Prostate Cancer

[tim armstrong]

G'day,

Is there anyone out there who has experience of treatment for prostate cancer in Thailand. I can go back to Oz but would rather stay here. I have just had the good news that I have a locally advanced cancer with a Gleason score of 8 - for those who have been down this path.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers, Tim

[Sheryl]

G'day,

Is there anyone out there who has experience of treatment for prostate cancer in Thailand. I can go back to Oz but would rather stay here. I have just had the good news that I have a locally advanced cancer with a Gleason score of 8 - for those who have been down this path.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers, Tim

Hi Tim,

I had a good friend and colleague (Canadian) with Ca of the Prostate, referred him to Samitivej where he was successfully treated with radium implants and VERY happy with the quality of care and willingness of the doctors to involve him in treatment decisions. If you like I'll get the name of his urologist for you. (Implants may or may not be an option in your specific case. I forget his Gleason score, but I know the cancer was growing aggressively and there was possible invasion of the bladder wall but no other evidence of spread. Due to the possible bladder wall involvement, they had him undergo local radiation first before the implants.)

Thanks too for the title...guys really need to be reminded of this. Both the PSA and the manual exam are an absolute must. Personally I would say even by age 40, altho of course the risk rises with age. I've done oncology nursing and seen plenty of men in their 40's with Ca of the Prostate.

[Erwin1011]

G'day,

Is there anyone out there who has experience of treatment for prostate cancer in Thailand. I can go back to Oz but would rather stay here. I have just had the good news that I have a locally advanced cancer with a Gleason score of 8 - for those who have been down this path.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers, Tim

Tim, hi !

Am an advanced Prostate Cancer case and can absolutely recommend Samitivej.

My Cancer specialist : Dr. Wirote Lausuntornsiri

Urologist : Dr. Isares Saisorn

Good luck with the treatment !

[tim armstrong]

G'day,

Is there anyone out there who has experience of treatment for prostate cancer in Thailand. I can go back to Oz but would rather stay here. I have just had the good news that I have a locally advanced cancer with a Gleason score of 8 - for those who have been down this path.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers, Tim

Hi Tim,

I had a good friend and colleague (Canadian) with Ca of the Prostate, referred him to Samitivej where he was successfully treated with radium implants and VERY happy with the quality of care and willingness of the doctors to involve him in treatment decisions. If you like I'll get the name of his urologist for you. (Implants may or may not be an option in your specific case. I forget his Gleason score, but I know the cancer was growing aggressively and there was possible invasion of the bladder wall but no other evidence of spread. Due to the possible bladder wall involvement, they had him undergo local radiation first before the implants.)

Thanks too for the title...guys really need to be reminded of this. Both the PSA and the manual exam are an absolute must. Personally I would say even by age 40, altho of course the risk rises with age. I've done oncology nursing and seen plenty of men in their 40's with Ca of the Prostate.

Thanks Sheryl,

Yes I would like the urologists name. Your right about the age - 40's+ should be checked especially those like me, who have enjoyed a western diet/ lifestyle. I have only recently experienced the "doctor knows best" attitude here which has all but disappeared in OZ I think. So it would be good to find some sympathetic medicos here. Of course I am now an instant expert ! - having read much literature both conventional and unconventional on treatment options. Its even more annoying that I am a mental health professional of 30 yrs experience so probably should have been more aware of public health campaigns. Anyway thanks again.

Cheers, Tim

[grtaylor]

G'day,

Is there anyone out there who has experience of treatment for prostate cancer in Thailand. I can go back to Oz but would rather stay here. I have just had the good news that I have a locally advanced cancer with a Gleason score of 8 - for those who have been down this path.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers, Tim

Hi Tim,

I had a good friend and colleague (Canadian) with Ca of the Prostate, referred him to Samitivej where he was successfully treated with radium implants and VERY happy with the quality of care and willingness of the doctors to involve him in treatment decisions. If you like I'll get the name of his urologist for you. (Implants may or may not be an option in your specific case. I forget his Gleason score, but I know the cancer was growing aggressively and there was possible invasion of the bladder wall but no other evidence of spread. Due to the possible bladder wall involvement, they had him undergo local radiation first before the implants.)

Thanks too for the title...guys really need to be reminded of this. Both the PSA and the manual exam are an absolute must. Personally I would say even by age 40, altho of course the risk rises with age. I've done oncology nursing and seen plenty of men in their 40's with Ca of the Prostate.

Thanks Sheryl,

Yes I would like the urologists name. Your right about the age - 40's+ should be checked especially those like me, who have enjoyed a western diet/ lifestyle. I have only recently experienced the "doctor knows best" attitude here which has all but disappeared in OZ I think. So it would be good to find some sympathetic medicos here. Of course I am now an instant expert ! - having read much literature both conventional and unconventional on treatment options. Its even more annoying that I am a mental health professional of 30 yrs experience so probably should have been more aware of public health campaigns. Anyway thanks again.

