Making a decision - Advice welcomed

Hello Seville3c3d73 

A warm welcome to the group although I am so sorry to find you joining us. 

Yours is an interesting post and I will break down my answers.

* You don't have a very aggressive cancer so there's no rush for treatment. There are side effects from every treatment and before you decide you need to understand these and how they would affect you and your wife/partner. See the NICE guidelines (especially 1.3.7). I can't go against medical advice!!

Recommendations -Prostate Cancer - NICE Guidelines.

* Radiotherapy Only is an option (it's possible in the NHS you have only seen a surgeon and not an oncologist) although it's gone to an MDT meeting. Radiotherapy is much less invasive and not as many side effects. Modern radiotherapy is vey targeted.

* Private Treatment for Cancer is great although all providers do not have / offer facilities for every option. We have had Community members who have "gone private" and have had issues getting back into the NHS system for ongoing treatment/medication.

I hope the above answers most of your questions, pleas feel free to come back to me. I am sure other Community members will be along soon with their answers and experiences.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you Brian, such a big decision - appreciate the information and response

Hi Seville 

Your stats are low, has active surveillance been offered, looks like time on your side.

Obviously you are still young so be aware of potential ED issues with surgery although obviously not everyone suffers them.

I would stick with NHS if you can, I think that Brian referred to a good reason, also will save you the cost.

Best wishes 

Steve 

Thanks Grundo, 

From reading the forum and seeing the different responses to surgery it so difficult to process. 

I am fortunate that I have Private medical insurance through work - so cost is less a worry thankfully. Just want to make sure I go down the right route especially for the aftercare too. 

I had RT and it was really easy, no long term side effects.

In my  mind the only reason to go for surgery is if cancer returns after surgery then RT still an option but very difficult the other way round IE surgery after RT.

Having said that it didn't sway me

But u do have time and don't have to rush.

See what others say 

All the best 

Steve 

Thanks Steve, really appreciate the responses. 

It will be interesting to hear what the RT consultant says as that will be the first information for a possible alternative and of course side effects. Sounds like you are doing well which is great

Just one other thing to add, if stats allow ( your tumour only 8mm)  then there is a possibility that no HT (hormone therapy ) possibly needed along with the RT so ask the question when u go, I would be interested to know their reply

Steve

I will Steve, the Private consultant said the same, he said I was borderline for needing HT but the RT consultant would know - I will let you know once I've been. 

Ok, i would say that the only reason borderline is cos Gleeson 4+3 rather than 3+3.

But I obviously could be wrong , other reason poss if tumour near the gland edge .

Def worth checking all this , I know u will

Steve