A little difficult to visualize this topic as a "regular" towertalk subject,
but since we are on it:
I believe that I have read that the decison to operate in the case of
prostate 'problems' is very complex. The progression of some prostatic
disease is reported to be so slow that one has a higher probability of dying
from other causes before the prostatic disease gets you.
I am absolutely not an authority on this topic (and don't ever want to be),
but I think if it were ever suggested that surgery was indicated for me I
would seek a second (and third) opinion and do extensive reading before
commiting to a course of action. All of the non-invasive actions are
reversible, the surgery is not and the surgery seems to have a high
incidence of side effects we males ( and perhaps our spouses) think are not
attractive. That said, I think it is better to be alive and feel bitter
about surgery than to be buried and wish you had elected it.
Tod, KØTO
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
[mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Gary J. Ferdinand
W2CS
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 10:07 AM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] Hams and prostrate cancer
Carl,
I think it's fair to say that there are many beliefs surrounding prostate
cancer, many of which lack complete science to conclude truth, but also many
of which have at least some science to lend credibility to the belief.
Cancer spread due to a biopsy I think falls into this grey area, with some
evidence, but not enough science for a conclusion. One of the most
frustrating things about this disease is the lack of good science (it takes
so long to do studies with 10-15 year timespans) and the overall lack of
knowledge within the medical community about modern prostate cancer
diagnosis, testing and treatment options. The Information Age has brought
about an explosion of available information to professionals such as
physicians and being swamped by such information is common. Here in the US
at least docs find themselves spending less and less time with patients due
to the lower and lower payments they get for their expertise, leaving less
time for research and keeping up with the profession. [No, I'm not a
physician and I'm not in the medical field.]
My view is to get in the mind set of getting the PSA test routinely,
starting young (see prior posting). What you do if you ever do get an
adverse number is UP TO YOU, NOT YOUR UROLOGIST or anyone else. There are
quite a few non-invasive tests that can be used that do not involve
puncturing anything :) Examples: Color Doppler ultrasound, Free PSA,
spiral CT with spectroscopy, prostascint scan, etc. In the hands of doctors
who have become "artists" in their field, much can be inferred from such
non-invasive tests. You take things one step at a time.
Rule 1: Routine PSA tests, starting at your next physical, regardless of
age.
Rule 2: If the unthinkable happens, use a TEAM of physicians to help with
the treatment strategy. It's almost impossible for one doc, regardless of
specialty, to be well enough informed, and it's your life.
Worry about biopsies if and when you have to.
73,
Gary W2CS
| -----Original Message-----
| From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
| [mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Carl A. Smidt
| Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 9:28 AM
| To: WD4K@bellsouth.net; FireBrick; UpTheTower@aol.com; w4zyt@exis.net;
| towertalk@contesting.com
| Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Hams and prostrate cancer
|
|
| Excellent report. The problem is that many Urologists want to do a biopsy
| when the PSA is high and I am told that that will accelerate the
| growth and
| spread of cancer cells if they are in evidence.
|
| 73, Carl VE9OV
|
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