At the age of 49, yesterday I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Gleason score of 7.

NO signs or symptoms - just had a PSA test - followed by another followed by a biopsy.

Next I am scheduled for bone scan and lymph node x ray.

I feel very alone at age 49 - any thoughts or words of wisdom from anyone would be welcome.

Ron I had pc three years ago.My advice is to listen to your doctor and ask questions.Be sure to bring your wife or gf along because if you opt for a total it will effect your sex life for the rest of your life,but it is the best shot for a total cure,that is what I did and now I am fine but I am a few years older than you.Just remember if you do nothing it will kill you.If you would like to please e-mail me anytime. Good luck

You're not alone. My dad is 52 (I previously said 53), and just diagnosed with pc. He has a gleason score of 8. He is having the bone scan and mri done on June 11th and June 13th. They will recommend treatment once they determine exactly where he stands. It sounds like we are at about the same point in this pc journey as you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Melissa

Hi Ron,
Sorry to hear about you recent diagnoses. I know where you're coming from. I was diagnosed last month at age 47. It sure knocked me for a loop. Please don't be discouraged. The majority of guys who get this disease beat it ... meaning that they die from some unrelated cause (like old age). I would suggest that you pick up a copy of Dr Patrick Walsh's book "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer". It will answer many of your questions. I have already learned that this is a battle that is fought on the emotional and spiritual fronts as well as the physical. To say the least, it is a life changing experience. Please feel free to e-mail me if you want to talk off line dhavens@rochester.rr.com). I may not have all the answers but I'm a good listener. You are not alone!!
God Bless,
Dave

[This message has been edited by Dave A (edited 06-09-2003).]

Hi Ron
I am the young prostate cancer patient named Leo. I know what your going thru. I am 8 years younger then you and have had a diagnosis of prostate cancer with a gleason score of 7. It is scary. I go thursday to get the results of my ct scan, nucleur bone scan, ivp and chest xray. I am still undecided on which type of treatment I will go with. The best advice I can offer at the moment is to surround yourtself with a good support group. Good Luck.
Leo

------------------

Hi to all - I had the bone scan and CT scan done today. All the technicians were very good and comforting. These were nothing - especially when compared to the biopsy.

Still struggling emotionally - family consultation with urologist Friday - I am going for surgery especially if all the scans were clean -

My 8 point biopsy revealed cancer in every one - yet i have NO signs or symptoms and 2 MD's have said the DRE was negative and they never ever would have suspected.

Next week we are headed to Hilton Head for some sun and fun - nothing beats beach and salt water therapy. This will be my good bye to sex as we have known it for 28 years -

Take care everyone! Encourage ALL males to do PSA testing - PC has to be the silent male killer.

Guys....check into the "nerve sparing" surgery done at John Hopkins in Baltimore. My 48 year old brother flew from Louisiana to Baltimore for his surgery. It has been a year since his surgery and he is doing great. Just two months after his surgery, he was having sex again with no problem and he never had a problem with incontinence after the first month of surgery. Best of luck to all of you....Janetto

I'd recommend you to be a member of phcagroups.org. You will find all information you are looing for prostate cancer.My father is also diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. I'm very much appreciated with this group and members.

JanettoB....could you possibly find out the name of the doctor that your brother used at John Hopkins ?? Thanks in advance !