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Decision Time about prostate cancer treatment - Should I have radiotherapy or surgery? Concerned about the side effects from both.

Bobble_Ball
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Hi, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 7.5 years ago and been on active surveillance since.

Yesterday , I was informed the time has come too decide whether to opt for radiotherapy or surgery.

I'm confused because of the list of side effects or problems that may occur with either option. I don't want to end up wearing a bag for the rest of my hopefully long life but I also don't want too wear a nappy either after surgery.

However radiotherapy concerns me as I'm unsure if the cancer could come back and end up going through this again.

Can anyone help with their recovery stories please!

Thanks

  • Hello Bobble_Ball and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I noticed you have a rather tricky decision to make about treatment and that you're having concerns about the possible side effects from both. It's always hard to make a choice but I hope this information we have about surgery for prostate cancer and radiotherapy will help you figure out what's best for you.

    Hopefully some of our members who have also found themselves in this unenviable position will share their experiences and advice with you soon, but if it would help to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. With their knowledge and insight they will do all they can to support you and address any other questions or concerns you may have about these treatments.

    I hope this helps Bobble_Ball and that all goes well with your treatment.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Online

    Hi Bobble. 

    Removal of the prostate sounds a bit drastic to me, considering there are lots of medications for treating prostate cancer today.

    I'm having prostate cancer treatment at the moment. Had my last radiotherapy today.

    Just need to ask some questions to help you. What is your current PSA reading, has your cancer spread outside of the prostate and have you had a biopsy ?

    Regards

    Paul

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