← Return to Treatment Decision - Radical Prostatectomy versus Radiation Therapy

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@mesaaz7

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.

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Replies to "I am almost 70 and have periodic AFIB and was also was told by a doctor..."

I am NOT a medical doctor. Yet I feel you decision is the correct one, if you feel comfortable with it, I personally think it is the correct decision.

I had a bypass in 2000, then between 2000 and 2023 I had 8 stents placed and multiple angioplasties. Just between 2000-2008 I had 11 procedures.

Yet I made it just fine. I completely trust my cardiologist and my surgeon.

I’m 76 and have had 4 afib events in the last 2 years. Never had any comments about not having my hip and knee replaced in the last year. Both required I be put under for the length of the operations and the knee operation was many hours, a lot more than RP.

I suspect overall health is a lot more important than age.

I had RP at 71. My doctor said I was in excellent physical condition and a perfect candidate for RP. So I respectfully disagree with your doctor who based surgery on age. I guess I’m an example that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to RP.. After the surgery I had ZERO incontinence issues. My Gleason ended up being 4+5 and a high Decifer score. So far my last 4 blood tests indicate my PSA at < 0.01. Hoping and praying for more of the same in the future. Best to all of you who are members of our “Fraternity”.