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My husband was recently diagnosed. He's 47. Gleason 4+4=8 and 3+3=6 We're recently married - no children yet. His urologist scheduled surgery for 3 weeks. We feel confident in our decision but are getting alot of friends/family suggesting different routes. Does anyone have info on WV doctors? Any advice? Thanks
So sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis, Lily.
Did your surgeon/urologist say why your husband should have surgery in such a short time? It is unusual and there is rarely a valid reason for rushing into a decisoin which may not be one that is in your best interests.
The first thing you should do is to postpone the surgery until you have a better idea of the disease, the diagnosis and the options. I would suggest that you get an expert second opinion on the Gleason Score - see RECOGNISED EXPERT PATHOLOGISTS so that you have a more clear idea of the extent and potential aggressiveness of your husband's disease.
If there is a genuine 4+4=8 Gleason Score confirmed by an expert then you should be aware that there may be a higher possibility of the disease having escaped the gland. If this is so, then many experts believe that surgery may not be the best option - that it may be better to have radiation in one of it's many forms, possibly with what is termed ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy).
I don't know if you have read through the YANA site, but it may be an idea to do so, or at the very least to go to CHOOSING A TREATMENT
If you intend having children at some time in the future you should consider freezing your husband's sperm as he will not be able to ejaculate sperm after surgery (or some of the other therapies) even if he retains the ability to have an erection.
I echo Terry's thoughts about rushing into surgery. I understand the feeling of just wanting to get it out. I had surgery 18 months ago and felt the same way. My PSA is now rising and I am looking at radiation anyway. If I knew then what I know now I think I would have choose radiation. My advise is to talk to a good Radiation Oncologist before deciding. If you do decide on surgery make sure you get a surgeon that is skilled and experienced. Quality of life after surgery is dependent on the surgeon. I know the first days are very difficult emotionally but it does get better. My wife and I have a full life while dealing with the cancer. Good luck. Feel free to E-mail me if you want to discuss topics in not such a public forum.
Lily, I agree with Terry and Bruce that you really need to consider all your options before seeking treatment. In my case I was on Active Surveilance (AS) for two year with a small amount of GS6 (2 cores <10%). I loved being on AS, but my PSA continued to rise at every 6 month test. Six months ago I went to a new uro who found GS8 in 3 cores >80%. Because GS8 is more agressive, I opted for proton therapy in conjunction with low-dose chemo at UFPTI. I finished my chemo/radiation last month and on am on 6 months of hormones. Please make sure all avenues of of treatment are explored.
