Veteran's Choice Prostrate Cancer Referral at Mayo

[peakgolf]

I am a 100% P&T USMC Vietnam Vet, just diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer....can I get a Referral thru Veteran's Choice for treatment at Mayo Clinic?....anyone out there used Mayo for Cancer Treatments?  Thoughts or advice??

Thanks in advance for any advice, comments, etc....peakgolf

 

[broncovet]

You would need to ask your prime care doc, if you can be referred to another clinic, I cant answer this. 

I checked, and, sure enough Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are 1 and 2 for urology. 

https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/urology

For cancer, however, its a little different:

https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cancer

My suggestion is you research (and maybe call them!!) the  hosptials and ask them what it would take to get a referral from YOUR VAMC.  

Probably pick from the 2 lists above, taking into consideration you will have to go there and spend considerable time there.  Maybe you even have relatives in a nearby city.  

I can tell you that my father in law was diagnosed with prostate cancer at least 20 years before he died, and he died of something totally unrelated.  He did not die of cancer.  

[peakgolf]

Thanks broncovet, I met with Mayo today and they seem pretty squared away,  I do have pretty good private insurance, I filed a claim with VA last week, my VA Urologist seems to be on board with the Referral.....I always feel better when I get a take from you guys/gals 

[Gastone]

Recent Medical Study indicated that there was no difference in Life expectancy of PC Patients that went with "Watchful Waiting" as opposed to Surgery or Radiation.

All Nam Vets know somebody that's had PC Surgery or Radiation and the side effects of both procedures. You're in your early to mid 70's, quality of life needs to be carefully considered. Cancer surgeons like to cut, Cancer Radiologists prefer to Radiate, you're facing a probable Life Changing Choice.

A good friend, PC Radiation back in 07, died 10/17. When the Cancer came back in 2016, it was everywhere. If he got 4 years of minor to medium suffering, I think I'd be exaggerating. I'm in the Watchful Wait Camp, after seeing what he went thru.

[broncovet]

Prostate issues, including prostate cancer is very widespread especially in men over 60.  Its so widespread, in fact, that I heard someone say that every (man) will eventually have prostate issues, UNLESS he dies of something else, first.  

I have prostate issues, and am in a "prevent" mode.  I beleive there are life style changes you can make that will prevent it from getting worse, or prevent you from getting it all together.  This explains it fairly well:

https://prostate.net/articles/how-japanese-men-prevent-prostate-cancer

Notice that it explained Japanese men, if they move here, quickly get it just as often as American Men, so it isnt a genetic thing.    Its factors you control, such as what and how much you eat, and whether or not you walk a lot.  (You dont have control over your heritage..you cant change that, and I wouldnt want to).