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Anthony, I was 43 years old in early 2002 and 2003 when I found this site, and basically with the same numbers as you. Gleason 6, and PSA between 3.5 and 4. Your getting good advise from this site, take your time, study, and not everyone is the same. My PSA after RP averages between .1 and .2 and everything is fine. Good luck, and if you like you can read my story posted on this site. As long as it is steady, I'm happy.
I was diagnosed July 2010 with psa of 6.9, stage T1C Gleason 3+4 7. My urologist went through the entire surgery, radiation consultations and surgery was his reply, as soon as possible. I'm 48 and divorced - pretty much alone. I chose to wait until I had finished my research and traveled on vacation. I just had my psa tested 1/2011 at 10.0. (Vigorously stimulated the prostate the night before with my girlfriend) I have chosen my treatment and will start Feb 22nd. You have plenty of time to make an informed decision based on your needs. I personally chose the proton beam therapy at Loma Linda. What I did learn is that there are no guarantee with any treatment, and if I could live without treatment, I would as my first choice.
Good luck to you! My week has been tough attempting to read and gather information. Just as you have stated, there are no guarantees but I remain positive. I asked the oncologist how effective was Cyberknife, as he started to hestistate I decided to inform him that I could not find any real data since the machine was fairly new. He then proceeded to inform me that all the procedures were good and to make a choice to get on with my life. Somewhat insensitive if you ask me, I just kindly stated "no I will not just make a decision". I am not a cynical person, however its difficult to trust someone with my life or the quality of it.
One of the key points to my choice of Proton Beam Therapy, besides the obvious benefits (cure, no side effects), is the quality of their care program. Several support groups, available therapy, free use of a gym and library, and a caring staff. I plan on using my time to get in shape, meditate, and decide what I want from the rest of my life. Good luck in your choice.
The statement that implies that Proton Beam Therapy (PBT)promises "....cure, no side effect... is not supported by any well accepted studies.
There are no guranatees of 'cure' for any therapy. PBT may have lower side efefcts than other therapies (although what studies there are are not conclusive) but to say that there are no side effects with PBT is not correct.
I didn't state they were promises, but cure rates are equal to other treatments, and lack of noticable side effects is equal to or better than other treatment options.
I understand you feel your world has turned upside down. I too thought can't be noone in my family has had this and no way I am too young. Reality is that it can happen to anyone including us.
What you can do for you and your family is research well find out the options available to make a decision that fits you and your goals. Personally as you can read in my write-up I like you live SO close to John Hopkins I decided to use them not only for a second opinion (Dr Epstien) is a leading authority on result reads but also discuss their thoughts on treatment for me at 45 and my Gleason 6 results. Not just RP but others. Bottom line for me I felt removal under RP was my best option. Since June 08 when I has it removed results all indicate no readable PSA level thank God. I also liked with my treatment that they were able to slice and dice the prostate to make sure of their assessment based on the biopsies. Anyway my thoughts. Remember only you can decide and most important is success in beating this and then deal with side effects if any. I have none. Feel free to contact I live over near Annapolis.
