Decision to make

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Hello all,

New to this.

Recently diagnosed PCa. PSA 8, stageT3a N0, Gleason 7 - 3+4. Recent CT scan shows no spread. Have seen consultant urologist and consultant oncologist in the last week. I have to make a choice between radical prostatectomy or HT/RT. The information I have been given has been very thorough with both consultants being very positive about the potential outcomes but clearly with their own clinical bias.

I would just like to know how people on here reached their decision as both seem to carry a similar level of success with associated side effects. However, other side effects and, potentially longer lasting side effects, seem to be apparent between the two treatment types.

Any thoughts, experiences etc would be gratefully received.

Many thanks

  • Hi John,

    I'm into week three plus two days on Bical (completed two full weeks and then some), and no side-effects whatsoever. I've been advised that side-effects, if any, take some weeks to kick-in. So, because everything seems to be 'business as usual', I've been asking the same question as you. Being a bit of a 'What if?' type of person doesn't help! 

    All the best,

    David

  • I've been on bicalutomide for 6 days now.Slight light heaviness surprisingly no crying, ct arranged for next week...life goes on.

  • Hello David,

    Just an update....I'm finished my second week of Bical today. Two more tablets to take before my first HT injection, which is due on Monday.  I guess that's when the "fireworks" might start to kick in!!!

    No side effects so far.

    Are you having the HT injections and, if so, when do you start?

    Cheers

    John

  • Hi John,

    I've opted for tablets only, but have been assured by my consultant that the outcome will be the same as the tablets/injections route. 

    Best of luck for Monday, and if there are any fireworks, let's hope for gentle sparklers rather than rockets!

    Best wishes,

    David

  • Thanks very much David.

    I wasn't given the choice of tablets only. I'm sure I would have taken that option had it been made available to me.

    Ah well.......Just got to get on with it now.

    All the best

    John

  • That option was given to my brother also, in late 2022, but not to my Dad. So I guess it depends on all sorts of variables. Right foot forward for tomorrow, John.

    Best wishes,

    David

  • Hi David

    Just an update. First injection today. All went smoothly. I opted for the Prostap instead of the Zoladex.....right or wrong...who knows, I guess we'll see.

    Pretty straightforward really. Injection to the abdomen felt just like any other injection/blood test I've had. 

    I wanted the 12 week version but was advised by the nurse to take the one month to see how it goes and then, all being well, the 12 week version should be ok.

    Out of interest.....I recorded the original conversation I had with my oncologist. I played it back today and she did actually mention the possibility of doing it all with tablets, like yourself, but advised the injection route. I've accepted her advice Blush

    Hope all is going well with you

    Cheers

    John

  • Pleased all went well, John.

    I'd do the same as you, and follow the oncologist's advice. My late Dad had the Prostap injections which he tolerated well, and which completely did the trick. 

    Best wishes,

    David

  • Hi Trom57a,

    All good questions and food for thought. Similar if slightly readings to yourself. Iam pretty fit with a resting heart rate of 44 on average.  I opted for radical surgery as there were no markers for spreading at this point. Also I did not fancy the potential side effects of HT/RT. The ED side will no doubt be challenging but I believe not impossible, main thing is to get healthy and fit again. One stage at a time as I see it.

    Good luck in whatever option that you choose.

    Best regards 

    Barnman