If you have been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and would like to talk to
someone and or seek support please feel free to CONTACT US

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Our Members have been where you are and we think we can help you.
 

TEN VITAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR 

1. Is my prostate cancer localized, at an early stage, or is it more advanced and spread to other areas of my body (metastasized)? What evidence do you have for this conclusion?

2. How long do you think I’ve had this cancer and how slowly or quickly is my tumor growing, based on my previous PSA exams or biopsies?

3. Is my prostate cancer treatable or not? What type of treatments should I consider (pros and cons of each)? What are the side effects of each treatment option, in terms of quality-of-life issues like incontinence, erectile dysfunction (E.D.), burning when going to the restroom, etc.?

4. What treatment would you choose if you were in my shoes, assuming you were the same age and general health?

5. Do you have any suggestions regarding how I should prepare for the treatment you have in mind so I can face it calmly? Is there much pain following the treatment you recommend, and what’s the best way to cope with that pain? Typically, how long does recovery take and what are the odds of my cancer recurring after I recover?

6. How long will I be “out of commission” due to time needed for recuperation, in view of treatment effects like pain or fatigue or incontinence or impotence (erectile dysfunction)? In turn, how long will it most likely take for me to get back to my normal routines and social activities? How soon can I resume sexual intimacy and what will I need to make this happen?

7. Before I decide if I want to ask you to be in charge of my medical procedure (radiation, surgery, etc.) could you tell me which treatment approaches you personally feel qualified to offer? How many patients have you treated using this approach/these approaches during the past couple of years? Could you give me the name of some recent patients I can talk with about the treatment option you recommended for me and how it might have helped them? Note: If your doctor has done fewer than 100 cases in the past two years, you may want to see another doctor. Others would say if the doctor has performed less than 150-250 such techniques in his or her career, go elsewhere.

8. What literature, books or websites should I look at to better understand my condition? Can you tell me where to go for further support, including formal groups or knowledgeable survivors willing to respond to my various concerns?

9. Do you mind if I get a second opinion from another urologist? Who would you suggest?

10. As I begin healing from my treatment, can I count on your spending another half hour or more with me to talk about other concerns that might arise? In the meantime, can I reach you by e-mail if something urgent comes up?