Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Very agressive prostate cancer

Very agressive prostate cancer?
My brother just got diagnosed with a very agressive prostate cancer. I was not at the appt. my mother was so I have limited info. It is T3 maybe T4, they are starting him on hormone therapy than chemo and Friday we talk to someone about getting him in a clinical trial. My mother said the docters act optimistic I think that they will regardless even if you are terminal. I believe my brother is on his way out and this is salvage therapy. They don't put people in clinical trials if there is another potential way to cure you. Anyone who could provide me with some personal experience or medical professional with some insight would be appreciated. Thanks Gleason score 9 Psa 12
Cancer - 2 Answers
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1 :
The only knowledge I have is that if the cancer is contained completely in the prostate the prognosis is good.This was the circumstance when I had mine removed 3 yrs ago. So far so good, my PSA readings have been zilch. My daughter was in a clinical trial with her lung cancer and had good results. Clinic trial means something they think will work but hasn't been tested enough to put on the market. These products have a pretty decent batting average from what I've read.
2 :
I had prostate cancer and so did a friend of mine. I don't know your PSA scores. Mine was 7.4 (not bad). My friends was over 17. I opted for radiation therapy. My friends was so far advanced they had to use radiation and Theraseed. I don't think clinical trials means there is not much hope. His biggest concern is whether or not is has spread to his lymph nodes. That is a major concern. If given an option between radiation and Theraseed the cure rate is about equal. Somewhere near 97%. Another option is prostate removal, if necessary. That seems pretty radical though. A lot depends on the location of the cancer. If it is on the outside of the protate it is likely to spread much faster.. With radiation he should suffer no ill effects other than temporary loss of pubic hair (not a problem). If they do breast radiation (to provent breast enlargement) he may experience some soreness similar to burning (whjch it is). Other than that. . . Theraseed causes swelling, frequent, urgent, urination. But is quite effective and requires only one office visit whereas radiation requires going in 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. Good luck

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Saturday, December 4, 2010

When doctors check the prostate for cancer, does it hurt

When doctors check the prostate for cancer, does it hurt?
I hear they check it with their hands or something like that. *shivers at the thought*
Men's Health - 12 Answers
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1 :
probly
2 :
The doctor sticks his finger into your anus and feels the prostate gland to see if it is enlarged or has growths. It is a bit uncomfortable and a little embarrassing but nothing to get worked up about
3 :
it does not feel good at all but it can save your life.
4 :
The only time it hurts is when you feel both his hands on your shoulders. Seriously, it does not hurt unless you tighten up.
5 :
It feels FABULOUS... I recommend Doctors Siegfried and Roy, they're both really gentle... one checks the prostate, while the other whispers lovingly into your ear. ...I don't know about you pal, but my anus wasn't made for having anything inserted, therefore, I'd imagine it ain't pleasant.
6 :
The rectal where the doctor puts his finger into the rectum to feel the prostate does not hurt. It is a bit uncomfortable, though. There also is a blood test that will test for prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about that test. Chow!!
7 :
No it does not hurt, it is rather uncomfortable... you have to think to yourself, cancer or the procedure which is worse.
8 :
The Doctor puts lubricant on his finger while asking you to drop your drawers & bend over the examining table. He then inserts his finger & quickly feels the prostate. He removes his finger & walks out. It takes maybe 5 seconds. It's both embarassing & messy. Make sure you wipe all the lube off, or you'll have a nasty mess inside your pants when you get home. It doesn't hurt, but it's not picnic, either. The best thing to do is take a deep breath & relax.
9 :
Easier than a colonostomy
10 :
It's a little uncomfortable. But think of the alternative. There is a blood test, but the rectal exam is a much better way to detect an enlarged prostate. I'm over 50 and get it done every year at my physical. The idiot that said he wouldn't have it done, all I can say is it is a risk I'm not ready to take. I want to live another 50 if I can.
11 :
it doesnt hurt, but is unconfortable and embarrasing. it is so weird. the docter tells u to pull ur pants down and he sticks his finger in ur anus. but its good to do it anyway, dont get all worked up.
12 :
It's called a Digital Rectal Examination, or DRE. The doctor will insert his gloved index finger into your rectum, push upwards and palpate the prostate, which should be soft and about the size of a walnut. If he finds it is enlarged, or if he finds any lumps, he'll send you for further analysis. If you are over 50, you will also have a blood test (PSA test) in addition to the DRE. It doesn't hurt, though it's uncomfortable for a moment or two.

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Just because a man has an enlarged prostate does it necessarily mean that he has prostate cancer

just because a man has an enlarged prostate does it necessarily mean that he has prostate cancer?

Men's Health - 3 Answers
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1 :
nope..but it could....see a doctor!
2 :
Most men with enlarged prostates don't have prostate cancer. You can also have prostate cancer without an enlarged prostate. The two are separate diseases.
3 :
No! It's far more likely that it is Prostatitis or BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia). Here' an article about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostate#Prostate_disorders

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