Wish I had really understood the impact of treatment on QoL

Hi John and welcome 

Just one thing to say here, if they're talking about large involvement and location then probably time for treatment as you don't want it to break through capsule edge.

You should find out tumour (s) size in mm and how near to the capsule edge it actually is.

Also if they are against AS , well another reason.

Best wishes 

Steve 

Hi JohnPM your readings are very similar to mine.  I went brachytherapy boost. Very little effect on QoL.  Check out my bio.  AW

Hi and welcome, though sorry you're here.

4-5 years ago I was 72/73, not as fit as you (COPD) but active, cycling just about every day other than when on hols and over 5000 miles p.a.

Higher Gleeson and PSA than you, probably because I'd delayed because of Covid.

I didn't have much of a choice  -  surgery not on because of age and COPD, so none or EBRT + HT. My inclination was none but my relatively "new" gf seemed to want me alive so I went with treatment. 

RT no particular problem -  cycled every day, if even slower! HT? Well, ED and very brief hot flushes. Once the HT ended, pretty much back to normal, just 2 1/2 years older!

All an easy way to buy 4 years.

Unfortunately mine recurred after 4 years and now restarting HT x 2 from a more difficult place. Your lower numbers increase your chance of avoiding such speedy recurrence I  THINK. 

Obviously I can only speak for RT plus, but I think had I had the choice and  even if I had known the 4 year outcome, I would have gone with non-surgery. Gained the time at very little loss of QoL. 

A hard call for you I'm sure. But as you'll obviously know, once you call it no point to "what if.....".

Just good luck.

Regards, Dave 

Hello John (JohnPM) 

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

I can't go against medical advice however I am not a fan of AS as I have seen 2 Community members go from AS to Stage 4 so no - not a fan.

To me, you have the choice of surgery, HT/RT or Brachytherapy. I would do your own research into each treatment as to how the treatment path would affect you and your partner/family. Use trusted sources, Prostate Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan (not Dr Google or AI) and read about people who have had that treatment. 

I can start you off - I have had HT/RT (with a few other issues thrown in) but in almost 5 years my quality of life is fantastic - no I didn't run marathons or go to the gym - I did walk a 5K for Cancer research and yes I am 70 but a "happy bunny". You can read my story by clicking on my user name or avatar.

My good friend Alpine Wanderer has also posted above - again you can read his story by clicking on his user name and read his brachytherapy boost story.

I hope this helps - feel free to ask any questions.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you all for your insights and personal prospective. It was very valuable. Maybe a dose of realism from  @Millibob you are making the same observation as the doctor. My clinical stageT2 would very likely become T3 if waited too long. Although if I could get two years on AS with the only change being pattern 4 becoming dominant I would take that. 

I found a thread started by Steph on RT, should have looked around more before posting. All the insider knowledge I could want. I will put cancer to bed for the Christmas and new year and make the decision in a few weeks. 

Many thanks and kindest regards. 

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../radiotherapy-side-effects-forum

Good idea - with a T2 you have time for a considered approach.  A good military mind-set - don’t panic and dash in!  AW