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Pre diagnosis function considerations
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Mar 18 12:22pm | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
One really important thing you left out was your age. That can make a difference between radiation and surgery.
The thing is the long-term results are the same whether you have radiation or surgery. With a 3+4 SBRT radiation Makes a lot of sense and is very effective.
If you have surgery, you might find out that that 3+4 isn’t the same when your prostate is examined. In my case, it was a 4+3 after the surgery. I know other people it was a 4+5 or a 4+4, but that wasn’t seen from a biopsy since they can only access about 1% of the prostate with a biopsy.
It might make sense for you to get a decipher test to see what your chance of a reoccurrence is. If you decide to have radiation that will give you reoccurrence information that a biopsy of your prostate might disclose.
Yes, if you are having urinary issues getting surgery might make things easier. It is however, possible to have a TURP after SBRT radiation to the prostate. That could clear out the obstructions in the prostate that’s causing urinary issues.
If you’re planning on having surgery, you should Talk to your doctor about sparing the nerves. That way, your chance of getting an erection after the surgery is greatly increased.
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@jeffmarc
I am 65 and a decent surgery candidate. My first thought was surgery but have had to postpone for work related issues. It has given me more time to explore other options. Some of the new tech in other treatments are quite attractive than that of surgery. I have checked with proton center and a cyberknife center. Proton would be a challenge even with arc method, The hips present issues with efficacy and predictability. Not what a person wants to hear involving radiation. Cyberknife say they "can " do it and have some experience dealing with these. I have some reservations making a challenging treatment even more challenging and possibly an increased chance of error. It seems from most of posts I have read on here that radiation tends to exacerbate whatever existing conditions in most cases. I have a Decipher test in the works. And I believe my Dr. would refer a pmsa pet scan if it would help with decision.