she has to say.
6 :
Ok find out for sure if she is. Then if she is kick her butt to the curb and take the kids with you. I am so sorry to hear that you are sick. It's women like that, who make the rest of us look bad.
7 :
Focus on #1...that's you; I would not even try to tackle the cheating problem at this point. Overcome your illness, regain energy and leave her. Think of how much better of a person you will be at the end of all these problems!
8 :
Ask your wife if it's true. Don't bring up the best friends name.
9 :
That's horrible. What a rotten bitch! I'm so sorry!
10 :
Well I guess she isn't going to be her best friend for much longer. This may be true but I will say that stress is a B and some may see your unfortunate diagnosis and not know how to handle it. if it is true she may need therapy to help her deal with it.
11 :
Boy you need to dump her ass!! Lose the zero and find yourself a heroooo! :D
12 :
wow i know this is so hard 4 you, but first calm down and talk to her ..be specific ..tell her what ur friend told u ...(i believe this is true) then think about if u r able to forgive and FORGET if not then the best thing to do is to left her.. and u fight for u...and ur kids pray to GOd.. and he will answer! cheerz!
13 :
umm maybe ask for a day off and tell her your going to work leave but come back in and hour or so and just say you weren't feeling well just dont tell that u came home early to see what shes doing... if she is having an affair just divorce.. I REALLY hope your friend is wrong but best of luck to you
14 :
I am sorry you are dealing with so much right now. Obviously, you need to confront the issue head on. Communication! You must ask her about it and discuss it and go from there. My prayers go out to you.
15 :
Buy her some toys and play with her since your not up to the task right now. I hope you beat the cancer it took a friend of my husbands about 7 months to get over the effects of the cancer treatments and about that long to be able to get a erection again, Your wife is a cold hearted ho though
16 :
You need to find out if what her friend is saying, is true. Do not just assume that her friend is right. Verify the information first, then decide what is best for you AND your kids. It is just sickening that people do this to their spouse when they are going through a difficult time. I feel sorry for you having to deal with such an issue when you obviously have so much to think about as it is. I hope everything turns out to be a big misunderstanding so you can dedicate your thought to your health issue. I pray you receive good news from your doctors and a quick recovery follows. Good luck and God bless!
17 :
confront her... and when she denies it, get some help to investigate the matter is it's true then get a divorce... its better to be divorced while you are undergoing treatment than to have her knowing that she is cheating on you.. it will cause you more stress and you deserve someone better.... I hope that she will never get a cent from you because she cheated. the justice system sometime isn't fair..
18 :
If you can get one, hire a private investigator to watch her, or have a friend that YOU trust keep an eye on your house while you're at work. Alternatively, call in one day, park your care somewhere and watch your house from someone else's car. Take pictures if you see anyone coming or going, write down the times, ect. You can google how to catch a cheater, there are loads of ways to do it. Just keep in mind that women do things differently than men and they're extra careful about covering their tracks. Above all, though, GET PROOF before you decide anything. Consider the trustworthiness of her "best friend" -- why the hell did she tell you this? Most women won't rat out their best friends for anything. Be sure that she's not just trying to start crap. If you wife is cheating, then you absolutely should not stay with her. What an unbelievably cold, callous woman to do this to you at such a hard time in your life!

Read more discusssions :

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

What is the Gleason score of prostate cancer

What is the Gleason score of prostate cancer?
A friend has a Gleason score of 5 prostate cancer. What does this mean?
Cancer - 2 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
"The grade of the cancer is an important factor in predicting long-term results of treatment, response to treatment, and survival. With Prostate Cancer the most commonly used grading system is the Gleason Scale. In this grading system, the cell are examined by a pathologist under the microscope and assigned a number based on how the cancer cells look and how they are arranged together. Because the prostate cancer may be composed of cancer cells of different grades, the pathologist assigns numbers to the two predominant grades present. The numbers range from 1 (low grade) to 5 (high grade). The Gleason score is the total of these two numbers; for example, am man with a Gleason grade of 2 and 3 in his prostate cancer would have a Gleason score of 5. Low-score cancers are those with a Gleason score of 2,3, and 4; intermediate-score cancers are those with a Gleason score of 5, 6, or 7; and high-score cancers are those with a Gleason score of 8, 9, and 10. The speed of growth and the agressiveness of the cancer increase with the Gleason score."
2 :
Additional stuff to add with Tony's (tidbits): it is a subjective testing, opinions as to which grade someone actually has can vary and so their are "experts" they do reviews on biopsies to the best analysis (Bostwick, Epstein and some others are amongest them). You can have various gleason scores going on within your own gland, one are could be a gleason 7 (3+4) and another could show 9 (4+5). I had 3 different scores found. Naturally the highest rating may be the best indicator of what variation of agressive cancer you may have to deal with. Another point there are a few different types of prostate cancers, and some of them are much worse than the average most common form that most men are diagnosed with. Among the worst is "small cell" and a few others, they don't respond to hormone therapies well. Another item point: high grade P.I.N. which can be found during biopsy analysis, although not considered definitive prostate cancer and not give a gleason score, it can be a 'pre-cursor' to becoming prostate cancers with gleason scores. So if you are found with this, monitor your PCa often with testings. Another point: generalization that the higher grade gleason scores usually reflect less curative rates or even control rates of PCa progression over time. So, some surgeons will not remove a prostate with patients in high gleason score areas, whereby some others will and even mention the word 'cure' in discussion (be leary of any such claims at any diagnosis level). Neutrondbob

Read more discussions :