tvz & dannos - I was a few years older (55) than you guys when I was diagnosed with Gleason 7 (4+3). It was definitely a shocker, I am very active, healthy, and had just retired from my corporate job to reduce stress and enjoy life. I am a big advocate of consistent motion - Even though my wife and I retired fairly early, we both stay busy with our hobby jobs. Long story short, I immediately did a significant amount of research to understand what treatment options would give me the best chance to meet my person goals moving forward. Obviously, treatment options and personal goals overlap - Everyone has their own unique life goals and a single treatment plan does not meet all circumstances. For me, my goals were (#1 - #10) 30+ years of cancer free life to spend with my wife, son, friends/family; (#11) continence - High want but definitely not a necessity; (distant #12) sexual function - Definitely nice to have, but nowhere close to life and continence.

Based on my research, a robotically assisted radical prostatectomy was the only option that met all of my personal goals and provided for a backup plan if the cancer decided to come back. At that point, I researched to find the best possible hospital for the surgery and the best doctor at that hospital. I decided that distance and convenience were not going to prevent me from getting the best possible care for my prostate cancer. I went with Mayo-Rochester and Doctor Igor Frank. What an amazing hospital, staff, and doctor. I am now 2 1/2 years out from my robotically assisted radical prostatectomy (removed prostate, seminal vesicles, 9 lymph nodes). For myself, I had full continence after 6-9 months, full erectile function after 12-18 months, and PSA continues to be undetectable (prostate cancer contained to prostate, negative margins). You never know if the cancer will come back, but for me, I am confident I will be in the 80% probability group of not having BCR. My confidence is based on the doctor, hospital and staff expertise. I would highly highly recommend doing your homework and finding the best possible hospital and doctor to provide your treatment. Your quality of life, for the rest of your life, will depend on the competence of those performing the treatment.

Based on my research and discussions after my treatment, I personally would recommend a radical prostatectomy for someone that is healthy/active and is relatively young (everyone has a different definition for young). However, as I said earlier, the treatment decision is very personal and one treatment plan does not meet every man's situation and goals.

Best of luck and pray all goes well for both of you.

Jim