Not intending to hijack the thread honoring the great actor/director Dennis Hopper, I thought I might mention that I just returned (in April) from the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute after being treated for prostate cancer.
Just a couple of points to pass on to the "Old Farts" on this forum.
1) There are some current news reports suggesting that men should skip (or disregard) PSA testing. Don't believe those reports - get your PSA tested and get a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) annually after 50. Earlier if you're in a high risk group.
2) Once a patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer, every doctor you talk to will recommend their specialty to you (i.e. a urologist will recommend surgery, a radiation seed specialist will recommend seeds, etc.) The patient must do their own research to determine what treatment to take.
3) There are many-many mainstream therapies out there - all of which have similar success rates. Most of the one's research centers around the peripheral issues - side effects, treatment trauma, insurance coverage, your age, how advanced the cancer is etc.
4) Get the book, "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" by Dr. Patrick Walsh of Johns Hopkins and read it thoroughly as soon as you see a warning PSA. i.e. read it before you have a biopsy done.
5) If you are diagnosed with PCa (prostate cancer), feel free to send me a PM, I'd be happy to give you the benefit of everything I've gone thru.
6) I have no plans of dying of prostate cancer. The oft repeated quote is... "Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will die WITH prostate cancer, NOT FROM prostate cancer." It's one of the slowest growing cancers around.
Here's a shot of me on the treatment table, minutes before being shot with protons!
...Jerry
Just a couple of points to pass on to the "Old Farts" on this forum.
1) There are some current news reports suggesting that men should skip (or disregard) PSA testing. Don't believe those reports - get your PSA tested and get a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) annually after 50. Earlier if you're in a high risk group.
2) Once a patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer, every doctor you talk to will recommend their specialty to you (i.e. a urologist will recommend surgery, a radiation seed specialist will recommend seeds, etc.) The patient must do their own research to determine what treatment to take.
3) There are many-many mainstream therapies out there - all of which have similar success rates. Most of the one's research centers around the peripheral issues - side effects, treatment trauma, insurance coverage, your age, how advanced the cancer is etc.
4) Get the book, "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" by Dr. Patrick Walsh of Johns Hopkins and read it thoroughly as soon as you see a warning PSA. i.e. read it before you have a biopsy done.
5) If you are diagnosed with PCa (prostate cancer), feel free to send me a PM, I'd be happy to give you the benefit of everything I've gone thru.
6) I have no plans of dying of prostate cancer. The oft repeated quote is... "Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will die WITH prostate cancer, NOT FROM prostate cancer." It's one of the slowest growing cancers around.
Here's a shot of me on the treatment table, minutes before being shot with protons!
...Jerry