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Re: Re: Re: Last week's "New" Prostate Cancer InfoLink
Hey Terry,
I hear you loud and clear. When my Uroligist sat down with me in March and gave me the news that I had PCa, he wrote down the treatment options on a 2" x 2" bright yellow post-it note and handed it to me. He noted my PSA, Gleason score and did not inform of the "T" grading, but rather said it was "low grade and slow growing". He organized a pelvic CT scan and arranged an appointment a few days after the scan at which he wanted my decision on treatment. That was it! He did not provide me with any reading material, no support group leads and absolutely no compassion. When I asked him what he would do with a diagnosis like mine given the Gleason score he offered no opinion.
Before I met with him, I had a sneaking suspicion that PCa would be the diagniosis and was menatlly prepared for his answer. Many aren't and the news can come as a huge blow, clouding all semblance of rationality and ability to obtain resources and information on which to base a treatment decision two weeks later. Fortunately, I was very comfortable with the internet and quickly found a support group near my home where I obtained some excellent literature to read. Additionally, I found YANA which I am very grateful for. Many of the questions I had were answered on this forum or from leads and links provided on YANA. By the time I met with him after the CT scan, I had already decided on what direction I was going and asked for a surgical consult. I had to provide the surgeon's phone number to him as his desk was a filing nightmare.
I believe doctors are highly trained in their chosen field but many lack in patient handling skills and all that goes with that. I agree that funds need to be spent to help patients get the information they deserve to make informative decisions about their treatment, and this material should be available immediately after diagnosis so that when the shock of hearing you have PCa subsides you have information to read and absorb with your loved ones.
Never underestimate the value of your site Terry. And, there is help at hand when and if you need it.
