Surgery or Not?

RInter · **Joined:** Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:31 pm **Posts:** 3

The article about Steve Jobs was very informative, but still leaves me with an important question. Is surgery ever indicated? I realize that surgery is not a complete "cure," but would it help?

This is not just a theoretical question for me. I have prostate cancer. (Stage T2B, Gleason 4+3=7). I had both an ultrasound scan and MRI, which indicated that it is contained to one tumor in the left lobe of the prostate (with some suspicious dark areas on the left side, which the Drs. want to biopsy or remove as well).

I have been following a vegan diet for some time and doing various holistic therapies for many months. My holistic friends are encouraging me to do more cleanses, herbs, wheat grass, ozone, etc. My MDs are encouraging me to get surgery right away so I don't end up like Steve Jobs.

dlb · **Posted:** Fri Dec 02, 2011 4:08 pm

Sorry to hear about your problem.

You might want to email Dr. McDougall and get some info from him. His email address is drmcdougall@drmcdougall.com

He is pretty good at getting back to people.

Donna

RInter · **Joined:** Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:31 pm **Posts:** 3

Thanks very much. I have emailed for his perspective.

RInter · **Joined:** Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:31 pm **Posts:** 3

Update: I did get a response from Dr McDougall. He wrote, "I cannot remember recommending surgery for one of my patients with prostate ca."

He suggested that I review this article, which discusses that cancer is a systematic condition more than a site-specific one and must be addressed that way: (http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougal ... dreams.htm) and also the "hot topic" about it on the website, which I have done.

somnolent · **Joined:** Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:36 pm **Posts:** 1015

RInter wrote:

My MDs are encouraging me to get surgery right away so I don't end up like Steve Jobs.

I imagine the example of Steve Jobs comes up a lot these days, when surgeons are trying to convince people to have surgery!

Burgess · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2011 8:10 am

You might study at least the appropriate chapters in the book, Over-Diagnosed, which I reviewed here: http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/searc ... -diagnosis

tanawana · **Joined:** Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:05 pm **Posts:** 71

My Dad is going through prostate cancer himself, gleason 8-9 actually. Jeesh, talk about getting educated with this stuff. His age keeps the doctor away from suggesting surgery though. I'd suggest getting another opinion if the only option presented from your doctor is to choose surgery. If your doctor made the Steve Jobs comment, I'd be really worried about that line of reasoning :eek:

Melinda · **Posted:** Thu Dec 08, 2011 7:58 pm

That is a terrific article by Dr. Mcdougall in his newsletter! I hadn't read that before - once again, my greatest thanks to Dr. Mcdougall for having the courage to tell the truth.

tanawana · **Joined:** Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:05 pm **Posts:** 71

RInter wrote:

He suggested that I review this article, which discusses that cancer is a systematic condition more than a site-specific one and must be addressed that way: (http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougal ... dreams.htm) and also the "hot topic" about it on the website, which I have done.

Not sure if I get this article completely. Is it saying a PSA or DRE shouldn't be bothered with as one gets older?? I do understand the shortcomings of them though, but what is recommended to actually do I couldn't follow :cry:

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