Cheers, Tim

I was diagnosed with "Superficial Cancer of the Bladder" a year ago, and was operated on by Dr Viroj Chodchoy at Bumrungrad Hospital. Preventative follow-up treatment and checks have continued since then, and I've been very happy with his care, and the rest of his team at the hospital. I have a friend who is seeing him for treatment for Prostate Cancer, having previously flown to Singapore for treatment. He also seems very happy with him.

G

[Sheryl]

Tim,

The doctor was Dr. Thanoo Choovichian. You can see his qualifications and schedule on this link:

http://www.samitivej.co.th/samitivej_front...01410&Img=1

As I said, my friend was very happy with him and with the other docs he recommended. (Depending on what treatment route you decide on, you may also need a radiologist and/or oncologist -- but start with the urologist. Once you and he have decided on a treatment plan he'll recommend the other specialists.)

Dr. Thanoo is board certified in the US and worked there for some time, and from the feedback I got, is quite good at straight talk and involving the patient in the decision making process. Always important, but especially so in Ca of the Prostate since there are so many different treatment options and the treatment choice needs to take into account personal concerns and values (i.e. different treatments have greater likelihood of impairing sexual function or causing incontinence than others do, and obviously this needs to be weighed along with cure rates but only the patient can decide how much relative weight to give to which factor).

Samitivej has recently changed their website, if you need to go to it (www.samitivej.co.th) be sure to immediately click on "international services" (upper right part of the page) otherwise you'll get lost in a labryinth of requests for passwords and tours of their renovated lobby (literally). The international link puts you right into the menu where you can search for doctors and review their bios.

BTW, did you know that there is actually a "Prostate Cancer for Dummies" available? I believe can be found in Bangkok.

Good luck, feel free to PM me if I can be of further help.

[tim armstrong]

Tim,

The doctor was Dr. Thanoo Choovichian. You can see his qualifications and schedule on this link:

http://www.samitivej.co.th/samitivej_front...01410&Img=1

As I said, my friend was very happy with him and with the other docs he recommended. (Depending on what treatment route you decide on, you may also need a radiologist and/or oncologist -- but start with the urologist. Once you and he have decided on a treatment plan he'll recommend the other specialists.)

Dr. Thanoo is board certified in the US and worked there for some time, and from the feedback I got, is quite good at straight talk and involving the patient in the decision making process. Always important, but especially so in Ca of the Prostate since there are so many different treatment options and the treatment choice needs to take into account personal concerns and values (i.e. different treatments have greater likelihood of impairing sexual function or causing incontinence than others do, and obviously this needs to be weighed along with cure rates but only the patient can decide how much relative weight to give to which factor).

Samitivej has recently changed their website, if you need to go to it (www.samitivej.co.th) be sure to immediately click on "international services" (upper right part of the page) otherwise you'll get lost in a labryinth of requests for passwords and tours of their renovated lobby (literally). The international link puts you right into the menu where you can search for doctors and review their bios.

BTW, did you know that there is actually a "Prostate Cancer for Dummies" available? I believe can be found in Bangkok.

Good luck, feel free to PM me if I can be of further help.

Thanks very much again Sheryl,

I will follow up all the contact details. I've seen prostate for dummies. There is a better one - The Prostate Cancer treatment book by Peter Grimm et al ( unfortunate name). It deals with brachytherapy well and other options. Available from Kinokuniya Bookshop in the Emporium, Bangkok.

You have been very helpful indeed. Its great to have such a useful forum.

Cheers, Tim

[tim armstrong]

G'day,

Is there anyone out there who has experience of treatment for prostate cancer in Thailand. I can go back to Oz but would rather stay here. I have just had the good news that I have a locally advanced cancer with a Gleason score of 8 - for those who have been down this path.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers, Tim

Tim, hi !

Am an advanced Prostate Cancer case and can absolutely recommend Samitivej.

My Cancer specialist : Dr. Wirote Lausuntornsiri

Urologist : Dr. Isares Saisorn

Good luck with the treatment !

Hi Erwin,

Thanks for the contact details. Both you and Sheryl have been very helpful. I hope your Ca is now in remission

If you are still in the middle of it all and want to talk about it please contact me - [email protected]

Cheers, Tim

[leisurely]

I don't know how to post links, however, if you go to the BBC website today Saturday, there is something about vitamins and ca prostate. If someone else could cut and paste it it could be useful.

Edit by Maestro: link to BBC article

[Erwin1011]

I don't know how to post links, however, if you go to the BBC website today Saturday, there is something about vitamins and ca prostate. If someone else could cut and paste it it could be useful.

Edit by Maestro: link to BBC article

Thanks Leisurely for the link and Maestro for fixing it.

As usual these type of announcements are generally more useful to the shareholders that to the sufferers. 2009 before we know something more.

but thanks anyway it's good to know that something is on it's way maybe.

[Erwin1011]

Hi Erwin,

Thanks for the contact details. Both you and Sheryl have been very helpful. I hope your Ca is now in remission

If you are still in the middle of it all and want to talk about it please contact me - [email protected]

Cheers, Tim

Tim, hi !

