Concerns about functions after surgery

El,

In May this year I was a Gleason 7 (3+4) T2 (intermediate risk).  I was unsuitable for surgery so I chose Hormones and Radiation treatments.

I've just finished my 20 VMAT Radiation sessions.

The Hormones saw to it I would lose my sexual function.  Don't know for how long.  Hopefully until I finish my Hormone Therapy.

There are plenty of good folk on this online community.  Plenty of good advice.

Best of luck with your treatment.

Hi El

This is probably one of the most asked questions and not an easy one to answer, A lot of it seems to be down to an experienced surgeon who has been successful in nerve sparing (if possible).

You can read  many  posts on here where people are very happen with the outcome , equally there are plenty who are still suffering from ED further down the line.

All I would say is that if the ED is of concern and perhaps it isn't to every one then having some kind of Radiotherapy could be the answer for you because I don't read so much about problems with RT unless it follows a  failed surgery.

Any hormone therapy, with the RT, needs to finish before temporary ED problems go away.

Best wishes

Steve

Thanks Steve.

Thanks Steve. I am not happy that the treatment continues for so long with RT. Also that the cancer could reappear in whats left of your prostate.

El

I understand what u r saying but if it's sorts the potential ED it has to be worth it. Depending on your circumstances HT could finish a few months after RT is over.

T3a u could be better with RT, not Def but possibly.

Cancer can return with either RT or surgery, we all have to live with that but it often doesn't return. 5 years on after RT I'm still clear 

Steve

Thanks for the info Steve. I have yet to talk to the surgeon and an oncologist before I make my mind up, as is the way.

El

El,

Accepting of course that no two men are the same, I hope I can nevertheless offer a degree of reassurance. I had bilateral nerve sparing surgery 8 weeks ago. 

My wife and I resumed sexual activity of sorts last week and, whilst there was some sign of life down below, it was limited at best. A prescription of Viagra was requested from my GP and let’s just say Mrs HH was not disappointed!

An even bigger plus is that, since then, I have managed a good erection unaided which would suggest my earlier limpness was perhaps more psychological than medical.

So there is hope, definitely.

HH

Hi HH,

Thanks very much for the encouraging response, with the positivity on the erections especially. You are only 8 weeks on and bound to recover more as time goes on. I am gearing up by doing pelvic floor exercises in advance, to help with post op bladder control.

Cheers,

E

i thnk there are so many variables its difficult to know. Both radiotherapy and surgery have an impact. Depends how close to nerve is the cancer. Since you're t3 then the cancer has broken the capsule therefore surgery or radiotherapy would have to target outside the prostrate for successful treatment. Both risk nerve damage, i had some movement post surgery then had to start hormone therapy which killed everything.  

El

I had the da Vinci. The surgeon told me he hadn't been able to get rid of all of the cancer because he had wanted to spare some of the nerves. With the help of the little blue pill intercourse is still possible. If you have surgery you will lose a bit of length.

I have a very understanding wife.

All this was four years ago. My psa has been 0.1 since.

Ask questions and make sure your wife is involved and agrees with your decision.