I have been asked if I what surgery or radiotherapy for my prostrate cancer treatment .........I just don't no what way to go can some one tell me how they choose and why they made that decision
As my psa was so high, I wasnt given any choice. But after two years on hormone therapy and 37 radiotherapy sessions my psa came down from 70 to 0.01. Yes I have had side effects like hot flushes, weight gain and e.d but I may have had the latter anyway for I was also found to be diabetic and at my time of life not too much of a problem. I have looked on them as a small price to pay for the result Ive had.
Hope this helps you make what is a difficult decision, Brian
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply I'm 58 and just finding it hard to say which one I should have but you have made it easier for me big thank you
In one sense, I am glad I didnt have to make a choice. There seems to be pro's and con's for both procedures.and it is so difficult what to decide. I have to say I dont envy you having to make this decision. I wish you all the best and please keep us informed how your getting on. Best wishes, Brian.
Hi Geoff, My hubby had 3 choices, watch and wait, radiotherapy or radical prostectomy. One week to make the decision. What a nighmare to sort, I went into panic mode trying to find as much info as possible. Hubby was very quiet, I thought he was not addressing the problem, but I think pyscologically he wanted the cancer gone with radiotherapy in the background should it be needed at later date!
I took the plunge and contacted our local support group which was a great help. They put us in touch which men with a similar prognosis. Also we obtain a pack called the Toolkit which explain things in plain and clear understandable way. I try and find the link and post tomorrow.
He is glad he went for the radical as the histology results changed the biopies prediction from med grade (gleason score 7) to high grade, aggressive and widespread but luckily still contained with in the gland.
That was 6 years ago so he's glad he did not watch and wait!
Good luck with your own personel decision, I'll find the link and post again.
Hi Geoff, Gardenlady again, The tool kit is available from www.prostatecanceruk.org . Hope this is of help, let us know how you get on, I'm sure it will help others.
Thank you so much we have been reading ect and keep coming up with get it out I think in the six years that have past from your husband surgery the doctors are pushing more for radiotherapy which is why I am having this problem .....has your husband had any long term problems and how quickly could he return to work as I am a builder ....also was it long before he could just get on with life like just going out for a meal
Hi Geoff, How are you doing? A very steep learning curve.
I think it depends on who you had a discussion with after diagnosis - ours was with a surgeon who did approx 150 plus a year if I remember correctly. This is very important as the skill of the surgeon depends on furture bladder control!! Bracatherapy was not given as an option ( as if we needed more than 3) because PSA was above 6. I spoke to somebody who had had beam radiotheraphy and was having a lot of back passage problems.
We now have a targeted radiotheraphy machine (bought with fundraising £600,000.00) at our nearest acute hosp since my husbands choices. I believe this helps avoid the frying of good tissue on the way to zapping the bad so avoiding a lot of the above problems. Which type are you being offered? Do you know the age and the type of machines available where you will be treated.
We were told that only people with a good chance of a long term cure were offered the op to remove the gland. My hubby - had an open op (scar below tummy button to pubic bone) Rebotic op would not have been possible as his prostate was very enlarged. Hence under for 5 hours plus so need to be fit otherwise - he was the same age as yourself.
He worked out and about, some office, lots of driving around, some site work. He was lucky to have good sickness pay. It took about three months to become dry post op. 4 days in Hosp, came out with catherter and bag - this was no problem- went to Rugby out and about etc but needed a driver.
After the catherter was removed ( 3 weeks I think) this was more of a problem, needed pads, frequent visit to a little room, not so good for the confidence either. He's fine now, a gets on with life as normal.
The elephant in the room is sex . . .but I believe all the treatment for prostate cancer has some effect as most treatment is designed to stop this sex gland in its tracks. We now know that the little Blue pills should be taken as early after the op as is comfortable to be the most effective and to keep the tackle working -not 3 months down the line when dry!! Hopefully others will be brave enough to advise of their experiences who have had different treatments plans. Remember everybody responds differently.
I would advise speaking to as many people as possible who have been through the various treatment you are being offered. We learnt so much after the event from the locol support group.
Hope this is not too much overload, take care, gardenlady.
