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Seeking advice on treatment options

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Oct 6, 2023 | Replies (35)

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@hammer101

For myself, I had just turned 56 when diagnosed with prostate cancer (GS 4/3 = 7). I am also healthy, active and have a positive outlook on life. I did a significant amount of research and ultimately chose a robotic assisted radical prostatectomy because it aligned with my personal life expectations and allowed for the most options in case of BC reoccurrence. My number one goal was to have 30+ years of cancer free life, followed by a distant want of continence and erectile function - Fortunately, all three goals have been met to date (obviously, cancer free life is a work in process).
Whatever treatment plan you decide to move forward with, it is absolutely critical to do your homework, be treated at a center of excellence and pick the best possible doctor at that center of excellence. I chose Mayo-Rochester and Doctor Igor Frank. Dr. Frank was the first surgeon at Mayo to perform the robotically assisted radical prostatectomy surgery and has since trained other surgeons for 20 years. I wanted a surgeon that had decades of experience so that the best possible decisions could be made during surgery. I am sure there are many other great surgeons, just want to emphasize that it is vital to do your homework if you choose to go with a radical prostatectomy (same for other treatment plans, I just don't have personal experience with other treatment plans).
Most men will say they are happy with the treatment plan they chose - That's probably human nature and it is the case with myself. I am so very happy I went with a RP. The known cancer has been taken out of my body, a complete pathology was able to be performed (prostate, seminal vesicles, lymph nodes) versus individual biopsy samples, and there are a lot of options in case biochemical reoccurrence occurs. As I always say to other men facing this unfortunate decision - If a train is coming, get off the tracks immediately. Cancer is deadly and must be addressed immediately.

Good luck with your treatment plan decision and a cancer-free life going forward!!

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Replies to "For myself, I had just turned 56 when diagnosed with prostate cancer (GS 4/3 = 7)...."

Thank you very much for your message hammer101. Love to hear the great results.
I hope you get those 30 years and then some! In the case I do choose surgery I will ask for Dr Frank.
I had the mindset of addressing this immediately when I was diagnosed last year but trusted the doctors that recommended AS. I still do trust them. Based on the information they had it made sense. I am back where I started after the recent biopsy results and ready to treat this now. No more waiting. If I could only make a decision now and have some confidence in the Dr that would be tremendous. I am obviously still unsettled at this moment. I have faith that it will all come together over the next 2 weeks and we will have a plan. Thank you all so much for your input.