Prostate Cancer Questions

  • phage1's Avatar

    WhT DO YOU THINK?

    Asked by phage1 on Friday, January 31, 2014

    WhT DO YOU THINK?

    Hi everyone.
    I hope you are all doing well or as well as can be expected. Have a Dr. appt. coming up and am thinking of asking for a drastic attempt to head things off. The reason the discovered the abnormal cells was because of BPH diagnosis which led to a PSA that had increased significantly.
    She is talking about putting me on durasteride (?) for the BPH which is an alpha 5 reductase inhibitor. So as I understand it this drug stops the effect of testosterone. It has similar, but muted, side effects to the use of leupron or castration. This also reduces the occurrence of some prostate cancers but may allow aggressive PC in some patients. I hope I have this correct.
    Anyway what I going to ask, instead of half way would the BPH and Prostate benefit from chemical of surgical castration? I think, because of family history, this is where I am headed. I want to avoid surgery if possible.
    Anyway can I get some opinions?

    3 Answers from the Community

    • Tracy's Avatar
      Tracy

      Hi,
      I think you are asking the wrong people. You have not only a right but a responsibility to yourself and your family to have a second (or third) opinion from other doctors. Prostate cancer treatment has advanced so much in the last few years that asking us may not give you the current answer. The best advice I can give is what I try to remember the most in this alternate reality of cancer diagnosis is "Don't Panic", take a deep breath and find the doctor that will get you healed. Please take care, Tracy

      almost 7 years ago
    • Darryl1's Avatar
      Darryl1

      My husband had castration done,his psa levels still rose up and they are still high,but everyone is different.You need to do what you feel is right.Sorry I can't be of more help I just wanted you to know how my husbands castration worked for him.He has stage 4 that spread to his spine,so that could also make a difference in the way the procedure worked,or didn't work

      almost 7 years ago
    • mgm48's Avatar
      mgm48

      Second opinions are almost a necessity in this area. Asking your doctor all of the why's and what for's is also important. Start with your doctor and then get that second opinion. You're not being disloyal, you're looking out for yourself and that's very, very important. You above all must be happy with your decision on the best treatment.

      Keep it positive and smile :)

      almost 7 years ago

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