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← Return to Surgery? Radiation? Can I have an independent suggestion?
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Surgery? Radiation? Can I have an independent suggestion?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Sep 3 1:05pm | Replies (111)Comment receiving replies
I'm 73 but otherwise very active and healthy enough to live another 15+ years unless something else takes me down. I am familiar with the pros and cons of each approach and it's a toss-up in terms of long-term prognosis. Leaning toward the radiation as being less impactful on qualify of life in the short-run, but I was wondering if the upcoming Decipher score would tilt the balance.
Replies to "I'm 73 but otherwise very active and healthy enough to live another 15+ years unless something..."
As tk192 mentioned, I would at least look at Tulsa Pro. I am 66 and did it last July at Mayo for my 4+3. Medicare paid for it. The low risk of side effects, the technology, and the follow-up plan sold me!
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I think the Decipher score is a big factor. I’m not absolutely certain, but that test of aggressiveness ‘may’ take into account IDC/cribriform which is not always dealt with effectively by radiation of any type.
Do you know if your biopsy found these features? Sometimes they do, sometimes not - only surgical pathology can tell for certain.
You absolutely need more info on which to base your decision since surgery is much more impactful than IMRT on your quality of life; but in the end you may need to have surgery anyway if it offers a better chance of long term remission. Just my opinion as someone who has had both treatments.
Phil