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Prostatectomy vs Photon radiation vs Proton Beam Therapy
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 15, 2025 | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
Thanks @jeffmarc for your time and thoughtful insight. I feel as though I have to make a decision today but in reality I still need a couple of other data points. The PETScan and getting a radiation oncology opinion based on my biopsy and pathology report. The urologist is a robotic surgeon so that’s their confirm zone. Plus if you are in the camp of just get it out and save radiation for later surgery even with the recovery and possible long term side effects makes sense. On the other hand Photon or Proton seems to have the same 7-10 year survival rate. But cancer has its own mind especially at the cellular level. I’m glad you are healthy and still here. It’s a very emotional junction. So any input is very much appreciated.
Replies to "Thanks @jeffmarc for your time and thoughtful insight. I feel as though I have to make..."
It is a good idea that you requested a genomic test like Decipher or GPS. That is because not all 3+4 or 4+3 cancers are the same. For exmple, my initial biopsy report showed 3+4, and only 1 out of 18 cores. But a GPS genomic test before surgery came at 47 (very aggressive and high risk cancer), indicating that my initial biopsy report did not detect the wolf in sheep's clothing. A Decipher test after surgery came up with a score of .75 exposing again the wolf in sheep's clothing.
Once all your tests are completed, and your initial risk profile is determined you have multiple treatment options. And like you suggested, you will have to weigh many factors before selecting the best treatment options for you. These factors include insurance coverage (or not), efficacy, side effects, convenience etc.
Fortunatley, you are in an excellent forum where you can weigh these options by learning from the experience of others.
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@bdouglas67
I had a prostatectomy at 62, 16 years ago I ran a Computer consulting business and was out at client’s offices four days after the surgery. I only went to three offices and took it easy but four days later I went to work full-time. The catheter didn’t bother me and I had the Bag attached to my ankle. Is it got full I’d go into a bathroom and empty it..
All I needed was Tylenol for the pain, There wasn’t much since it was done arthroscopically. You would be hard pressed to find a surgeon that didn’t use Robotics.
With a Gleeson seven there’s no such thing as a 7 to 10 yard survival rate. Expect to be around for decades. I know people that are Gleason nine that are having their first reoccurrence at 20 and 30 years. I know many of them that have lived for well over 10 years. The guy who runs ancan.org was a Gleason eight and 17 years ago had radiation and he still alive and cancer free.
Even with my genetic problem that causes my cancer to keep coming back. I’m still here after 16 years and I had a 4+3. For the last two years My cancer has been undetectable.