I have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and I'm also therefore new to this site and am finding my way around a lot of new stuff.
May I ask if there are treatments which are more nerve sparing than others (meaning less chance of urinary incontinence)? I have had it suggested that the options may include:
surgery to remove the prostate, radiotherapy, brackytherapy and HIFU? Are there other options and if not which of the 4 options I have had highlighted have the lowest incidence of side effects please?
Any advice or information would be very warmly received. Thank you in advance if you have anything to offer.
Hi Ethan27 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot.
The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Prostate cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link> Prostate cancer then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community but in the meantime all the very best.
Hello Ethan
Welcome to the Prostate Cancer club - I know you didn't want to join!!
I am from the Prostate Cancer forum and noticed your post in the "New to the Community" section and that Mike (Thehighlander) has kindly pointed you in our direction. I am sorry to read of your diagnosis.
The treatment path(s) you are able to take all depend on your diagnosis and if the cancer has escaped the Prostate Gland itself. To enable us to guide you further have you had a prostate biopsy and if so do you have your scores and grading? For example I am a Gleason 9 (5+4)T3a N0 M0. these letters and numbers tell us all we need to know. Your PSA reading on diagnosis is also a help.
Your reply is best posted on the Prostate Cancer forum (I notice you have joined) where other members of the group can help you with your journey - we aren't a bad bunch and are happy to help.
I hope this helps and look forward to you joining us.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
