Barrister,
You have certainly came to the right place to get help with a decision. From the time my Urologist called to tell me of my pathology report and the time we next meet to discuss options I spent many hours both at this site and others to learn what we could. So by that meeting I was asking him questions to only validate what I had already learning and made the decision. Like you I have been informed I am a type A personality which means all i’s dotted and t’s crossed.
So why did I choose DaVinci? Once radiation is performed the chance of having surgery is not likely to happen. My young age of 59 said get rid of it now. My biopsy, cat scan, bone scan, and MRI indicated it was all still in the prostrate and therefore - get rid of the prostrate get rid of the cancer. Bleeding and pain was a minimum.
Drawbacks – urinary control becauses prostrate helps with that now. Keegels practiced before surgery help with control afterwards plus my surgeon says the 35+ years of running, situps, and leglifts help. ED is another problem but that given time I am confident with my surgeon doing nerve saving surgery that after surgery shock passes that too will return. Six possible scars on my stomach but I was never a speedo person.
As you have seen from my posts the tests have verified the decision we made. My first PSA in Jan will be just to establish again the biopsy results – its gone!
This is my story and many others will confirm this is the proper treatment while others have elected for the other options. Each of us must research our options and evaluate the best solution best for us.
I give praise to my doctor’s, surgeon, staff of nurses, friends and family. My dearest wife of 39+ years who gave me strength and cared for me during recuperation. But my first praise goes to God who put all those folks in my path to make the journey a success.