Great recap Hans. I can relate to everything in your post. I was diagnosed last April and wish I had had this insight. Learning the acronyms and the endless tests and options can be overwhelming. I had the same experience after talking to 7 doctors – Surgeons swear by surgery, Radiologist’s like radiation. I guess that is to be expected, but it doesn’t help your decision making when there is no clear-cut answer to what is best for you. I went another direction after finding a clinical study at Mayo Rochester on TULSA PRO. I researched the procedure and sent all my tests, MRIs, etc to them to determine eligibility. They told me I was an ideal candidate for the procedure. What sold me was when the Radiologist told me all other options are on the table if the cancer returns. I also had confidence given it is the Mayo Clinic.
I chose this option after weighing the benefits and risk of each procedure. The surgeon said we can fix the side effects if you get them, but most “fixes” involved more surgery. He also said I was at a higher risk for Peronie’s Disease since I had already had it. I didn’t want to go through that surgery again. The low risk of side effects with TULSA was also a huge selling point.
I know there is no long-term data on my choice, but the early data looks good. My MRI at 6 months looks excellent and my PSA went from 8.6 to .96. I only had 30% of my prostate ablated so I will always show some PSA. I fully concur with this statement in your post: “Sometimes, you still have to tell yourself, I made the best decision I could with the information I had, and that has to be enough.” That is enough for me. I made the decision that was right for me at that point in time. Time will tell if it was the right choice, but I was back to walking 2 miles every morning the day after my procedure. I started having sex again 1 week after the procedure. My hope is TULSA will become a standard option (for those who qualify) as its long-term effectiveness is determined. I hope to say in 20 years, I was a trailblazer for something new.
I know testing is now a part of my life forever. I am OK with that. My wife asked me if it drives me crazy knowing I have to be tested regularly. I told her we are all only 1 test away from our lives’ changing drastically. I just happen to be tested regularly for a known risk.
I have also become a walking Public Service Announcer for PSA tests and for informing people what prostate cancer really involves. So many say if you’re going to get cancer, at least it is that one. They have no idea what decisions and potential lifelong implications the disease requires. And those implications are things most men shy away from sharing. I will continue to speak the hard reality, but also speak hope, humor, and sanity!