Surgery or Radiotherapy? Decision made!

  • 705 replies
  • 208 subscribers
  • 48743 views

Decision made.  I’m pT3a, N0 M0 (see my profile for details ).  My extensive research points to a combo treatment of HT / RT / Brachy (NHS and NICE approved).  MDT met again a couple of days ago and their recommendation (without my input) was the same.  I had a consultation at Addenbrookes yesterday with a top prostatectomy surgeon and he agreed with me that my decision was the best one, as surgery would carry at least a 30% chance of recurrence.  So I collected my prescription on way out!   I took my first bicalutamide tablet taken this morning…..so the treatment is underway. Just over 62 days (NHS target) since GP referral so well done to them after a thorough diagnosis.  I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders with regards to timelines (chasing the NHS, politely!), but I’m under no illusion that the next few months of treatment will present challenges.  My wife and I are a strong team and we intend to take everything in our stride and, hopefully, this curative pathway will prevail.  Here we go…..wish us luck! 

  • So pleased this first big step is alll done and dusted! Well done! Sounds a long day but it’s behind you now! Onward and upwards Slight smile

  • In answer to your question: no, it doesn’t hurt and we’re just about to go out on a local walk (well, we would, wouldn’t we). Don’t worry, we’re not going far (probably 3 or 4 km) and not at our normal fast pace (although I can walk normally). So no warnings please, I’m not overdoing it ThumbsupLaughing.  PS - no pain yesterday either - not even a paracetamol required.  However, I’m not taking anything for granted and I’m listening to my body. 

  • That's great news - I was only asking as I know at least  is heading the same way.

    Take it easy and enjoy the walk - I know you are the sensible type and know your limits.

     and me of course know better and before she gets it in - if it get's dark before you get back you should be able to light the way!!Joy

    Sorry for that - I couldn't resist it!!  Best wishes - Brian.

    Community Champion badge

    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.

  • I'll concede that one to you Brian and give in gracefully. Should save on electricity and be all right if the Warrior has a power cut. Don't blame me for that one, blame the hubby.

    Star2

  • Just back. 6 km. all good. Ready for lunch Yum 

  • Don’t recall any mountains near you ! Perhaps a big hill ?

    problem with where I live is that our gentle inclines seem to be progressing to mountain status:)

  • Ha! Good job you don't live here - out the path turn left up hill and you keep going up for the next mile - turn right - it's downhill for half a mile - but it's up hill on your way back!!

    Community Champion badge

    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.

  • Good Morning AW

    I am aware you started a new thread with a cracking photograph of you and your grand daughter - this has been removed as it breaks Community Guidelines as it contains a photograph of someone other than yourself.

    When you read this will you please drop me a line in my personal message box - you might need to either change the settings on your messages or send me a friend request.

    Best wishes - Brian.

    Community Champion badge

    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.

  • Ah. Didn’t realise.  No worries at all.  Good photo though, eh? Made the whole family laugh as we couldn’t stop laughing at each other after I made a silly comment (like grandads do). 

  • Instead, I could have posted another, less happy, photo, taken this morning… just when I thought the trial of the brachytherapy operation was out of the way, along comes this…..(photo of positive COVID test) .  Oh well, it’s going to be a quiet Christmas this year….