PROSTATE CANCER DIGEST

This is the information that you need before you make a treatment decision. It is also the information that is needed when you ask for help from others on this or other lists/groups.. This is also the information your Doctor needs. We realize that you may not be able to answer all of them but it is very important that you answer as many as you can. It is perhaps the most important thing you can do on the way to treat your prostate-cancer. You can use this information to gain help.

We call this information the Prostate Cancer Digest of PC Digest or just PCD. When presented as a digest it should be in chronological order from the first inkling of the disease, through diagnosis into treatments. For an example my extended version can be seen by clicking on PC Digest - My PCa Medical History. For posting purposes much of the writings could be left out but all of the tests, etc. would remain.

Here is the information you can include or you can fill out the form asking for this information by clicking "here".

AT TIME OF FIRST DIAGNOSIS

FROM YOUR UROLOGISTS

This information should be known at the time from the first exam forward.

1. DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) results?

2. PSA (History if any to time of diagnosis)?

3. Stage (Should be like T1c, T2b, etc.)?

4. Date of diagnosis (biopsy)?

FROM THE BIOPSY REPORT

Some Gleason reports are lacking in amount of information and therefore the following may not all be provided. When you ask for a second opinion (below) I would make a request for the information at number 8 and 9.

5. Gleason score (Should be like 3+3=6)

6. How many needles used in biopsy?

7. How many needles were positive?

8. How much cancer in each needles and percent of cancer in each or what percent of cancer overall?

9. How much overall Grade 4 or 5 vs. 3 or below - was there?

10. Was there a third grade and, if so, what percent?

11. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST -: 2nd Opinion of Gleason - who and reading. Click on and see "Gleason Experts"

FROM OTHER REPORTS

Any other procedures that you took because of the diagnosis

12. Results of a PAP blood test (or any other blood tests) any Bone Scan, CT scan, Endorectal MRI or any other scan or diagnostic procedure. A bone scan should be done if the PSA was over 10. It should be mandatory with a PSA of 20 and above. It should be mandatory for a Gleason of 4+3=7 or above with any PSA.

PERSONAL HISTORY

Information from your past history all needs to be known to make a determination of treatment.

13. Your age at time of diagnosis?

14. What are your symptoms?

15. Any family history of breast or prostate cancer?

16. Any Prostatitis reported?

17. Any treatment for Prostatitis, if so when? and what?

18. Any BPH reported in the past?

19. Any other treatment for Urologic conditions. (TURP, etc)?

20. Any drug or supplements being taken for BPH (Saw Palmetto, etc.)?

21. Have your changed your diet - it so explain?

22. Are you taking any alternative meds or supplemental vitamins, or other products - list?

23. What prescription drugs are you taking for what condition.?

24. Are you taking Propecia for hair growth?

25. City and state (or country) that you live in, and if not a large city - what large city is it close to?

26. Your race?

TREATMENT HISTORY (IF ANY)

Give a short digest in chronological order of all treatments received, PSA's and any other labs you received from date of diagnosis. This would include any radiation, surgery, Cryo, HT (Hormonal ablation Therapy), alternative meds, Chemotherapy, etc.

This information is what you will want to keep current so that every time you see a doctor or ask a question in any of the Discussion Groups you will want this information. For some purposes it can be reduced in size but, at least in my opinion, all of the information is needed to make the best treatment decision.

Originally posted 08/26/08

Page Reviewed and/or Updated:

September 20, 2008

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