Pathologic state III

I just had a robotic prostatectomy and am concerned that the pathology
findings moved me from T1C to T3A. Evidently this is because one small
area of the tumor extended through the prostate capsule. My Gleason
was 6 (pre and post surgery) and only 5% of one lobe was cancerous.
I'm not sure how worried I should be about this and my doctor is on
vacation.

On Washington's Birthday, hwitter wrote:

> I just had a robotic prostatectomy and am concerned that the pathology
> findings moved me from T1C to T3A. Evidently this is because one small
> area of the tumor extended through the prostate capsule. My Gleason
> was 6 (pre and post surgery) and only 5% of one lobe was cancerous.

The pathological stage of T3a means unilateral tumor with exracapsular
extension.

What was found in the seminal vesicles? Get that path report!

> I'm not sure how worried I should be about this and my doctor is on
> vacation.

It should be a matter for concern.

I recommend consulting the authoritative and objective website of the
Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) at:

http://prostate-cancer.org/index.html

.......and going first to the section"Newly Diagnosed" for reliable
information.

With information and further testing as outlined there, it should be
possible to formulate a treatment (tx) plan.

It could very well be that the prostate cancer (PCa) escaped. If so, a
cure is problematic. Consultation with a cancer specialist, a medical
oncologist, would be prudent.

Medics who specialize in tx of PCa are listed in the "Resources"
section. Not all are necessarily there, but it's a good start.

Also: study the premier text on PCa, _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_ 2nd
ed., subtitled "The Empowered Patient's Guide" by medical oncologist and
PCa specialist Stephen B. Strum, MD and PCa warrior Donna Pogliano.

Lastly, attend meetings of the nearest chapter of the support group
UsToo! International. Chapters are listed on their website at:

http://www.ustoo.com/

Personal meetings with brothers and sisters can be very helpful.

Study, Learn, Take Charge!

Good luck.

Regards,

Steve J

"Empowerment: taking responsibility for and authority over one's own
outcomes based on education and knowledge of the consequences and
contingencies involved in one's own decisions. This focus provides the
uplifting energy that can sustain in the face of crisis."
--Donna Pogliano, co-author of _A Primer on Prostate Cancer_, subtitled
"The Empowered Patient's Guide."

<hwitter11@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1172199786.471464.237330@p10g2000cwp.googlegr oups.com...
>I just had a robotic prostatectomy and am concerned that the pathology
> findings moved me from T1C to T3A. Evidently this is because one small
> area of the tumor extended through the prostate capsule. My Gleason
> was 6 (pre and post surgery) and only 5% of one lobe was cancerous.
> I'm not sure how worried I should be about this and my doctor is on
> vacation.

T3a means that your cancer escaped your prostate. Until recently, it was
considered a death sentence. Now, it puts you in a race. You are trying to
hold the bastard off until the cure arrives -- we hope by 2015.

I am T3c, even worse than you. My PSA is currently <0.04, undetectible. I
think I should live another six to eight years and have already lived six
since diagnosis.

I hope that holds you off until your doctor returns.


--
PSA 16 10/17/2000 @ 46
Biopsy 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c
RRP 12/15/2000 G7 (3+4), T3cN0M0 Neg margins
PSA .1 .1 .1 .27 .37 .75
EBRT 05-07/2002 @ 47
PSA .34 .22 .15 .21 .32
Lupron 07/03 (1 mo) 8/03 (4 mo), 12/03, 4/04, 09/04, 01/05, 5/05, 10/05,
2/06, 6/06
PSA .07 .05 .06 .09 .08 .132 .145
Casodex added daily 07/06
PSA <0.04
Non Illegitimi Carborundum