Confused & would appreciate advice

Hi Gaz

always a difficult one,  pluses for surgery:  over relatively quickly, can still have RT if cancer returns. downsides :  potentially more issues with ED and urinary problems, sometimes long term.

pluses for RT and HT:    no major op, any side effects normally go away some time after treatment finishes,  downsides:

surgery very difficult if cancer returns, treatment will prob last longer especially if on HT 

do much research and see what others say, would also help if u can give recent PSA figures and staging, ie is  tumour still within gland

good luck

Steve

Hi Steve, many thanks for your reply PSA 7.6 & T2cN0. Cancer is contained within the prostate. Consultant recommends surgery but both treatments have their own side effects. So lots more research to do. 

Cheers

Gaz

so stats quite low, tumour contained , that's good. take your time to decide, try and choose which side effects u fancy the least and take it from there

Steve

Hello Gaz. I am 58. I had a Gleason score of 5+4=9 also, and although my first reaction was for surgery, I was advised to have HT and RT due to other health problems. You can read my journey by clicking on my icon. The side effects I had/have is weight gain, hot flushes and fatigue. everyone is different so research asuch as you can before making your decision.

Keep posting and good luck on your journey.

Regards

Peter 

Thanks Peter for getting back to me. It’s such a big decision to make but surgeon is recommending surgery but my head is all over the place! As both paths have their own side effects. Wishing you all the best on your journey & I’m sure your journey will be successful. I will let you know how I get on. 

Take care 

Gaz

Hi Gaz6,

I had results a week ago. Im 59 PSA 5.9 T2 contained to prostate. I have appt with urology 31st to be told if can choose op or RT. May not have choice due to previous DVT 7 months ago. My choice will be robotic removal if available. Both have pros and cons so you need to choose to decide which suits you best. ATB.

Hi Gaz

I have just turned 60 and got diagnosed in Feb. psa 8.1, T3a, Gleason 3-4(7). reasonably fit and healthy.  My brother has stage four! and no choices.
I am now four weeks post op (RALP), and recovering well. Some hurdles to overcome following a major op. I am glad I chose RALP, but it’s not easy, but have a lovely wife to help, who won’t let me rush recovery.
I have psa and follow up in next couple of weeks and if it does come back I can have radiotherapy option.

Its not a journey anyone wants, but I found talking and being open very cathartic. I am also part of a veterans group and met with some guys that have been through it.

Get as much information as possible to make an informed decision. We are all different, but try and remain as positive as possible. If you chose RALP, get yourself as fit as possible before op. It really helped my recovery and I start a new job in three weeks time, something to look forward to.

I wish you all the best and deal with one day at a time.

Raven