HRT and radiation or Surgery

Former Member
Former Member
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Hi,  My husband has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer 3+4 Gleason score T2N0M0 psa was 3.17 last reading.  He has been on Tamsulosin for the last ten years to help relax the muscle because of an enlarged prostate.  Was asked to do an mri followed by biopsy which shoes the cancer.  I seem to read that a lot of people have radiation on the prostate bed after a radical prostatectomy.  We are being asked to make a decision about surgery or radiation. Need any advice 

  • Hi MPM. 

    Surgery doesn't always work and further treatment is needed.

    Best chance for surgery to be successful are low stats which your hubbies are, smallish tumour not too near the capsule edge 

    Radiotherapy and HT is a good alternative to surgery with no major op and less likely to have ED issues.

    Regards

    Steve

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Grundo

    Thank you for such a quick response.  We have heard from the radiation oncologist and the surgeon will be calling tomorrow.  We have been verbally told by the rad oncologist that it is 11cms in the posterior of the prostate. Is there any point of surgery if you then have to follow with rad and/or ht?  Thank you 

  • It has to be said that not everyone who has surgery has to have RT after.

    Not sure of the figure but a guess at about 25-30%, perhaps u may want to check that.

    Check online for side effects on surgery and RT to help u decide which treatment/side effects u want to avoid.

    I went for RT because it seemed simpler, 5 years ago, so far still ok 

    Steve

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Grundo

    Hi Steve,

    How did you fare with the nerve sparing? I go in for RARP on Feb 22nd.

    Juan

  • Hi El 

    I had Radiotherapy so nerve sparing not usually a issue 

    Good luck with the surgery, hope all goes well.

    Regards

    Steve