Surgery or hormone treatment?

Hi all,

After treatment for prostate cancer seven years ago, a rise in PSA  triggered a lot of scans to find the 'recurrance.'

After six months of CAT, MRI and bones scans, cancer has been found in my bladder.I have been offered either hormone treatment of the removal of my prostate and bladder under a  'salvage cystectomy.'

The surgeon consultant  went through both options but told me hormone would only stop if for a while and that the cancer would definitely come back. He recommended that I choose the surgery as he said that was likely to get rid of it.

I said I was minded at this stage, to opt for surgery.

My case has now gone back to the multi-disciplinary team, although their initial report to the consultant said its preference was for the hormone treatment - but to discuss with me what I thought about  having the major surgery.

The nurse said afterwards that surgeons always push the surgery option stronger.

So, a dilemma. I feel if the hormone option just kicks the can down the road for a while, I'll opt for the surgery and a stoma bag in the hope of a better outcome.

Anybody else been in a similar position?

Wishing everyone well.

  • Hi Shayman and welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I'm sorry to hear your cancer has returned in your bladder and you now have a difficult decision to make about your treatment.

    I hope this information we have about hormone therapy and the cystectomy you've been offered will help, but if you'd like to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and will do all they can to support you as you work through the pros and cons of each option, and figure out what's right for you.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been in this position will be along soon to offer their thoughts and advice but in the meantime, we're thinking of you Shayman and wishing you all the best with making this decision.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator