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As we sometimes say, "prostate cancer is not a death sentence - it's a declaration of
war!"
This page is to help the person who may or may not be
newly diagnosed, but who is just starting to take charge
of his own situation regarding prostate cancer.
The main thing to keep in mind is that there are many
methods of treatment available for prostate cancer, and
there is almost certainly something that will be a good
fit for you. The vast majority of prostate cancers are
slow growing and you usually have the time to learn something
about the disease, and to work with your doctor to figure
out what course of action is best for you. Also, remember
that there is not one "best" treatment for prostate cancer. The choice usually depends on your own personal
priorities and needs. You are the one who can best take
those into account.
The Process
For Dr. Barken's overview of the process, check out The
Decision Pyramid. It will show you the process from
collecting information, to sorting information with your
coach, to making your own decision. Along the way you
will make use of a wide variety of resources. Check out
our Patient
Reference Library for links to many sources of information.
It may seem overwhelming at first, so take small steps
into the Internet. Just check the first few to start with.
Keep Dr. Barken's M.E.D.S.
Principle in mind. You will benefit from the support
of others, and this includes your family, so keep them
in the picture. Your spouse may be more worried about
your situation than you are so keep her needs in mind,
too. If you live in the San Diego area, check out Local
Activities to see what is going on and where you can
meet other survivors. However, you don't need to live
in San Diego to participate in our activities. If you
live in other parts of the world, check out
Internet Programs to see what is available wherever
you are.
It is important to organize your information as you go
along. One of the tools we recommend is the MultiGraph.
It will give you a plotting of your PSA (and other blood
tests) versus other events, tests, and treatments. With
a one-page graphical display it will be easier to communicate
with the various doctors you will see (especially if you
are with the VA or an HMO). Multigraph will provide the
doctor with a good guide for reviewing your chart.
Your Doctor
It is important to have a doctor who has a positive attitude
and will be your unbiased partner in helping you decide
what to do. As you learn about various treatment options,
your doctor should be knowledgeable about all of them
and be willing to discuss them with you. If he or she
is not familiar with any particular option, you should
see an expert in that field.
When you are visiting the doctor, it can be very stressful,
and you may not remember everything that he or she is
telling you. If it is at all possible, bring your spouse,
or partner. They will be able to help you remember details
and comprehend what is being said. Bringing a tape recorder
is a good idea (be sure to tell your physician you are
recording). Also, it is a very good idea to write down
your questions in advance.
Learning about prostate cancer
You will need to learn the basics of the disease, and
about its treatment. On the Internet, the first few links
here will get you
started.
Getting Support
In addition to joining a support group, you can get support
on the Internet. One way is to join one of the Survivors'
Discussion Lists. There you will be able to ask questions,
get answers from other survivors, and sometimes medical
experts. Although many survivors are quite knowledgeable,
you should keep in mind that not all the information there
(or most places, for that matter) is totally unbiased
and factual. Further on down the same page are Lists designed
specifically for support rather than discussions on prostate cancer. Not all of them are very active.
Getting Expert Advice
Hopefully your doctor is a good source of information,
and can help in dealing with issues that are important
to you. You may wish help from other sources. PC-REF,
our Foundation, operates the "Coach-to-Player"
(C2P),
Internet mailing list, which focuses more on the complete
person. You can ask questions about your case, and Dr.
Israel Barken will answer. He will provide you with tools
for applying the information in your particular situation,
perhaps suggest where to go, and whom to see. Dr. Barken
doesn't believe in the superiority of one treatment over
another. He believes in "Minimum Intervention - Maximum
Surveillance". The treatment has to be tailored to
the person. The more technically oriented patient may
wish to check out the "Physician to Patient"
(P2P)
mailing list, operated by doctors associated with the
Healing Touch Oncology medical practice. A detailed medical
information form must be submitted to participate.
Finally, you can get Personal
Coaching from Dr. Barken. Although he does not act
as your physician, he will review your case in detail
and provides specific recommendations for you to discuss
with your doctor. This can be done in person, or by telephone.
A donation to the
Prostate Cancer Research and Education Foundation,
based on the amount of time required, is expected.
You are on your way! Good luck. Don't forget to check
out Inspiration,
too.
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