Support in early stages of diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

jaa6921 · New User Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Austin TX

I don't know if I am posting this in the correct place, if not I am sure the moderator will assist.

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer 6 years ago at the age of 46. My father died very quickly from this cancer and it was a painful experience watching him die.

I realised at that point that I had to personally manage the entire matter of the disease and treatment options available because no doctor was going to be able to tell me what to do. The decisions about treatment of any cancer are very much realted to its stage, the patients age and the general prognosis. I was fortunate in that my insurance plan allowed me to seek opinions and I visited both John Hopkins/Baltimore and the nearer MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. After reading and collwecting data and opinions, I eventually elected for a radacal prostatectomy which I had carried out at MD Anderson.

What was not available to me during that time, or what I did not consider so much was the effect of the surgery, and wish in hindsight that I had been able to talk to people who had similar pathology and stage of the cancer and treatment. Not that I regret my decision, but at these times there is so much information to absorb and consider that its very difficult to know which way to "jump"

My entire surgery was successful and to date my PSA remains undetectable, and for that I am grateful. Most people do not know or need to know about my experience, and I lead a pretty normal life.

During the period of diagnosis and discovery, I went through some very tough times, and there was no one to turn to, other than my doctor, who could only be just that - a doctor. I'd like to offer to assist anyone out there who needs to talk, and I'd be happy to share my own personal experiences and the practical knowledge that I gained.

Maybe you could start a section where people can contact each other for this type of support. I'll be the first to offer services unconditionally.
_________________
John A
Austin, TX USA

fwelden · New User Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 1

There is a vital and active online community out there that offers the kind of mutual support and sharing of information that you mention here. I'd highly recommend you check out [url=http://www.acscsn.org]the Cancer Survivor's Network (CSN).[/url]

One of the things that has most impressed me with CSN is how many of its members came there with questions and fears, but have stayed on to help others.

stephane · New User Joined: 12 Dec 2004 Posts: 4

Edited by moderator: NO SCAMS HERE. All who disrespect this rule will be banner

mycroft

[quote="jaa6921"]I don't know if I am posting this in the correct place, if not I am sure the moderator will assist.

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer 6 years ago at the age of 46. My father died very quickly from this cancer and it was a painful experience watching him die.

(snippage)

During the period of diagnosis and discovery, I went through some very tough times, and there was no one to turn to, other than my doctor, who could only be just that - a doctor. I'd like to offer to assist anyone out there who needs to talk, and I'd be happy to share my own personal experiences and the practical knowledge that I gained.

****Two other helpful places:

The newsgroup alt.support.cancer.prostate. It's part of "newsgroups" which should be a feature of the e-mail server. Very active, many messages, all from PCa victims and/or their wives.

And Us Too!, a support group at http://www.ustoo.com
They have local chapters where we can meet, exchange views, and hear speakers, most of whom are medics.

Regards,

Steve J

[/quote]

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

Thank you for posting. I really appreciate your willingness to share your experience and support with other people. This place is the right place for it, and there are people that post here. Please check back. Let me know if I can do anything for you.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Prostate Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others