If a Prostate Biopsy indicates cancer, what are the next steps and
options - surgery, radiation, chemo?

Hello Filw,

   There are three basic therapies for prostate cancer;  one of two
two forms of radiation (seeds, or machine), surgery, or hormone
therapy. Chemotherapy is not typically used with prostate cancer,
unless the cancer is at an andvanced stage and/or unreposnive to other
threatments. All have drawbacks. A fourth alternative, depending on
the stage of cancer, and particularly for older men is ?Watchful
waiting?, meaning no treatment other than keeping an eye on the tumor.

  Please read the following sites for complete information, and
discuss the pros and cons of each treatment with your doctor. Being
fully informed of the facts will assist you in making the correct
decision with your doctor?s guidance.

?Surgery can cause impotence and incontinence. Radiotherapy may bring
on short term fatigue, urinary problems and impotence, while hormone
therapy can cause hot flushes and loss of sexual drive.

Sonya Bowen, prostate cancer information nurse at the Irish Cancer
Society, said all of these potential side effects need to be explained
and put in context.

?However, the man also needs to be assured that even if he does
experience side-effects there are successful treatments ? both medical
and non-medical,? she said.?
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=180956272&p=y8x956978


This page explains the therapies well:
?At 10 years after treatment, cure rates are about the same for
radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy. There are no surgical
risks for men who have radiation therapy. There's no risk of bleeding.
You don't have to stay in the hospital. You'll recover faster. Daily
activities can usually go on during the treatment. Incontinence is
extremely rare afterward. However, surgery may give you a better
chance of cure over the long term.?
http://familydoctor.org/264.xml


This site explains the steps of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/prostate/patient

Chemotherapy
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=5703#chemo


I hope this has helped inform you so you may consider the right option
for you. Please ask for an Answer Clarification if anything is
unclear, and allow me to respond before you rate.

Regards, Crabcakes

Search Terms
============

Prostate cancer + therapy

What is your PSA?
What is your gleason score from the biopsy?
All men by the time they reach the age of 90 will have prostate
cancer. 80% of men with prostate cancer will die from something else.
Prostate cancer is a generally  slow growing cancer, 80% of men with
prostate cancer will die from something else.

Its very important to weigh the quality of life issue in your choices.
 Many men, my self included have dealt with prostate cancer with diet
and lifestyle changes.

good health

Because prostate cancer is usually very slow growing, there is rarely
an urgency to begin treatment.  If you are able to get a second
opinion, I highly recommend it.  You can usually take the test/biopsy
results to the second doctor for his review and recommendation in an
office consultation appointment.  The second doctor will likely agree
with the first doctor, BUT, he will explain the tests and your options
in a different way, adding to your information base and peace of mind
in your choice of treatment.

We have had several diagnoses of cancer in our family, and have
learned that every well meaning person we know has a story that
confuses the issue.  The confidence you gain by getting the same
options and recommendations from two medical professionals is well
worth the cost of that second consultation appointment.

Best wishes to you and your family during this trying time.  Prostate
cancer is very treatable with excellent results in most cases.

My Mum is diagnosed with cancer and because of her age she is afraid
to under go severe traditional medical treatments. She decided to try
out alternative remedies and opted to go with Transfer Factor.

Transfer Factors are tiny molecules in white blood cells. They are
communication molecules that help alert immune system cells to what
they ought to be doing. Transfer factor molecules form the core of
your immune system?s intelligence. Like DNA, they provide your immune
system with cellular information to perform three vital tasks:
1. Identify A Problem 
2. Rally Your Body?s Response 
3. Accelerate The Action 

Since she started taking it, her energy levels are way up. It is
definately helping her to fight this disease.

If you need more information please visit http://www.globalfirst.co.uk

All the best,

Dave.