Don's Home Health prostrate Apr 6 Conference call with Dall'era, Tom and Don

Don and I spoke with his oncologist, Dr Dall'era, today. Some notes from our conversation below.

The PET scan covered the entire body and only found cancer contained to the prostate and local area and no evidence elsewhere in his body. That's good news because it means there are treatment options.He said that while aggressive, this is not a fast--moving cancer so we have time to consider which treatment is best for Don.

He mentioned 3 options:

1. Surgery, possibly followed by radiation
2. Hormone therapy for about 3 months, followed by radiation (it sounded like most men Don's age opt for hormones and radiation)
3. The GUNS trial which is looking at the potential benefit of hormone therapy plus additional therapy chosen on the basis of genetic testing. I think Dr. Dall'era said that surgery would follow hormone therapy. To test if he's eligible for the study, they ordered Don a blood test.

Don's in person appointment with the urologist is May 14.
and onologist is May 21.
Until then, we can ask him questions through the UCDavis health app.

Tom