FAQ
I’VE BEEN DIAGNOSED, NOW WHAT?
Frequently asked questions
I’ve been diagnosed, now what?
Don’t think of your cancer diagnosis as a death sentence. It is a wake-up call! Get a second opinion. Be proactive in researching your options. Stay in the driver’s seat and take the time you need to make the decisions that are right for you.
Where is my prostate and what is its function?
A wonderfully succinct explanation of this walnut-sized gland, which is part of the male reproductive system, is offered by WebMD: “It rests below your bladder and in front of your rectum. It surrounds parts of the urethra, the tube in your penis that carries pee from your bladder. The prostate helps make some of the fluid in semen which carries sperm from your testicles when you ejaculate.”
Why do Drs. conduct a digital rectal test for cancer?
Why was a biopsy and ultrasound recommended and how is it done?
Au ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate can be recommended if your screenings show evidence of irregularities and suspicion of the presence of cancer. During a biopsy, a sample of the prostate will be taken by inserting a needle up through your rectum and into the prostate gland.
My Dr. ordered an MRI of my prostate? Why?
Although Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been found to be most accurate in detecting tumors, the widespread use of MRI is not presently routinely used due to barriers of cost, lack of expertise and other limitations. However, The New England Journal of Medicine in March 2018 reported that the recent PRECISION study of 500 men, “…demonstrated a 12% absolute improvement of the rate of cancer detection for those with MRI prior to biopsy and MRI targeted biopsy, compared with men who just had ultrasound-guided biopsy.”, according to Dr. Hu. It was also reported that “28% of the men in the study’s MRI group were able to avoid biopsy when their imaging showed no evidence of cancer.”
TIPS
CONTROL FREAK!
This is YOUR body. YOUR Life.
This is YOUR body. YOUR Life.
You are the one who will have to live with and manage the consequences of the therapies and procedures you undergo.
Consider these steps as an effective pathway to making thoughtful, fact-based decisions regarding your treatment plan. The decisions are yours to make.
BREATHE
Take a moment to catch your breath and stop to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider your options.
GET A SECOND OPINION
I can bet you don’t get serious body work done on your car without researching and getting at least two opinions/quotes. Why would you value the care of your own body any less?
BE PROACTIVE
Investigate. The web is a wonderful source of information
ASK YOUR DOCTOR QUESTIONS
Tell him to give you the answers to the questions you don’t yet know to ask!
BE A CONTROL FREAK!
Weigh your options. Maintain control over your care. Be a control freak!
CONFIDE IN YOUR FAMILY
You have fears and so do they. Keeping the lines of communication open can be a huge factor in the quality of life you will experience as you live with this diagnosis. It is YOUR decision on how you will proceed with each step.
BE PREPARED
To receive a LOT of well-meaning advice and perhaps even edicts from your medical team. Speak frankly with your Doctors, your family members and others and make it clear that their role is to honor your choices. Let them know you appreciate their support but that you will not surrender your power over your life to anyone.
REACH OUT
to others. You are not alone.
The American Cancer Society reports that an estimated 174,650 men will be diagnosed in 2019.
Tony Masraff is here to offer a compassionate ear and his personal experience living with prostate cancer. He can be reached by email, text or phone at Tony Masraff 713.376.1950, Tony@tpcr.org
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