Active Surveillance
“Active surveillance implies an active program where you and your physician [develop] a strategy to monitor your disease, checking PSAs, checking digital rectal exams, and if there’s a change in those variables then that might prompt you to do another biopsy and then prompt you to do some of the treatments which we’ll discuss.”
Surgery
The surgical removal of part or all of the prostate is called a prostatectomy and Dr. Fleming notes there are two types – the open prostatectomy and the robotic (laposcopic). When it comes to considering between the two, Dr. Fleming says the question isn’t which one, but rather, which doctor performs the procedure on a regular basis. “Typically, you want a physician who’s probably done more than 50 to 100,” he cautions. If you call for an appointment and the doctor can’t book you until the following month, that’s a great sign. “That implies that they’re booked out that far opposed to ‘I can do it tomorrow,’ that means they’re not that busy.” Having a busy doctor is a good thing in this case. Good physicians are kind of like good restaurants – it’s okay to have to make a reservation.”
Love Is…Exploring All Your Options For Prostate Cancer Treatment
Consider Your Relationship
One of the lifestyle factors men and their doctors must consider is sexual potency. Treatment options should be a joint decision because as Dr. Fleming points out, “it has broad implications upon their relationship or potentially from that standpoint. So, it’s great when your partner is involved, either male or female partner, in terms of your decision.”
In evaluating your next steps and treatment options, Dr. Fleming believes the decisions made should not be rushed. There is no one-size-fits-all best treatment, so you want to make the choices that are best for your situation and health. “Sometimes people want things done yesterday because they got a diagnosis of cancer but the reality for prostate cancer [is] you waiting weeks to make the appropriate decision is probably more important than making a decision in hours our days.”
Looking for more information? Consult with your doctor if this trial is right for you.