← Return to Radical prostatectomy vs external Beam and Seeds for Inter. risk PC

Discussion

Radical prostatectomy vs external Beam and Seeds for Inter. risk PC

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Aug 30, 2023 | Replies (28)
Comment receiving replies
@ssonkin

I disagree with most of what you said in your reply, and I fail to understand the snide implication that my original remarks are the result of a poor understanding of math. Where we do agree is that bowel dysfunction is uncommon following radiation and has "decreased as techniques have improved". In fact, I said just that in my original post. Where we do not agree is on the numbers. I do not know the source of your 1% figure, but it is not consistent with several articles, like this one from Johns Hopkins:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bowel-dysfunction-after-prostate-cancer-treatment
Of course, any of these statistics fail to assess the specific risk for a specific patient. That is why I had several discussions with the doctors at Johns Hopkins, where I was treated, to understand the likely issues for my particular circumstances.

I would also take issue with your subjective assessment that bowel dysfunction and urinary incontinence are "equally unpleasant issues." I do not feel that way, and I suspect many others would agree with me.

Jump to this post

Replies to "I disagree with most of what you said in your reply, and I fail to understand..."
ozelli | @ozelli | Aug 30, 2023

Terribly sorry if I offended you and can assure you that was not my intention. The 1% figure I was referring to was of Grade 2 or greater rectal toxicity. With the most advanced centers, this figure holds true I think. Maybe it is 2% and this may be a Japanese study I am referencing.

There was a study that I read recently (can't remember of course) but patient reported and the clear winner in terms of post treatment distress was urinary incontinence. A cursory look here on this board and there are almost no folks complaining about rectal concerns post radiation while urinary problems post surgery are pretty common.

I think that on message boards like this one (and in doctors offices BTW), surgery is often presented while wearing the most rosiest of glasses. I think I was simply trying to alert readers to the fact that while rectal/bowel issues can present after and during treatment, they can hardly be described as common.

I am guessing here but 5 years ago, a majority of readers would have heard primarily from surgery people on this forum. Slowly. radiation is getting a place on the soap box. I think it is well deserved and one that the numbers support (that was my general point with the math comment) in my opinion.

I wish you the very best with your recovery.

VIEW AND REPLY