Still So Many Questions

By WestWyCoRick

1 min read

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a few days before Christmas. That may sound awful, but I opted to have the biopsy done as soon as my urologist recommended it, as I would never have been able to enjoy the holidays not knowing at all.

What the doctor said

The doctor said that the level of cancer is currently low and that he strongly believes that it is confined to the prostate. He recommended, "active surveillance" for a six-month period. I'm not sure that I want to wait that long, as the symptoms have not yet subsided since the biopsy.

My symptoms

I still have occasional blood in my rectum (not in my stool), still feel that I have to pee almost constantly (or that I won't make it to the bathroom in time), and I have no sex drive. I also have a strange smokey blood smell and taste about me all the time that grosses me out.

Treatment options to consider

The next options for me to consider are radiation, which could totally eradicate the cancer and leave my prostate intact. The other option would be surgery to remove the prostate, which I'd prefer not to do. But the constant discomfort and smell make me believe that I should do something sooner than later.

Questions for the community

What experiences can you share with me? And, a big question; will radiation of the tumor allow my prostate to return to its normal size?

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Sue Franke Moderator & Contributor
I'm sorry that you received that diagnosis but agree that knowing is better than wondering, especially during the holidays. I'm a caregiver for my husband who still battles prostate cancer but is a 13 year warrior. This is a good place to hear about the experiences of others as you consider your options.
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="WestWyCoRick" user-id="4519759"/>. Sorry to hear about the diagnosis, but glad it sound like it was caught early. Your questions about active surveillance are certainly understandable. This article from our editorial team takes a closer look: <a href='https://prostatecancer.net/treatment/active-surveillance' target='_blank'>https://prostatecancer.net/treatment/active-surveillance</a> Fortunately, catching prostate cancer early opens up a wide array of treatment options. This article from our editorial team gives an overview of options, with links to more specifics: <a href='https://prostatecancer.net/treatment' target='_blank'>https://prostatecancer.net/treatment</a>. Your doctor should be able to discuss options, although don't be afraid to seek second opinions from different experts, as it is human nature for doctors to think their particular specialty is the best (surgeons like to cut, radiologists like to radiate). Wishing you the best and please don't hesitate to keep us posted on how you are doing. Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
Dan Franke Moderator & Contributor
WestWyCoRick.. Been dealing with this damn stuff for over thirteen years now. Feel free to ask away if I can help. Been down the road. DanF., moderator, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>prostatecancer.net</a>
Digger Member
West I was told in may of 2018 I had 2 small lessons in my prostate they told me that I should do active surveillance,went to Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion The doctor there told me he didn’t think I had anything to worry about for the rest of my life he told me don’t even worry about it that was three years ago I guess for now in June 2021 my PSA had jumped from a 5.9 to a 10 Had A 15 needle biopsy a bone scan a pet scan they found the cancer had left my prostate and went to my bones which then becomes stage four metatasic prostate cancer I was never told that if the cancer did start to grow there would be a possibility of it going out of my prostate and into my bones and that’s exactly what it did it’s in both my ribs my scapula and my sternum I’ve gone under radiation treatments and I am on hormonal therapy so when I hear the word active surveillance I tell people do more research get a second opinion if they would’ve taken mine out four years ago I wouldn’t be no fighting for my life I would tell anybody have it taken out don’t wait for it to blow up it’s like a bomb waiting to go off in mine went off don’t be afraid to get a second opinion do some research read up on mayo clinic there’s lotta good articles good luck I hope you make the right decision don’t be afraid to ask questions and then show your stuff thanks Digger
1. Sue Franke Moderator & Contributor
 I'm so sorry for everything you're going through. We have learned the hard way in our family, too, that a second opinion and even a third are critical and have so much influence on the treatment and outcome. Best wishes to you as you continue your treatment.
Gary N Member
It's still difficult for me to understand why the medical community suggests watchful waiting for prostate cancer. It's the only cancer that I'm aware of where that happens. Do they tell women with breast cancer to do watchful waiting. No way! Determine what approach you find that best suits you after talking to "other men that have had prostate cancer". See what worked for them. Talk about side effects with the men. Not all treatments are the same when you look at the side effects in one, three, five years and more after treatment. I had proton therapy 13 years ago and still feel great with no recurrence of the disease. 
1. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Gary N" user-id="3265650"/> Good to hear you are still in remission thanks to the proton. And so agree on the need for MD's to make sure men understand the impact on quality of life issues when considering the many treatments available for PCa Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)