@fritzo One of the first things that became apparent to me as I began diving into details about prostate cancer is that there is no pressure to make a decision quickly. (I’m often shocked when I read in this or other forums a guy write (something like) “…I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last week and I’m having my prostate removed next month…”

As for understanding the treatment options. We’re not trying to understand the molecular biology of what happens with each treatment. My urologist (a surgeon) explained the details about prostatectomies; I requested referrals to specialists in other treatments, and he provided them: focal therapy, brachytherapy, SBRT, photon, and proton. In-between those appointments, I was studying up to have a list of questions to ask. I only had to know enough to ask the questions; they filled in the blanks.

I compare it to buying a house or a car. Now, I know absolutely nothing about building a house (or a car). But, I know enough about reading about them to know what questions to ask, and as the questions get answered, I more fully understand the treatments (and ask more questions), as well as understanding what I like and don’t like about each treatment.
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@fritzo Though I referred to it as becoming a “student of prostate cancer,” I also look at it like cramming for a final exam, and yes, getting my own mini-med school education. (To quote from the movie Stripes: “Didn't you ever cram for a test before? I learned two semesters of geology in three hours.”)

Again, the treatments themselves are not complex to understand. Though you wouldn’t want me to operate on you with a DaVinci robot (I’ve had my hands on one before), I do understand how they work, the benefits when compared to open prostatectomies, and the side/after-effects that are likely to happen. I understand the same about each form of treatment. Based on that, I would incorporate my doctor’s advice and recommendations with my own judgement (as well as incorporate others’ opinions, despite their biases which I would determine as to whether they were information-driven biases or emotionally-driven biases)
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@fritzo Yes, docs have bias toward their specialties, not for some surreptitious reason, but because it’s worked successfully for them. I can work with that; that’s the most valuable information I could use - an honest, straightforward, unemotional, experienced-based (biased?) opinion for me to incorporate into my decision-making process.

It’s important to glean from all the information available out there:

> don’t panic; you will see your kids and grandkids again.

> make an informed decision, not an emotional one. (They say that when a close family member dies, that you shouldn’t make a major financial decision for at least 6 months, due to the emotions still being raw; the same should be considered with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment decision.)

> prostate cancer rarely kills. (The mortality rate is one of the lowest of all cancers.)

> doctors are just people; they’re not gods; they’re working in an occupation for which they have an aptitude, education, and passion for; but, they’re not perfect; they’re human, with human frailties; they’re not always right. Whatever they tell me, I accept with caution and informed skepticism (and optimism).

Finally, you’re gonna have to live with this decision for the rest of your life; make it a good one.