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Treatment Decision - Radical Prostatectomy versus Radiation Therapy
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Oct 19 10:23am | Replies (57)Comment receiving replies
I am 71 and found out in April that I had PC. MRI and Biopsy showed PC in the prostate and seminal vesicles. Biopsy showed Gleason 7's and a 9, T3a, Score 5 and the cancer of the aggressive type.
My doc and I discussed the treatment options and since I have had many heart issues he said I might not survive the RP. I am in really good shape and I elected to go with the RP. My cardiologist said I was fine.
My thought process was that if you have radiation, you more than likely cannot have RP (but I learned recently that there are a few rare cases that you can). Yet, if you have RP you can have radiation and ADT. I thought of the RP/ADT/Radiation as a "triple antibiotic" type of treatment. We did the RP and now I am awaiting what the next steps are.
Yes, I have mild incontinence, and they had to remove one set of nerves which also had PC, which will make getting an erection extremely hard, but at my age that's not a big deal. I learned a long time ago marriage is not about sex, marriage is about love and mutual respect.
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I am almost 70 and have periodic AFIB and was also was told by a doctor specializing in radiation treatment that I was too high of risk for RP. He described 65-70 as a grey zone where over 70 generally should select radiation and below 65 RP was fine. Because of the combination of AFIB and age he strongly recommended radiation. However I have selected RP.
I am NOT sharing this to discourage people from the radiation option but instead to suggest you should consult with at least one radiation and one surgical specialist before making a decision. I feel most doctors are purely motivated by the desire to help you, not money and give their honest opinions. However in my case the RP specialist also with years of experience felt I was a low risk case for RP and in my specific case this got me back to work full time quicker. Only time will tell if it was the right decision . . . . my surgery is not until late November.
I appreciate your sharing as we are of similar age. Your comment "My thought process was that if you have radiation, you more than likely cannot have RP (but I learned recently that there are a few rare cases that you can). Yet, if you have RP you can have radiation and ADT." was the number one reason I selected RP.
I am lucky in that my cancer appears to be less aggressive than yours. Hoping you do not require further treatment and have a great life going forward. I share your feelings on what is important in life.