Hi everyone,
Not sure how this works just yet, so apologies if I make mistakes, 64 years old, fairly fit, no health issues and no previous medical ops etc.
PSA was 4.7 in December and then after a 6 week retest 5.1 had an mri which showed something and after trans perineal biopsy ( not pleasant! Still tender there after 7 weeks) further PET CT scan, end result 3+4 contained but near to the outer covering of the prostate but no spread beyond.
Saw the surgeon on Tuesday and although I was already of a mindset it was cancer, when he confirmed it still feels like being hit by a train, as he’s a surgeon he’s inclined to steer me towards surgery although he did say that hormone therapy followed by radiotherapy is just as effective, and of course less invasive, and I’m terrified of the post op side effects of ED and incontinence.
I guess I’m looking for some direction from those who’ve been through all of this as I’m so confused as to which way to go, I’ve read all the leaflets given to me by the specialist nurse and really over burdened and overloaded with information.
Sorry for the length of this post, but I’m glad to have found this group.
cheers. J
Hello JBat
A warm welcome to the group, although I am so sorry to find you joining us.
With figures like those I would think you could have surgery, hormone and radiotherapy or brachytherapy.
The side effects for each treatment are different and affect us all differently so my advice is get a pen and paper (or a spreadsheet) and list the pros and cons of each treatment as they would affect both you and any partner.
Use trusted sources for your research, Prostate Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan (not Dr Google!). I will start you off with 4 links:
Prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
I have added brachytherapy as although it's not offered in every area if you are suitable for it you are entitled to it.
Feel free to ask any questions, nothing is too trivial.
Best wishes - Brian.
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