Recently Diagnosed - Surgery or Radiation?

Posted by pctm @pctm, Mar 23 4:12pm

I'm 53 years old and a veteran. I only have insurance through the VA. Late last year my labs revealed PSA level 4.52. I had MRI/CT scans, which led to ordering a Biopsy. On 3/7, I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Left side has cancer cells. Grade Groups 1-3 and some small indications of 4-5. My PET scan is in two weeks to help set a baseline. Doctors are optimistic it has not spread. I met with urologist/oncologist surgeon and separately with radiation oncology. At first, I was leaning towards surgery and last week towards radiation. I read a lot of posts regarding both treatment options over the weekend and now I'm not sure which option to choose. Both have possible long-term side effects, and both have low risks of it returning. Surgery is definitely more invasive and quality of life more diminishable than radiation. However, I read that between 23% and 80% of people who receive radiation treatment in their pelvic area develop radiation cystitis and require lots medication. I'm trying to stay positive for my family and friends and keep saying I will be OK. However, I'm not sure which treatment is best. I would like to ask those who had surgery or radiation what side effects they experienced afterwards? What medications are helping? Do you feel like you made the right treatment choice (Surgery Vs Radiation)? I hope you are doing well.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

survivor5280 | @survivor5280 | Mar 25 1:31pm

In reply to @graybeard46 "My only comment that helped me decide surgery vs radiation is if you choose radiation without..." + (show)

I think it can cut both ways. You get surgery and need radiation ALSO or you get radiation and need surgery ALSO. I say ALSO because your provider chose the best path they believed would rid you of the disease, it's not a guarantee by any stretch of the imagination so a lot guys end up with ALSO. The benefit of RARP first is to get a definitive blueprint of your prostate, the thing that started the whole mess, and while I'd rather not have done it at all I'm glad it is out of me.

jmacpa | @jmacpa | Mar 28 10:32am

I saw 5 different docs when I found out i had prostate cancer. not sure there is a "right" choice and not sure i'm making the correct choice but in the end you have to chose one and i chose surgery. i'm certainly going to be nervous about the surgery but i would be the same with radiation. for me i had to chose one or the other because my Gleason score was 9 and I have the BRCA2 genetic defect which predisposes me to high risk prostate cancer.

I am currently 2 months into the 6 month NePtune trial which seeks to lower my PSA and attack the cancer before surgery. the idea behind the trial is to "kill" the cancer before surgery to push the chance of reoccurance way down the road and for me i have a much higher chance of reoccurance bc of my genetics. when the trial completes in 4 months i will have my surgery.

I agree both options have side effects and in the end i choose surgery because i want the cancer and my damaged prostate out of my body.

GL - I'm sure you'll chose the right option.