If my grandpa is undergoing intense radiation treatment, is it safe to be around him?
What are all the risks? I’ve heard that he’s like a "walking x-ray" so it’s not safe to get too close…
He has prostate cancer and a metal plate or something inserted in there to attract more radiation…
Yes he’s safe, and no he’s not like a "walking x-ray". Whoever came up with that? The radiation is concentrated on the area in which it has to kill cells, and then kills all the fast growing cells there (including healthy ones)….but not in other people.
“Patients’ choices in terms of what therapy to have for prostate cancer really are based on their individual situation and their acceptance of certain risks or benefits from that treatment.” Drs. Tewari (leader in prostate cancer research and surgery) and Schlegel (Department Chairman) of Cornell Urology discuss “treatment choices” in the context of patient profile and the acceptance of certain risks. They emphasize the importance of having all the right knowledge and being an informed prostate cancer patient when facing prostate cancer treatment decisions. Prostate cancer requires you to get through all the physician bias and make informed decisions in partnership with your prostate cancer doctor.
“A lot of the risk in terms of developing prostate cancer is genetic and not something we have full control over.” Dr. Schlegel (Department Chairman) of Cornell Urology discusses the role genetics play in Prostate Cancer.
“Surgical removal of the prostate can either be done with an open incision, as has been traditionally been done, or with a robotic approach.” Dr. Tewari and Dr, Schlegel, of the Dept. of Urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, present the two main type sof prostate cancer surgery, as well as explaining the advantages/disadvantages of each.
“It’s important to have a wide variety of different treatment approaches and different support groups for men who have prostate cancer.” Dr. Schlegel (Department Chairman) of Cornell Urology discusses various treatment options for men to consider when faced with prostate cancer. Including hormonal prostate cancer treatment options and surgical. He also discusses adjunctive therapies for prostate cancer patients.
“Actually the first morning is very important, because by that time you know exactly how that patient is going to do down the road.” Dr. Tewari, of the Dept. of Urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, shares both clinical and psychological dimensions of recovery and healing.
They have cancer on both sides of their family. Most families do. But, when Mark finds himself getting up in the middle night it starts a diagnosis that includes PSA (Prostate Specific Antigens) tests and a series of biopsies and lab tests that are at first, inconclusive.