Surgery or Radiotherapy? Decision made!

632 replies
196 subscribers
35771 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!

Alpine Wanderer 5 months ago

Hi all - well, I reached a major milestone today. It’s 12 weeks since my final prostap HT jab, so from now on I will be flying solo. My last PSA test was also in December (reading was 0.03 and still falling), so I’m hoping that I’m maybe around 0.02 now, as I enter this next phase. I will, of course, be more nervous before each PSA check for a while (next one is in April, before my appointment with my oncologist consultant). Also, I’m hoping that my good friend “Tommy T” will return (in a few months time) so our house will then resemble a Benny Hill sketch! In the meantime, as you know, Mrs AW and I have been careful to maintain that side of our lives - but as I’ve had no libido, it’s been requiring motivation…. However, we’ve managed to keep things going (very important to stop atrophy and maintain good blood flow) supported with a low dose of Tadalafil (5mg a day) to keep things ticking over. Wish us luck as my solo career resumes ! AW

JPMJIG 5 months ago in reply to Alpine Wanderer

I have every confidence of a continued positive upswing my friend

Seamus47 5 months ago in reply to Alpine Wanderer

Great news. If I remember correctly you are a veteran so standing to attention should be no problem!

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift.

Seamus

(See my profile for more)

Budd 5 months ago in reply to Alpine Wanderer

Great news, well done AW

Alpine Wanderer 5 months ago in reply to JPMJIG

As long as the positive upswing isn’t connected to my PSA score AW

Alpine Wanderer 5 months ago in reply to Seamus47

Seamus47 yes, you are correct on both counts. May be that is the upswing that JPMJIG is referring to ?!? AW

Psb2024 5 months ago in reply to Alpine Wanderer

Great news really pleased for you

Best wishes

Peter

Millibob 5 months ago in reply to Alpine Wanderer

Happy Days AW.

I wish you well moving forward. You are an inspiration to the entire Community and your positivity is priceless.

i will raise a glass in anticipation of other rises - mine is Raki as I have just arrived in Turkey for a well deserved break.

Best wishes to you and Mrs AW. - 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.

Alwayshope 5 months ago in reply to Alpine Wanderer

I am really pleased for you AW and hope that you PSA remains low but otherwise it is onwards and upwards.

Worriedwife 5 months ago in reply to Alpine Wanderer

Well done! Onwards and upwards - in every way

More from this forum

Surgery or Radiotherapy? Decision made!