At the advice of Tutuzdad-ga, who gave me an excellent answer on
"Google answers" I obtained an appointment for a 2nd opinion for my
prostate cancer. Since the doctor insisted on seeing the records I
obtained them and found a 58% estimated probability that the cancer
has spread to the lymph nodes and/or to the seminal vesicles - in
contrast to the primary's  doctor statement that "the cancer has
probably not spread" The Gleason value is 8, I am 76 and with a heart
condition. He gave me an Eligard (an anti-testosterone) 30mg.
subcutaneous injection and advised me to wait 3 month after which he
will give me radiation either externally or brachytherapy (insertion
of radioactive seeds into the prostate)

My questions are:

What tests can be used to determine if the cancer has spread and how far?

What treatments, either accepted or experimental, other than
chemotherapy or hormones exist for a prostate cancer which has spread
to the lymph nodes?

what treatments, either accepted or experimental, other than
chemotherapy or hormones exist for a prostate cancer which has spread
further than the lymph nodes?

Would radiation hinder application of such treatments.

Is brachytherapy, in view if its invasiveness, worth while if the
cancer has already spread?

Is there anything else you could advise me?

---

Clarification of Question by vaac-ga on 13 Nov 2003 16:33 PST

Thank you very much, Bizguy-ga for your sympathy and advice.

Hello.  Google Researchers aren't permitted to give medical advice. 
However, I saw your note and sympathize, as I have been down the road
you're on, just not quite as far.  In my quest for information about
prostate cancer and therapies, the best source I found was the
National Cancer Institute.  You can email your questions to them via
the website (see below) or call and talk to someone live.  In my case,
they mailed me (for free) a good deal of information addressing my
questions.  The phone number is 1-800-4-Cancer.

National Cancer Information Service
http://cancer.gov

I wish you well.

-bizguy