Help Please - Cancer: Prostate Message Board

mvenglass · 04-21-2003, 09:12 AM

My dad is 53 years old and went in for an annual physical. They did a PSA test and his level was 111, so the dr. did a digital exam and suggested a second PSA test. The second results came back at 200!!! So the dr. ordered a biopsy, but we have to wait a few weeks for the insurance authorization and then get the appt. and wait for the results. We are very concerned and confused. Has anyone had similar circumstances? Please share.
Thanks,
Melissa

KennyH · 04-21-2003, 11:44 AM

It sounds like your dad has a good chance of having prostrate cancer. My friend had simular numbers and was much older. He had a seed implant of radium I believe and it has cured the canser so far. It has been about 4 years since his treatment. There is also a treatment where they take out the prostrate all together. Pat Robertson of the 700 club had this procedure by a doctor in Miami and it also appears to be sucessful. I believe these two treatment options are the best but do some reasearch on your own. Your dad will need your help in making a decision on what treatment will be best for him as well as finding a
good doctor for these procedures. Good luck

[This message has been edited by KennyH (edited 04-21-2003).]

mvenglass · 04-21-2003, 12:38 PM

Kenny,
Thank you for your reply. It's good to hear that someone has had similar numbers and is hanging in there. We will have to research those 2 different options.
Thanks Again,
Melissa

fmansell · 04-22-2003, 02:36 AM

I suggest you do a Google search on the Internet for prostate Cancer. There is abundant info on the 3 major protocols -Surgery, Seeds and External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) Some of it is very technical and some of it is surgeons pushing surgery and radiation oncologists pushing radiation. You will get to understand the significance of Gleason scores, PSA numbers and Stage numbers and Partin tables. And you will be able to ask the right questions. The sucess rates of the three protocols are roughly the same and the choice will depend on several factors including age and other health considerations. I strongly recommend finding a doctor who specializes in prostate cancer treatment. If Surgery is elected then find someone who does a dozen prostatectomies a week rather than once a month. All the major cities have "Cancer" centers In my case I originally opted for surgery but my urologist , because of my age (74) and history of heart problems recommended the seed implants. I went to see the Seed guy a radiation oncologist. I was a good candidate except that i had an enlarged prostate and the pelvic bone was in the way of how they implant the seeds. They might have shrunk my prostate with hormone therapy (which can take a while) but I chose EBRT

fmansell · 04-22-2003, 02:43 AM

I should also let you know that I belong to Kaiser-Permanente Health plan. They have the best doctors I have ever encountered. No hassle about what the Insurance Company covers. Also when you get the Biopsy report get a "second opinion" from another urologist. Good luck