Getting cold feet?

It's a difficult call, isn't it? I did take RT and HT at age 72/73, but my only known (!) comorbidity was COPD, with which I was coping OK. I probably wouldn't have done had I not been in a new relationship following death of my wife. In any case I would not have accepted surgery.

In the event I bought 4 years at little cost or inconvenience and with hindsight I made the right call.

It's now back with a vengeance. Very limited choice of treatments -- trying double HT, but beyond that I will not go. At 77 the COPD and some possible heart issues will soon render me an unacceptable QoL.

The problem is confounded by fact that medics very loathe to predict life expectancy with or without treatment, although there are many calculators available to them. They hate to admit that they always fail in the end!

All you can do is press your questions and do the research. 

Good luck, Dave 

Cheers Dave, good luck yourself!

Hello ZZzz123 

An interesting and very personal question - here's my view for what it's worth:

I was 66 before I saw the inside of a hospital being admitted on Christmas Eve 2021 during the Covid restrictions. Once the Acute Medical Unit team had sorted me out the parting words at 4.00am on Christmas Day by the doctor were "at least you will see Boxing Day now". Roll on a few days and I am still in hospital (after a transfer to Urology) my Consultant started me off on Hormone Therapy there and then.

I consider I owe my life and my future to this lady and gentleman and will now do anything to enjoy the time I have left. No one knows the answer to that question, "life expectancy" it's nothing but an educated guess - my initial PSA was 182, yes I am still on treatment, probably lifelong but with a positive attitude I feel amazing and have just celebrated my 70th birthday. Yes I have blood pressure and type 2 diabetes (both controlled by medication) but life is good. In 2025 my wife and I enjoyed 16 weeks holiday with 3 visits to Turkey, plus holidays in England, Wales and Scotland.

I had the TURP operation in November 2022 it's a simple, pain free operation - it does involve an overnight stay in hospital but mine worked fine (full journey details in my profile - click on my name or avatar to read). It's minor surgery. I had, had a catheter since admission to hospital so after 11 months I had to learn to wee again - but that was easy!!

I don't regret my treatment path although I didn't have too much choice - I value life, it's precious and I intend (with the full support of my team and my GP to see as much of it as possible).

Funny thing is my GP thinks the same way as I do - on my last visit his words were "It's my job to keep you alive with good quality of life for the next 25 years - until the cancer finally gets you". It's a good job we sing from the same Hymn sheet.

it's a very personal choice - I have made mine.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks, Brian, I guess as everyone says, its a personal choice. I don't feel too unwell at this point, I was on holiday in India a few weeks ago, and I would like to have similar experiences while fairly well, for a year if possible, in exchange for a shorter whole life span. I think!  

Hi Millibob A brilliant attitude and one that aligns completely with my own.  Live life large whilst you are fit enough to enjoy it.  My plan, if and when I am not able to travel, is to enjoy excellent whiskey with Mrs AW whilst viewing photos of all our previous adventures on the biggest sleekest TV monitor I can find.   AW