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ProstoxUltra & Prostox CFRT both high risk-switch to RALP?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Feb 5 9:58am | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
@quaddick My husband is 3+4=7 too. Our radiation oncologist gave us a choice of SBRT or IMRT. Problem is my husband rated himself a "5" ("almost always") on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for "weak stream". Had "weak stream" for years. Hasn't gotten worse, stable.
When I read that radiation can exacerbate existing urinary issues (ie to a point of No Stream), I went into research mode. I found out about PROSTOX through Dr. Scholz/Alex (Prostate Cancer Research Institute).
When we told our urologist that we had scored "HIGH RISK" on both Prostox (SBRT) and Prostox (CFRT), he had the same reaction our our radiation oncologist. Hadn't heard of it.
My husband told our urologist that we were leaning towards delaying treatment and needed to order a Decipher test. The phone call went silent for a while....
Our urologist has now referred us to a surgical oncologist who will get in touch and order Decipher for us. (I hope that surgical oncologist won't lob "prostatectomy" into our lap. Sure *you* got RALP, but you, at 67, are a spring chicken compared by my 78 year old husband.
Part of me would rather gamble on IMRT than "prostatectomy".... But first we need the Decipher results just to see how aggressive a monster we have looming in the shadows.
Happy to read you're doing well, oh fellow PROSTOX Outlier!
Replies to "@quaddick My husband is 3+4=7 too. Our radiation oncologist gave us a choice of SBRT or..."
@kjholz ,
I get where you're coming from on the age difference. It's my understanding that there are multiple treatments for weak or no streams. For most of us there are no black or white decisions to be made. We just got to educate ourselves and weigh which side effects we're willing to endure.
I'm glad you're ordering a Decipher test. Has your husband had a PSMA PET scan? That was a key part of my decision making also. You really have to be your own advocate. I was the one to initiate all of my tests, imaging, and second opinions other than the MRI, and biopsy. Maybe my doc would have gotten around to it, but I asked for them all as soon as I learned of them, so I'm not casting shade on the doc.
Wishing you all the best.
Quaddick
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@kjholz
You should talk to the urologist about getting a TURP in order to clear up the slow urinary issue. Then you could have radiation without the pressure of it causing future urinary problems.
The TURP is like a rotor router that clears out the prostate and resolves urinary issues for many.
You’re right having surgery at 78 is not the best idea, for everyone. I’m 78 and I’m in good shape, I run a mile twice a day and go to the gym three days a week. People never guess I’m 78. I’ve had knee replacement and hip replacement in the last 3 years and stomach surgery a month before turning 78. My blood pressure is low and my cholesterol is low. I’m not sure of your husband‘s condition but If he’s in good shape, surgery could be done. The TURP may make it unnecessary.