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Go with local prostectomy surgeon or pursue big center 2.5 hours away
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Feb 13 12:44pm | Replies (74)Comment receiving replies
@bueller68 A few years out from RP I question the whole nerve sparing thing. Am I willing to risk leaving something behind for some better wood? As a patient that never achieved undetectable status after removal, I wish my doctor had said we will get wide margins. After Salvage radiation and its side effects I wish they had carpet bombed the whole area during surgery. Currently sitting at home after being scoped and cauterized for radiation proctitis earlier this morning. Chose wisely between wood or cancer gone. Surgeons are salesmen. Have you considered Proton radiation?
Replies to "@bueller68 A few years out from RP I question the whole nerve sparing thing. Am I..."
@chippydoo Chip, I actually told my famously nerve sparing surgeon to spare nothing when it came to removing all the cancer; I told him that if I wanted potency more than living, I would be at the radiologist’s office. (Less SE’s sexually)
He did a thorough job as evidenced by my complete loss of erections, but I still needed SRT 6 yrs later.
But I would rather be Erect than ‘erect’ any day of the week!
Phil
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@chippydoo
Your advice is really telling. I listed to myself the most important goals to me. First was cure, 2nd was continence and 3rd is ED. Tells me not to obsess about nerve sparing vs. cancer removal.
There is a Proton center 1.5 hours away and also at Northwestern. It looks like the studies right now aren't showing improved side effect outcome for proton vs. regular radiation therapy. But, definitely need to explore options.