Consider yourself lucky that you have a localized advanced case. Increases largely you chances for a remission. Unfortunately that is not my case, I'm in in metastasis phase to the bones so the outlook is not favorable.

wish you all the best and hope you will stay in touch. my email [email protected]

[Tolley]

I think everyman as he gets into his mid forties as a matter of prevention should start taking the herb saw palmetto as a preventitive measure against prostate disease. It has no side effects and has a proven track record with prostate problems.

[wca01]

I think everyman as he gets into his mid forties as a matter of prevention should start taking the herb saw palmetto as a preventitive measure against prostate disease. It has no side effects and has a proven track record with prostate problems.

Beta Sisterol is much more effective than herb saw palmetto. But WHERE to buy in Bangkok?

WCA

[Prakanong]

Hi Tim

Good luck with the treament.

Very good advice too about check ups - so many of my pals have never had it done - luckily mine is funded yearly by the company but would still go now myself.

[tim armstrong]

Hi Tim

Good luck with the treament.

Very good advice too about check ups - so many of my pals have never had it done - luckily mine is funded yearly by the company but would still go now myself.

HI PRAKANONG,

jUST TO LET YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE KNOW, i HAVE JUST BEEN TO THE Dr. and hospital located through this forum.

ALL MY BLOOD TESTS WERE NORMAL, AND MY PSA LEVEL WAS DOWN FROM 25 TO 1.4 AFTER ONLY 3 WEEKS OF HORMONE THERAPY !! I'm also into various supplements including zinc, ginseng, and fish oil. (A normal PSA is 0 - 4) I'm currently finding out what else I need to do, but it doesn't seem that radiation is now necessary. I will have another PSA check in 2 months, but I am a very happy camper as they say!! I'm told that this is about a 1/100,000 event!

Cheers, and thanks to you all. Tim

[RayBan]

Hi all,

I lost a couple of close friends through prostate Ca over the past several years, and because of this I was enlightened to the significance of having prostrate check-up's. We hear of many things with Ca and everyone I think these days is aware of for instance breast Ca in women, but as a normal and everyday average guy, prostrate Ca in men was really not a big issue in my media field until maybe a couple of years ago. so I agree and support entirely the importance of guys establishing a regular prostate check-up on an annual basis, request it in your annual company medical, no matter what age you are. My doc says the earlier the better, as it is all about historical data when looking at PSA tests for instance.

I am 58 now and have had regular PSA tests for a few years, always positive. However last year my results doubled from 1.8 to 3.4 and I was placed on a 1/4ly annum test. As it was things stabilised and dropped off slightly, much to my relief. However Doc said if it went over 4.0, well I would have to have a prostrate sample biopsy, which sort of worried me a little. I would appreciate any pm's on the explanation of such a test.

In my opinion, prostate Ca is a very difficult discussion to handle and come to terms with in many guys, just as breast Ca is with many of our ladies. I would therefore just wish to applaud all who have commented on this thread, there are I am sure many of us out there who have appreciated the openness of you all. I wish every one of you successful positive results or in the case of treatment, a successful recovery. Take care...RayBan

[posttenebraslux]

Prostate cancer

Hi Tim,

The score of "Gleason 8" is a very serious matter and I suggest that you'll have surgery

(Prostatectomy / prostate gland completely removed including lymph nodes which may

be affected too) in order to have a good chance of a full recovery.

You'll probably also need a hormone treatment before and radiotherapy after surgery;

chemotherapy is not advised.

I had the same problem six years ago and am now free of cancer !

At Bumrungrad Hospital you'll find Dr. Paibul Boonyapanichskul who is an extremely capable

urologist/surgeon. He'll certainly give you all the advice and information you need.

Good luck and much succees.

posttenebraslux

[RichE]

Hi Tim

Good luck with the treament.

Very good advice too about check ups - so many of my pals have never had it done - luckily mine is funded yearly by the company but would still go now myself.

HI PRAKANONG,

jUST TO LET YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE KNOW, i HAVE JUST BEEN TO THE Dr. and hospital located through this forum.

ALL MY BLOOD TESTS WERE NORMAL, AND MY PSA LEVEL WAS DOWN FROM 25 TO 1.4 AFTER ONLY 3 WEEKS OF HORMONE THERAPY !! I'm also into various supplements including zinc, ginseng, and fish oil. (A normal PSA is 0 - 4) I'm currently finding out what else I need to do, but it doesn't seem that radiation is now necessary. I will have another PSA check in 2 months, but I am a very happy camper as they say!! I'm told that this is about a 1/100,000 event!

Cheers, and thanks to you all. Tim

Could some of you give me a ball park figure about: How long did the treatment last. And the cost.

I have a friend who will be leaving the US soon to see a doctor at either Bumrungrad or Samitivez. I gave him the information from here but cant advise him about the cost. He is paying cash and can well afford it plus his insuance will reimburse him. So dont be afraid to give your honest opinion.