PSA 11,Gleason 9, T2a tumor, No Spread, thankfully...Which Treatment to take ?

Hi David

Apart from the Gleeson doesn't look too bad.

Do you know tumour (s) size and I am presuming well contained and not near gland edge.

Best wishes 

Steve 

The problem with PC treatment is that nobody can tell you what the side effects will be like. Some people sail through without too many issues, while other get affected quite badly.

When I was diagnosed and offered the choice of HT/RT or RP I was told they would likely be equally effective for me. So it was a simple choice: HT/RT is a much longer process (typically min 9 months of side effects), but a much better chance of ending up normal at the end of it. I decided on HT/RT starting with 4 weeks worth of bicalutimide, with the first HT injection after 2 weeks. It was a good decision for me, but may not be the same for everybody.

Hello David (DavidEBe8c214) 

A warm welcome to the group although I am sorry to find you joining us.

Let me say at the outset everyone reacts differently to each available treatment. Some people have no or minimal side/lasting effects, others "enjoy" everything the treatment throws at them. My advice would be to consider how the treatments would possibly affect you and any wife/partner by listing the pros and cons of each treatment as you see them. To help you in this respect here are our notes (if you do further research use trusted sources, Cancer research UK and Prostate Cancer UK - not Dr Google).

Prostatectomy-for-prostate-cancer.

Hormonal-therapy-for-prostate-cancer.

Radiotherapy-for-prostate-cancer.

There is another treatment, not always offered but available - you may have to request it, and that's Brachytherapy, here's the link:

Brachytherapy-for-prostate-cancer.

To start you off with your research I am in year 4 of my journey (HT/RT) and you can read how I got on by clicking on my user name or avatar - I had a few other issues. I will also "tag" Community Member Alpine Wanderer and you can also read his Brachytherapy journey by clicking on his user name.

Feel free to read any of the threads and ask any questions, you have time to make your choice. As you have started on Hormone Therapy I would check with your team and ask for a prescription for Calcium/Vitamin D as HT can weaken your bone structure.

I hope the above helps.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi DavidEBe8c214 - if you are a habitual researcher, you sound like a mirror image of me …

 Millibob has already tagged me.  With a Gleason 9, even with T2a confined (they think), you may want to seriously consider brachytherapy boost.

my bio will save you lots of research…. !   AW

Hi AW!

Thank you so much for directing me to your odyssey, which I found inspiring and gives me hope. Brchytherapy is something that I will investigate and discuss with my MDT on 28th Nov....then the journey begins! I will seriously consider keeping a similar diary to help others, as you have done. Wisshing you all the best with your continued Alpine Wandering. David.