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Hi to everyone from Queensland. I've followed this forum for many years, but first time posting. I'm a much better reader and listener, than poster.
The information available on this site is second to none. Personal experiences, coupled with Terry's commitment and insight - makes it the complete package.
Two questions -
I'm surprised that there's been so little comment or discussion in regard to the initial findings of the Pivot Study. Perhaps I've read too much into it, or maybe too little. I assume that all are familiar with the findings, and would be very interested in hearing your opinions.
Secondly. Have I missed something - Is Terry off climbing Everest, or is he simply having a break? (no pun intended) I miss his input on the forum.
Well that's all.
Best wishes, and thankyou to everyone who has shared their story. You have made a difference.
I don't think any treatment decisions should be based on the PIVOT study results yet. In fact the study seems to suggest the opposite of what the newspaper headlines say. The study authors do day say that when patients are "matched up" they were starting to see a better outcome for patients that have had a prostatectomy. I presume they meant for patients that have been in the study the longest.
A typical case (probably 99% of cases)of PC doesn't kill for at least 12 years so the results of the PIVOT study so far are what one would expect. It is the 15 year results that could change the way PC is treated if it is shown that a prostatectomy doesn't change the life expectancy of patients.
Even now, men with a life expectancy less than 10 years don't often get a prostatectomy. It is also why it is not recommended to get a PSA test if you are over 70 to 75 depending on what medical group you listen to.
I’m alive and well and living down here in the Mexico of Australia (for non-Australians, Queenslanders tend to refer to anyone south of their border as Mexicans) enjoying a lovely cool winter. You are very perceptive in assuming I had a break because I did indeed break my arm at the end of April and even now it is not fully functional, although I can do most things. Guess it takes a while for a 70 year old bone to heal. At first I could only process words with one finger on my left hand, which slowed things down somewhat. I have also started a refurb of the site, which is taking a fair bit of time, of which more in another post.
I haven’t seem much about the PIVOT study lately. In fact Mike Scott in his comments this year in May on a piece he published in May last year The initial results of the PIVOT study says he is “ …… disturbed that … a year later … there is still no formal publication of the results of the PIVOT trial.” It is worth reading his original comments and those posted on this piece.
I hesitate to ascribe any motivation for action or inaction, but there must be enormous pressure not to publish yet another study that shows no clear and significant value in early invasive therapies. Frank makes a valid point concerning the number of deaths from early stage, low risk tumors, the diagnosis of most men today. There is indeed a very low mortality rate among such men, but then again there is a very low prostate cancer mortality rate in the male population. It is less than 3% in the US and has been for years.
All the best (and especially for the Origin Series where you may need a bit of luck)
Your thoughts are appreciated and taken on board. Thankyou.
Far too many men confronted with life altering decisions in the abscence of any definitive guidelines.
It's a frustrating reality.
At this point in time, under these circumstances, an "informed choice" is not an available option for those in the low - med risk category. May as well just roll the dice.
Variables in each case I realise are immense, but studies to date, appear to be undertaken with parameters that present with results that lack any cohesion.
Add to the mix, too common advice - to act immediately on any positive biopsy.
Makes me want to scream from a rooftop - This is just NOT good enough!
Terry,
Glad to hear that you're on the mend - can't keep a good man down!
Don't be getting too excited about tomorrow night.
Keep in mind - One paltry win does not maketh the series...
