Newly diagnosed PCa

Hello MountainEdge 

A warm welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to find you joining us.

I assume you have been on AS (Active Surveillance) for 6 years and your PSA has increased.

I would agree with the Consultant, Surgery is a major operation with no guarantees regarding bladder control or ED and Radiotherapy involves 20 fractions on the "sunbed" at hospital, yes there can be side effects but a much easier less invasive treatment. OK yes it's 20 plus trips to hospital but it's pain free, just a bit of fatigue!

Yes there is the point you can't have surgery if radiotherapy doesn't cure you - you can have it if surgery goes wrong but I would only want one treatment anyway, so for me this point is void.

I hold my hand up - I have been on my journey over 4 years (click on my avatar for details) but if surgery had been offered I would have refused it anyway - yes I am a wimp.

Just my ramblings but I hope they help - I am sure others will be along to give an opinion.

Happy to answer any questions.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hello ME,

I was 78 when diagnosed - about on the line for "no surgery". Was still offered surgery but in the end decided not to go that way. My logic was basically centered on what you mention. I had 20 sessions of RT with no noticeable side effects; 18 months of HT with not too many side effects, but it seemed to be having other strange effects after 18 months, so I stopped my HT early - with the acquiescence of my MDT consultants. ("Minimal risk")

If you go for RT, ask about the availability of SGRT in your area. Worth travelling for - less hassle all round, more accurate beam placement = less risk of hitting the "wrong bits" inside you. 

I have no regrets on going that way !

The decision is entirely up to you.................

My husband was diagnosed at age 75 T3aN0M0 after many years of PSA monitoring ( not formal ‘active surveillance). He was advised that surgery would be more risky because of his age and advised to go down the RT/HT route with the ‘intention to cure’ - which he did. He did not cope well with the HT side effects - largely, I think, because he was also dealing with a non- prostate related health problem at the same time. The hardest part of the RT was the drive to and from the hospital! We both got very tired as I did the driving. His oncologist stopped the HT after 18 months as my husband had literally reached rock bottom! So far, almost 2 years after completing ht, his PSA is in the region of 0.2 and he is back to his pre cancer diagnosis self! 
HTH ( and I’m touching wood as I type and hoping I’m not tempting Fate)

Thanks Brian. This info is exactly what I am after to make an informed decision.

Just an update. I had my second consultation today and it has been agreed that as I have been under surveillance and the cancer is localized it is suitable for SABR. I’m happy with that as it means fewer sessions at a higher dosage. Just got to await an appointment at the Freeman Hospital (Newcastle) and the then fun begins . 

Hello MountainEdge 

That sounds like a plan to me - do keep us posted as to how you progress with the treatment.

Best wishes - Brian.

Will do

Absolutely the way to go, in line with your diagnosis, well done to your team!  AW

Got a date yesterday for the Oncologist at the Freeman Hospital, 4th June. Seems a long time to wait but I suppose, sadly, there are so many of us in the same or similar situation. I’m sure the time will fly and then I’ll get told when my SABR treatment will start. Can’t wait for my tattoos.