Prostate Cancer

Monthly prostate cancer support group meeting, fourth Tuesday, 5:30 pm dinner, 6:00 pm speaker.  For more info call 214-695-1830.  

Dr. Fulgham has created a checklist for men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.  See NEWLY DIAGNOSED CHECKLIST below.

Dr. Fulgham has created a resource guide that includes contacts and information regarding treatment options.  See PROSTATE CANCER RESOURCE GUIDE below.

Active surveillance may be an option for patients diagnosed with low grade prostate cancer.   See the ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE PROTOCOL  below.

If you are scheduled for a prostatectomy with Dr. Fulgham see his PROSTATECTOMY PREOP AND POSTOP INSTRUCTIONS below.

Erectile dysfunction is a potential side effect of radical prostatectomy but a program of rehab before and after surgery may improve sexual function.  See the SEXUAL REHABILITATION flyer below.

Pelvic floor exercises both before and after surgery will strengthen the pelvic floor and assist with urinary control.  See the flyer on PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES below. If the incontinence persists for over a year and is severe enough an artificial urinary sphincter may be needed.  

Anti-androgen medications Eligard and Lupron have side effects.  Read the flyer on MINIMIZING SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTI-ANDROGEN MEDICATIONS below.  Also watch this short video. 

About 10% of prostate cancers have a genetic component.  Men who have a family history of prostate, breast, pancreatic or ovarian cancer should consider being tested for the genetic trait. Read the flyer on GENETIC TESTING below.

After following a sexual rehabilitation program and allowing time for the nerves to heal,  if erections do not return to pre-surgery levels there are options for treating erectile dysfunction. See the flyer on ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION below.

Cancer Foundation for Life offers a free exercise program for cancer patients.  Ask your doctor for a referral.  For  guidance on exercises to do at home visit  Prostate Cancer Patient Video Series (fredhutch.org) 

Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer become very knowledgeable about the disease and can share this important information with other men.  The importance of early detection is key.  See and share the PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING flyer.