New PC Diagnosis

Learning you have prostate cancer and facing a job loss is a double blow on many levels mental, physical and emotional. Many of us have all been there and speaking on personal experience .... you will get through this.


Just know this is slow growing cancer and often very treatable - I was diagnosed in 2013 with a Gleason 9 and figured it was lights out back then. If you do surgery first and your cancer returns you can do follow-up radiation and Lupron . If you reverse that protocol you will not have the same level of success. Radiation destroys tissue and follow up surgery can often result in a life time of significant leakage issues. If you are concerned about sexual performance both survey and radiation(over time) can produce similar outcomes. I was on COBRA at one point and if i recall it is not a forever kind of deal.


I have been reading it has not been easy for many folks to reconnect with a new employer. You may want to consider what treatment options will be covered the best currently by COBRA ... a one time surgery or weeks of radiation. While none of this is easy just know what ever decision you make it will be the best decision for you... God Bless and never look back as the future is ahead of you ..... Dennis( ProstateCancer.net TEAM)

I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. Now comes one of the difficult parts of managing cancer and that's deciding on the best treatment for you. My suggestion would be to research, research, research. Find out as much information as you can about the options available to you. Approach your doctor with lots of questions, questions that may seem basic to you but it can be very helpful to hear the doctor's perspective. If you aren't comfortable with the answers you hear, or feel that not enough useful information was provided to you, consider getting a second opinion. This site is a good place to learn about what others have experienced, about how they made their decisions. The internet is a vast source of information but we need to be careful that we use credible sources. Sadly, so much information is posted that is not trustworthy or can be harmful. I send my best wishes to you as you make your decisions and begin your treatment. As a note of encouragement (I hope) my husband is a 15 years survivor of stage 4 prostate cancer and he's going strong.

So sorry to hear you got downsized in addition to the PC. Your diagnosis up to this point is almost identical to where I have been. I also had a similar decipher high-risk score. For your own peace of mind in choosing which treatment I would suggest 2nd opinion(s). I switched from my community hospital to a National Cancer Center, and had 3 additional consults: One from an oncologist, one from a Radiation guy and another from a VERY experienced high volume surgeon. The choice is a tough one - but I chose the experienced surgeon for the Robotic surgery. The choice is a very personal decision and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
For me multiple 2nd opinions were good, as I have had no regrets later about my choice.
Wishing you the best at this difficult time. Please feel free to keep us informed (if you are comfortable in doing so). Lots of caring camaraderie here !

I also met with a high volume surgeon today at a prestigous university in my home state today and am leaning towards having the prostate removed as well. Apparently he's nationally known for his ability. The hospital is 2 hours away by car.
I'm just wondering what your experience was and what to expect.
Thanks for your response..