Doc just recommended treatment options, head is spinning! Thoughts?

@briang1958 I agree with @northoftheborder You never know how someone can be helped with what you contribute in this forum.

jmgpdx68 - For myself, the research I did helped me understand my situation and gave me more confidence that I could win the battle with prostate cancer and live a normal life. I was diagnosed with Gleason Score 7 (4+3) prostate cancer in 2022. I did a lot of research and ultimately decided on a robotic prostatectomy at a center of excellence (Mayo-Rochester, MN). There are so many opinions surrounding treatment plans, but for me, I focused on the data, common sense, and my life goals. My main goal was to live 30+ additional years prostate cancer free, and be available to my wife, son, parents, siblings, etc... I didn't want to have any complications or side effects from the surgery but this was not an absolute need. In the end - There were no complications with surgery and I have full continence and erectile function. I realize there is a 20% chance of biochemical reoccurrence, but thus far PSA is undetectable. There are so many horror stories out there surrounding radical prostatectomies, but based on my research and personal experience, the outcome you have is directly related to your up-front research in choosing the best possible center of excellence and the most qualified surgeon at that center of excellence. I did not want the department head, best author, best instructor - Rather, I wanted the best surgeon that had done thousands of successful radical prostatectomies. Then, you must do the post operation therapy that is prescribed. One additional note, I believe your physical condition also helps to minimize side effects (I was mid 50's, excellent physical shape, not over weight, etc.)

There are so many treatment plans out there and you need to pick the one that best aligns with your personal life expectations. If people tell you there is only one option, you probably want to ignore their opinion. For myself, I would definitely recommend a robotically assisted radical prostatectomy at a center of excellence. However, this is based on my person life expectations and experiences.

Good luck with your decision!!

Jim

jmgpdx68

You have already had substantial work done to monitor the progress of your Prostate. This can be very scary. You have also received a lot of good advice from folks who have gone through similar experiences. Now you are confronted with treatment choices.

My recommendation is in line with others. Take a deep breath and book up on latest technologies, procedures, and most qualified institutions. My reasearch included reading Dr. Walshes "Surviving Prostate Cancer". It was both informative and comforting. If you read this book, especially the treatment options you will be in a much better position to make a decision... and you will own that decision. Mine was to receive Proton Beam SBRT at Mayo in Rochester, MN. Team there was simply amazing. I have had no post treatment issues after 3+ years. PSA dropped from 10.5 to .014 today. Everything still works although at 68, not like when I was 32.

Best wishes on a great outcome.

Take your time. Gather all the facts with each course of action. I used chatGPT to keep all the data stored so can created a pro/com for each procedure including my personal al thoughts on each procedure. My PC (stage 2) o decoded on adaptive SBRT and today was my final treatment. It took me months to get to that decision. Don!t rush the process. It’s overwhelming, build a team of friends and family you can reach out too you need a team of doctors but you also needs a team to support your other needs. Specially emotional and mental health. This is a good forum to come with questions and concerns. You got this!

I just got my options with my Dr on Tuesday. MRI, CT, and PET scans all show it is still contained. So much to absorb, and decide. He did mention that with my age, age, longevity, he recommends surgery over radiation. But he gave me the option that I can talk with radiology if I want to see what they say. My Dr did say that after radiation 5-10 yrs later there is a possibility of bladder or colon bleeding without anything to do to repair/fix it.

Everyone is different, so there is many different outcomes. It will be a personal decision.

@bbqpitmaster
Must admit that is the first time I’ve ever heard of a doctor saying that after 5 to 10 years there is a possible problem with bladder or Colon bleeding after radiation. While there is some truth to it Here are some more specific information from a radiation oncologist.

@jeffmarc
Just like your photo shows on the right side, “chance” months to years. My longevity gives me 20+- more years. Is it worth that risk? Not for me. I am leaning strongly just to have it removed, and yes, there are consequences with that too, but looks like more that I can live with.

Thanks for the info.

@bbqpitmaster
I decided on surgery when I was 62. My father had radiation and It came back so I figured I’d try surgery.. That gave me 3 1/2 years before it came back and I had to have salvage radiation.

No side effects at all from that radiation other than incontinence six years later, which could’ve been due to the surgery as well.

Still here 16 years after surgery.