Facing metastatic prostate cancer head-on can be challenging, especially when it’s spread to other parts of the body. But knowledge is power, and asking the right questions can help you feel more in control of your journey. Here’s what every man should ask his doctor about metastatic prostate cancer:
Essential questions you should ask about metastatic prostate cancer
What areas of my body has the cancer spread?
First things first: find out where the cancer has spread. Is it just a few places or all over? Prostate cancer that has metastasized often spreads to the bones or lymph nodes but can also spread to the lungs or liver. Imaging scans like CT scans or MRIs can give you a clear picture. Knowing this helps your doctor plan the best treatment for you.
How bad or how aggressive is it?
Get the lowdown on how aggressive your cancer is. Your Gleason score, based on a biopsy, tells you this. A cancer’s aggressiveness is determined by its score, where a higher score means a more aggressive cancer. The grading system looks at cancer cells under a microscope, evaluating their appearance, size, and shape. A higher grade indicates more abnormal cells that divide and grow more rapidly, making higher-grade cancers more challenging to treat and more likely to spread. Knowing the grading system and its implications for the patient’s prognosis is crucial. It’s crucial information for planning your fight against it.
Do you recommend I get a second opinion?
It’s your right to seek a second opinion. Different doctors might have other ideas for treatment. Plus, knowing you have explored all your options gives you peace of mind.
What are my options for treatment?
Know your treatment options. From radiation and hormone therapy to chemo and targeted drugs, there are many ways to tackle prostate cancer. Your doctor will recommend the best fit based on your situation.
What are the side effects?
Be prepared for what might come with treatment. Hormone therapy can cause mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes, depression, and erectile issues. Other treatments have their own side effects. Knowing what to expect helps you handle them better.
What strategies can effectively manage side effects?
If side effects hit, don’t panic. There are ways to deal with them. Whether it’s medication, physical activity, relaxation techniques like deep breathing, talking to a therapist, or eating a healthier diet, your doctor can help you navigate through them
Should I Consider a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials offer new hope and treatments. Be sure to consider one before you’ve exhausted all options. In order to participate in a clinical trial, you will have to qualify for specific trials for treating metastatic prostate cancer. You will also have to consider the likelihood of side effects of a clinical trial and what type of treatment they will use. However, they could be the breakthrough you need.
What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make?
Beyond meds, lifestyle changes play a significant role. Maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activities, and effectively managing stress can significantly enhance your well-being during your medical treatment.
What’s the prognosis for my cancer?
While not every man may feel comfortable broaching this topic, understanding the prognosis of your cancer can offer a sense of direction for the journey ahead. It’s essential to maintain a positive yet realistic perspective. Encouragingly, survival rates are on the rise, instilling a sense of hope. Rather than fixating on timelines, prioritize enhancing your quality of life and embracing opportunities to maximize well-being.
Remember, you’re not alone in this fight. Ask questions, stay informed, and lean on your support system. Together, we can face metastatic prostate cancer head-on.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
