Pros and cons of salvage radiotherapy

Hello Christine and a very warm welcome to the online Community.

I can't 100% answer your questions as I am on the HT/RT journey but I am sure someone will be along who has been down that route.

My understanding was that Salvage Radiotherapy works for the prostate bed and lymph nodes - you need to ask about the seminal vesicle. I would be asking the surgeon/oncologist that along with why do they think RT won't work.

At present he's OK because the HT will reduce his testosterone to almost nil and there should be no further prostate cancer growth.

I am so sorry to red about all the other issues. It may be an idea to use our Ask a Nurse - just click on the link provided and pose your question to them.

In the meanwhile let's see what the Community has to say.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Goggie

I would push for Radiotherapy because from all the info it should work unless they're not telling u something.

If you are not happy with that hospital you could ask your GP to refer u elsewhere . At least the HT is keeping it at bay for now so does give u some time

Hope all goes well

Steve 

Thank You Steve 

my husband had both of his seminal vesticles removed so at least they are not there 

it is just this constant reminder that the Gleason was a 9 that is down heartening all the time … as if to say with that score it’s pointless to think about salvage radiotherapy 

odd 

I don't think that Gleeson 9 makes it pointless, there are many with 8/9Gleeson.

As long as HT keeps it from spreading then all is well.

Because in vesicles does make it more difficult but still potentially curable.

But Def push them for RT  and if they seem reluctant ask them y.

Good luck

Steve 

Sorry, for some reason couldn't edit it but I realise vesicles no longer there

Hi  Christine. Sad to read that you have been left on such a difficult position . From what I’ve read , I gather that your husband would be nefit fron a PSMA -PET scan which should show the source of the psa and allow targeted treatment . Certainly in the States he would be having that . I don’t know how available it is in UK . 
Everyone has bladder issues shortly after RP so it’s crazy that this should influence his treatment. 

 Best wishes to you both .

Bil

Hello Christine

I can't see that being a Gleason 9 should make any difference to the offer of Radiotherapy. I am Gleason 9 (5+4) T3a N0M0 and sailed through Radiotherapy.

I think a second opinion may well be needed here - are you able to go back to your G P and ask for this?

Best wishes - Brian.

Christine,

I am new to much of the terminology so not sure I can help with Peter’s particular diagnosis.  My own experience is all I can relate to you.  

I was diagnosed just after my 68 birthday with PSA 74 and T3b.

I had chemo then 37 sessions of EBRT.  I am on HT for life.  Currently PSA below 1 and good quality of life.  Looking forward to my 75 birthday in 3 months.  We are all different, but treatment available now wasn’t available when I started my journey.  Keep positive and please let me know if I can help.
 David

 Goggie 

Hi Christine,

Another Gleason 9 here. I was diagnosed in 2018 as T3A N0 M0 with a PSA of only 11 (it has risen to 15 by the time treatment started). I had three years of HT and 20 sessions of RT in February and March 2019. It's over two years since my last Prostap injection and my PSA has been stable at 0.2 for the last 18 months, so currently in remission. My next PSA test is scheduled for December.

I am now 76 and walk at least 30 miles every week, swim a mile twice a week and go coastal rowing as often as the wind and tides allow.

I hope that helps you to look forward to a better future.

Yes they went when my husband had his prostectomy 

one came back with two cancer cell found 

We are really glad the HT is working but feel upset at the oncologist negativity about Salvage RT 

thank you for your reply