I have had prostate cancer for 10 years and recent biopsy results indicates that the cancer hasn't changed. I'm booked in for a Turp this Friday (recommended by my consultant), but my consultant surgeon who I met with on Monday this week has suggested I go for the Prostatectomy to remove the cancer which will solve the urination and cancer issue in one swoop. Any advice would be appreciated as I'm currently sitting on the fence. I don't want to rush into it.
Hi Chrisboard, whilst I can give you no advice on which way to go with your treatment, if you look for my thread on here called post operation, I have written everything I could about my own experience of radical prostatectomy from when I woke up to around 12 or 13 days later, you may find this helpful in some way as I don’t hide anything about my experience and it may give you some idea on what you may be looking at for yourself.
Hi Chris and welcome to the forum, can I ask was your consultant surgeon from urology or oncology and have you talked to anyone about other options as to be told surgery will resolve your bladder issues is a very bold statement. PS never had surgery but did have a TURP, 30 minute operation done under an epidural 60 hours in hospital with a catheter, removed on day three, was able to pee three times and home, ten weeks of retraining at home to get to a point I was happy with, best wishes, Chris I am not against surgery, I just want you to be aware of all your options
I assume that you have been on active surveillance for the past ten years? (prostatectomy after radiotherapy is more difficult). anyway, as Eddie said, TURP (prostate gland reduction and resection) is a much less invasive operation than gland removal. TURP does not require the urethra to be disconnected from the bladder, and does not remove the upper sphincter valve. The loss of part of the urethra and the valve means that you may suffer incontinence - certainly short term and possibly longer term, given your reason for having a TURP as the original suggestion to cure your current condition.
The TURP operation will mean that the removed “chips” will be examined in pathology lab and you will get a clearer view of the cellular structure of your cancer. This will provide better evidence for whether you need a full prostatectomy. In my opinion, given that you’re currently on option 1 (AS) , then going straight to prostatectomy is a bit like going to option 4 (the most invasive one) by bypassing the sensible diagnostic options 2 (TURP) and 3 (pathological assessment) before making a decision.
Maybe use these notes to write an email or use in your next discussion with your consultant? AW
Hi again Chris, I noted your cancer is still stable after 10 years, which is great news, so assuming incontinence is the reason behind the decisions you are faced with. Can i ask if other possible reasons for your incontinence have been looked into and ruled out and do you practice voiding and pelvic floor exercises, and if you are ok sharing could you let us know your biopsy results and any others you might have, best wishes.
Hi.. Can I ask how your Turps was and did it solve the incontinence? And the Catherter? I've been recommended to have Turps, because of my age! 75.. I wasn't told that I can't have a Prostectermy at my age !!!I have a low gleason score 3 +3
Thanks ... for getting intouch... Sorry but I've not been told about voiding or the exercises !!!! I had a biopsy 3 weeks ago and it was the worst time of my life! No anesthetic, only jabs.. no privacy.. people walking about of all ages.. no screens at all.
