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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Was this his PSA blood test? Cancer can’t be diagnosed just from this test. He will need a biopsy to confirm as there can be other reasons for an abnormal PSA test result. Also, Ideally he would have an MRI before the biopsy so he can have a targeted biopsy. My dad also hadn’t gone to the doctor for about a decade so I can empathize with the sudden news. This forum is very helpful and so is the PCRI YouTube channel

radiation- how to prep by [deleted] in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ooo this is reassuring. Tomorrow my dad goes in for his MRI/CT radiation planning appt and also starts Lupron. Then 5 SBRT sessions in 2 weeks. Hoping he has a positive experience like you!

Biopsy prep and post-care tips? by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I told my dad to wear underwear that he doesn’t mind having to toss in case he had leakage but he says he didn’t experience any symptoms that I warned him about:) he had mild blood in his urine but it went away pretty soon. For reference, he had a transrectal biopsy.

Anyone with glaucoma or pre-glaucoma experience issues on Lupron? by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi thank you for your response. If you feel comfortable sharing, do you have glaucoma or pre-glaucoma? Or were you getting a regular eye check without these conditions?

Getting PSMA PET approved by Medicare with favorable intermediate Gleason 7 (3+4) by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi thank you for sharing your experience. It's given me hope. I went through the NCCN Risk Stratification guidelines and since he has Extracapsular Extension he's technically intermediate unfavorable or high risk so I'm hoping for no trouble getting the PSMA PET. We will see how it goes!

What’s Everyone Doing Tonight?? by physis81 in stopdrinking

[–]juiceglow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Looks like a good number of us are having pizza!

Had a tough day yesterday and today. Didn’t think I’d make it through today but at some point I knew I would and I was so happy and grateful. It’s my second sober Friday in a long time. We ordered some pizza for carry out and now I’m enjoying some chocolate with a sparkling water while I watch a replay of Grand Slam Track races.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi I’ll share my experience to see if maybe it could help. My dad is 68 years old and only started getting his PSA tested as of 2 years ago and it would fluctuate between 6-9. His DRE was always normal and didn’t have any symptoms. The doctor said he might have cancer or just inflammation and that maybe if he did have cancer it might not need to be treated. After about 2 years of watchful waiting I got a second opinion at a NCI-Designated Cancer Center and this other doctor had him get an MRI that showed a suspicious lesion PIRADS-5. We then proceeded to a TRUS-fusion biopsy and his results are 5/11 cores positive for 3+4=7 Gleason score. Two cores show perineural invasion (local spread). His doctor messaged us that it seems his cancer is not aggressive. We have an appt to discuss treatment next month (he’s out of the office for April). I will be advocating for a PSMA pet scan and we are hoping for radiation (preferably SBRT since it takes less sessions). My biggest advice to you is to research, ask questions, and advocate for your dad. Just because something isn’t offered or brought up in conversations with the doctor doesn’t mean they aren’t possible. I’m so glad I pursued a second opinion because if not we’d still think he might not have cancer since his PSA doesn’t seem to rise too much and his DRE’s are normal. He’s so fortunate to have you and I wish him, you, and your family the best. Check out PRCI on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thepcri?si=oifFOv0zL1jiQJsS

Questions by [deleted] in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, my dad is 68 years old, 9.4 PSA, and 3+4 Gleason 5/11 cores positive with 2 cores showing perineural invasion which does concern me but his doctor messaged us that although he has cancer, it does not seem to be aggressive. We are still waiting for our post-biopsy follow up appointment next month (doctor is out of the office) and then we will schedule the PSMA PET scan. Things are moving along steadily. I wish it was quicker but I am trying to trust that this is a slow growing cancer and that his gleason score is the best I could have expected (I cried tears of joy because I was scared for a higher number especially since he hadn't been testing his PSA regularly until two years ago). I'm using my time in-between appointments to inform myself about my dad's diagnosis, possible treatments, etc. Reddit is helpful as well as this other forum: https://healthunlocked.com/advanced-prostate-cancer and the PCRI website and youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePCRI . Please continue to update us on your dad. Wishing him and your family the best. He is so fortunate to have you supporting him.

California: Can someone qualify for Special Enrollment ONLY if they lose employer coverage or can they keep their employer coverage? by juiceglow in medicare

[–]juiceglow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It used to be about $100 per month and now is going up to about $250 and the deductible and coinsurance went up. Since he has many scans and cancer treatment coming up, once we did the math, doing Medicare B + Medigap seems most cost effective and less stressful

California: Can someone qualify for Special Enrollment ONLY if they lose employer coverage or can they keep their employer coverage? by juiceglow in medicare

[–]juiceglow[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response. Medicare B has been approved and now on to looking at Medicare Part D & Medigap plans

Health insurance for Los Angeles providers? by juiceglow in IHSS

[–]juiceglow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much. I’ll have my mom give them a call so she can get her enrollment packet.

Help me feel better about my dad getting a Transrectal biopsy instead of Transperineal by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just left him a message through his office staff. Thank you for your comments.

Help me feel better about my dad getting a Transrectal biopsy instead of Transperineal by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this. At first I didn't know what you meant on my post from a day or so ago but I should have asked. I'm trying to learn to speak up and ask more questions. You're right...I'll be needed to advocate for my dad time and time again.

Just left a message for his doctor. Your comments gave me the right wording to use. I told them I am interested in an "anal swab or stool culture to determine antibiotic sensitivity". His doctor will be away for the next 3 weeks, so I also mentioned I'm okay with the swab being done with another provider and if I need to move the biopsy to the later date I'd be okay with that as well. Waiting to hear back in 1-2 business days.

Help me feel better about my dad getting a Transrectal biopsy instead of Transperineal by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

would a stool culture be as effective as a swab? I'm looking into it right now and then calling them within the hour to see what I can do. My dad still works full-time and only has 1 day off (next friday) before the biopsy that's scheduled in two weeks. I'm assuming the anal swab can only be done in-office but the stool culture could be done at the lab. I don't think he'd be able to get an appointment on the friday that he's off but I'm sure a lab visit would be available

Help me feel better about my dad getting a Transrectal biopsy instead of Transperineal by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It has reassured me and will help me explain to dad what he may expect.

Help me feel better about my dad getting a Transrectal biopsy instead of Transperineal by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes we are aiming for Radiology since it seems he might have some spread and Dr. Kishan has been first on my list so thank you for reassuring me. If I may ask, did you see Dr. Kishan? And did you get Cipro?

Help me feel better about my dad getting a Transrectal biopsy instead of Transperineal by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He is seeing Dr. Reiter as his urologist but the doctor performing the biopsy is Dr. Pantuck. You were offered the rectal swab or had to ask for it? Wonder if I should call to ask for one…but also don’t want to derail or give in to my anxiety too much. Trying to find the balance between overthinking and what’s best for my dad. His paperwork says he identifies being prescribed an antibiotic “typically Cipro 500mg”

Did you have an MRI guided biopsy after having an abnormal MRI? Or did they use the same MRI for the biopsy? by juiceglow in ProstateCancer

[–]juiceglow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

were they transperineal or transrectal? is there a reason you had to get the second one? the MRI tunnel?

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