Newbie!!!

Hi Dave, Try and work out a list of questions to ask at your next appointment. Things like side effects and success rates and don't be rushed into anything. I always felt that happened to me a quick run through the different treatments and then but this is the best one for you thanks and goodbye. Different treatments effect men in different ways. One person has all the worst side effects while others sail through with virtually none. I had Hormone therapy followed by External Beam Radio Therapy. The RT was OK with few problems but I have struggled with HT  side effects. But you are in the right place to hear from men who have experienced all forms of treatment.

Good luck with what ever option you choose.    Regards Reg 

Thanks Reg, appreciated, Dave

Hi Dave 

You don't say what the PSA is ,. I presume low?

Best thing is to study the 3 main treatments, surgery, Radiotherapy , or Brachytherapy.

List all the different side effects relative to treatment and cross off the 2 treatments where u least want the side effects. Don't forget some side effects can go away over time, but not always.

Regards

Steve

Hi Dave,  I'm Gray, like you I was diagnosed with a result of 11.4 psa and Gleason of 7 having spoke with the urology team then the consultant surgeon I elected for surgery and am 3 weeks after with the catheter due out on Wednesday.  Feel good at the moment just waiting to see if all cancer has gone and then to assess the collateral damage to the equipment  ! What persuaded my choice was reading on here and online about the time one spends on treatment with other options.  Also of course I can still have radiotherapy and hormone therapy after surgery if required and I live close to Bath RUH who are among the leading centres for prostate cancer. At the end of day it may be the impact on sex life that sways your decision and right now i still not sure what effect it will have on me. Keep in touch if you want,  whatever your choice i wish you well, keep moving forward. Best regards ,Gray.

Hello Dave

I was diagnosed nearly five years ago. T2/3. Gleason 3+4. If I was given a psa at the time I forgot to make a note of it.. Opted for the da Vinci. Purely because I wanted the cuckoo out of the nest.

The downside of the op is that you lose a bit of length and there can be problems getting a stiffie.The blue tablets have helped and I think the nerves have started to grow back. I'm lucky in that at my age sex has become less of an obsession and I have a partner who not only fully supported my decision to go for surgery but has accepted the consequences.

My best advice: if you have a biopsy they may give you lots of liquid to check the waterworks are still working. Empty your bladder sitting down.

Ask lots of questions when you see the Croaker and then discuss it with your missus.

Good luck.

Hi Dave

The one thing you do have is time on your side, so any decision you make don’t rush it, there’s lots of treatments you can have, everyone is different how the treatment affects you, so when you see your oncologist arm yourself with questions, take someone with you four ears are better than two. Write down what they tell you. 
Your. On the better side of catching it so, go with what you feel is good for you.

Stay safe

Joe

Thank you Steve.

Thank you. Steve

It's also well worth reading the 'toolkit' for general advice.

It might help you get your thoughts in order; information overload never helps you make up your mind!