I’ve just been diagnosed with localised prostate cancer I have and I’m not sure whether to have radical surgery or radiotherapy, i think I might need a little guidance. Thank you.
Sorry to hear your news I was diagnosed prostate cancer end November last year as I'm 56 I was offered prostatectomy or radiotherapy I spent long time reading up and speaking to people but I think my mind was already made up as the cancer was contained prostatectomy was my only option I didn't want to run the risk of it coming back I'm now 4 weeks after the operation do I regret it no I no I've still got battles to over come but all the treatments come with side affects hope this helps good luck whatever you decide if you want to ask any questions about operation feel free
Hi, a lot to think about. I was also recently diagnosed. The Urologist / Surgeon & Oncologist recommended a prostatectmy. I was in shock, but managed to ask what the other options were as I had done some research on the side effects. They then told me I could do Active Surveillance. I am seeing a Dr tomorrow on alternative Focal Therapy treatments. I will update in the next couple of days. My next PSA test since diagnosis is on the 26 Feb. Depending on your diagnosis, you generally have time to make a decision.
Do jot rush into a decision, there are plenty of newer options , all have side effects, but the odds are much better. For example most Dr's do a multiport Da Vinci Assisted robotic surgery to remove the prostate. My research has shown that single port robotic surgery, improves the odds slightly.I have also seen that Dr are starting to do single port perniam robotic surgery, with a huge 95% improvement on incontinence. Unfortunatly the erectile disfunction is very real. Dr's seem to fail to let you know - only 7 % of men will be able to regain a natural erection. 43% of men will need some sort of chemical intervention to get an erection and 50% won't be able to get a erection.
Yes I'm nervous as he'll that my PSA may have raised. But every month extra that I can get without side effects is absolutely worth it to me.
I am fine physically, but it took a huge toll on mental health. I did get therapy, privately and from Maggies a cancer charity.
I am in a better place mentally, but at this stage of my diagnosis - I am more scared of the treatment options s and side effects, then I am of the cancer.
Great advice don't rush in be 100% sure mine was robotic surgery so far 4 weeks later inconvenience has almost gone perhaps 1 of the lucky ones possibly being young helps as for erection problems got a long way to go but very early days . My uncle was diagnosed at the same time he's 75 they offered him active surveillance but he opted for hormone and radiotherapy he didn't like the idea keep having biopsies done
A update from my visit to the Focal Therapy specialist. So the good news is the cancer is really small. Approx 1 mm. Out of 16 cores taken during the biopsy, two were positive. One sample a 3+3, the other sample 3+4. From this sample the 4 only made up 5% of the sample
The Dr said that they could not treat this with HIFU as the cancer was too small.
He was surprised and "shocked" to hear that my original Urologist / Surgeon and Oncologist recommended a prostectamy.
He said to continue active surveillance, he also said my 1st blood test after the biopsy is too soon and to wait another 6 weeks. This he said will give a more accurate result.
He mentioned that having the earlier blood test will show a elevated PSA as the prostate experienced a lot of trauma and inflammation from the number of biopsy cores taken.
The Dr also mentioned (which the previous urologist failed to mention) - that I had a big prostate - 80cc , and for the size of my prostate that my PSA reading of 6.49 was not too bad. He mentioned prostate size can range from small - like the size of an olive, to the more usual, the size of a walnut, to the bigger sizes similar in size to a small tangarine. These sizes are determined genetically.
I would urge you and all others who have localised, low gleason score diagnosis to get a second opinion. Surgery or Radiation is a life changing option.
Whole I understand that I still have cancer, and that anything can happen.I am much more confidant of my choice of treatment- ie Active Surveilance.
Get that second opinion.
PS - this second opinion came from a Professor, who is at the forefront of prostate cancer treatment as well as been a practising Dr - he also does research which has been published and is the lead to have introduced focal therapy as a treatment for prostate cancer in the UK.
