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How do I choose

Idlelad
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I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. They tell me it is low level, gleason 6, and have offered me surgery or brachytherapy.

I have seen the surgeon and the oncologist and been given so much information that I am  in overload.

It felt like they were touting for my business and I am sat still not knowing what the best treatment for me is?

Has anyone else had this dilema and how did they choose?

  • Online

    Hi Idlelad and welcome to Cancer Chat!

    Sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer but it is good news that it is low level. It is perfectly normal to feel that you have received an overload of information and that it's all a bit too much for you to take in.

    I thought I'd share with you this page from our website on prostate cancer treatment. But as there's nothing like hearing from personal experieces, I hope you will also hear from others here who have had prostate cancer whether it is surgery or brachytherapy. I remember welcoming a lady here recently [@Suzie801]‍ whose husband was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and who is scheduled to have a prostatectomy on the 25th of September so perhaps you could compare notes as you are in a similar situation it seems having recently been diagnosed.

    If you want to go through your different options with our nurses, you are welcome to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040. Their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

    Best of luck with making difficult treatment decisions. Do let us know what you decided to go for in the end!

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

  • Offline

    My dad has prostrate cancer a few years ago. He was offered surgery, radiotherapy or brachytherapy and like you was unsure. He went to see his gp to discuss the options and was veering towards brachytherapy at this time. Gp said there’s just one problem, if you die you have to be buried not cremated due to the radiation. That was the deciding factor for him as he didn’t want to be buried so he went for radiotherapy treatment. He didn’t want surgery due to the risks of incontinence etc. Not sure if this helps as you don’t mention radiotherapy as an option.

    i should say my dad made a full recovery and is fit and active many years later!

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    Hi,

    I have a different type of cancer so I can only give this general advice which is not to rush into making a decision. Doing nothing is also a valid option under some circumstances.

    Hopefully someone with personal experience will come along soon. This Radio 4 broadcast might be useful - I heard it in the car when it first came out and it has a useful comparison of the different options. www.bbc.co.uk/.../b086s7jr

     

    Good luck

    Dave

     

     

  • Offline in reply to davek

    PS if you edit your subject line to include prostate cancer you may get a better response.

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Hello & welcome to this support group .

    I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer Please note that this is a treatable cancer if caught early.

    my name is Suzie & yes I’m the lass mentioned in your moderators reply 

    I read with interest your dilemma . My husband is 61 and has a T2 tumour left appex with a Gleason scale of 4+3 . 

    A lot will depend on your treatment , age , what stage the prostate cancer is . If it’s contained & your Gleason scale 

     

    Your consultant will advise you on the best treatment 

    if you are under 70 and fit and well otherwise they may decide that prostate removal is a better outcome .

     

    My husband is 61 and removal will mean he will be cancer free. Yes the operation does mean there will be some incontinence & he may not be able to get full erectile function again . 

    After much discussion we decided that we would much rather face a future cancer free & have this operation .

    He has been advised against leaving the prostate in place & radiotherapy & Hormone treatment as this could mean the cancer could return .

    if you choose brycatherapy you will not be able to have your prostate removed due to the radiation . 

     

    I woukd strongly suggest that you talk in depth with your urologist & Cancer Team about what is best for you as everyone’s prostate cancer treatment can be different . 

     

    There is great support & information available from the prostate cancer website . They have specialist nurses too who offer advice over the phone . I would recommend talking to them . It is confidential & very helpful . 

     

    What ever you decide make sure you are told every detail & given support that you need 

    please keep in touch if you so wish to & I wish you a successful treatment .

     

    best wishes 

    suzie & Nigel 

     

     

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    My hubby had that diagnosis and we chose the robotic surgery. We were told with the radiation and if you have a recurrence it’s very difficult to do the surgery so it was a nobrainer for. My husband has been cancer free for 6 years now.  Surgery wasn’t too bad and no real bad side affects.  Hope this helps. Good luck.  

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