Urology/Oncology Suggestions (health insurance, loan, deductible)

[rabbitsong]

Mr. Rabbitsong has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I like the doctor who diagnosed him, but I thought I'd check here to see if anyone here had personal stories. Please feel free to DM me. Obviously, we're going through all kinds of emotions right now. If you recall, he was laid off in September. Because of my chronic illnesses, we purchased health insurance. (Who would have thought he'd be the first to meet the deductible!) The Monday prior to the diagnosis, he started a new job! We're hoping this will be one of the good stories you hear about. But it's hard not to think the worst.

By the way, if any of you feel led, please say a prayer or think good thoughts for us.

[ljd1010]

Mrs Rabbitsong, I highly recommend your DH be seen in multidisciplinary prostate cancer clinic at Duke. It's held every Friday morning. He'll be seen by a urologist, medical oncologist as well as a radiation oncologist. They will discuss his case in detail and make recommendations for treatment based on HIS prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is categorized into low risk, intermediate risk and high risk (based on PSA and Gleason scores). This translates to risk of recurrence in 10 years WITH treatment. Risk will determine treatment options. There is a push for "watchful waiting" (active surveillance) for those with low risk disease.

You will find that Duke pretty much follows recommendations from Johns Hopkins, which has probably the best urology/prostate cancer program in the U.S.. Alan Partin, MD is chair of Hopkins program and most urologists use "The Partin Table" as a guideline.

Hope this helps and I hope your hubby does well.

[wizard-xyzzy]

I've gone through prostate cancer and I'm sorry to hear of Mr Rabbitsong's diagnosis. I welcome him to the brotherhood.

I agree with the comments by ljd1010 and will add that UNC-CH has an excellent multidisciplinary program as well (I was treated there). I did get a second opinion at Johns Hopkins, where I was given the same advice as from UNC-CH.

There are many possible courses of action. I encourage you to read the NCCN treatment guidelines (version 1.2018) which is another baseline. https://prostatecancerinfolink.net/2...ostate-cancer/

[BadAndyHolbrook]

Consider going up to Sloan Kettering in NYC. Its a drive I know but you could go see Manhattan while you are there.

[ncsualum2004]

My father had prostate cancer and received excellent care at Duke.

[STL2006]

Originally Posted by BadAndyHolbrook

Consider going up to Sloan Kettering in NYC. Its a drive I know but you could go see Manhattan while you are there.

While MSKCC is outstanding, Duke is also pretty incredible. My wife was seeing one of the foremost oncologists in the world at MSKCC and was actually referred by her to Duke and one of their groundbreaking clinical trials. It has saved her life, and is a big part of the reason we’re relocating to the Triangle.

OP—I will say a prayer for you and your husband! It sounds cliché, but STAY POSITIVE. 2 yrs ago my wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. We’re in our 30s with two young children and felt like our lives were over. Two years later, she’s doing so well and we’re getting ready to start the next chapter of our lives in the Triangle! The first weeks after finding out are the toughest, but we’re in a golden age of cancer research right now. Lean on each other, enjoy every sunrise and every sunset, and stay positive!

[ucctgg]

Originally Posted by BadAndyHolbrook

Consider going up to Sloan Kettering in NYC. Its a drive I know but you could go see Manhattan while you are there.

No need at all to go that far for excellent treatment.

[annabanana123]

A family member received excellent care at duke for prostate cancer as well as a few others. I’d go there in a heartbeat. But I’m sure Unc would be amazing as well.

[rabbitsong]

Originally Posted by ljd1010

Mrs Rabbitsong, I highly recommend your DH be seen in multidisciplinary prostate cancer clinic at Duke. It's held every Friday morning. He'll be seen by a urologist, medical oncologist as well as a radiation oncologist. They will discuss his case in detail and make recommendations for treatment based on HIS prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is categorized into low risk, intermediate risk and high risk (based on PSA and Gleason scores). This translates to risk of recurrence in 10 years WITH treatment. Risk will determine treatment options. There is a push for "watchful waiting" (active surveillance) for those with low risk disease.

You will find that Duke pretty much follows recommendations from Johns Hopkins, which has probably the best urology/prostate cancer program in the U.S.. Alan Partin, MD is chair of Hopkins program and most urologists use "The Partin Table" as a guideline.

Hope this helps and I hope your hubby does well.

Thank you. I do know that he's right around the edge of high risk. The doctor is being positive, so I'm trying to be. I'm in the Duke system (ortho, rheum, etc.) so I'll be checking in to that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[rabbitsong]

Originally Posted by wizard-xyzzy

I've gone through prostate cancer and I'm sorry to hear of Mr Rabbitsong's diagnosis. I welcome him to the brotherhood.

I agree with the comments by ljd1010 and will add that UNC-CH has an excellent multidisciplinary program as well (I was treated there). I did get a second opinion at Johns Hopkins, where I was given the same advice as from UNC-CH.

There are many possible courses of action. I encourage you to read the NCCN treatment guidelines (version 1.2018) which is another baseline. https://prostatecancerinfolink.net/2...ostate-cancer/

Thank you wizard! Dealing with my own health battles and my elderly mother's, I've gotten used to reading! (A friend of mine once called me a professional patient!) I appreciate that link!