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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 12/23/2006 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, sorry to have to welcome you on here, like myself ( im 48 ) you probably didnt ever expect to be a member of a forum like this, but you have done the hard bit, you found us. Its going to be a hard decision for you both, i must agree with everyone about the radiation if you have that 1st then you cant have surgery after, but if you choose surgery and any of the little buggers have got away you can always get them zapped after. Best advice i had was to get it out of me, any bad cells in your body not good so im having mine out on 12 Jan. Most people on here seem to opt for surgery, your new friends on here will have plenty of advice and help for you and trust me they have been through anything you can throw at them. I am sure you, like myself will be a regular visitor to this forum as you will find that sharing your thoughts and worries with all these friends will help you a great deal. It also sounds like you have a loving wife and children behind you, that means you are halfway there, i myself have a brilliant wife kids & family and they have all assured me that no matter what happens after surgery they are there to support me, other probs can be sorted out as and when they arise ( or not in some cases ) its not the end of the world, there are plenty of other ways you can enjoy yourselves.
So my new friends you have to make your decision, im sure you will find the best 1 for you both, but meet this little problem head on get it sorted and get on with your life, as you will find out on here there is life after PC.
Wish you and your family a very merry xmas and happy new year, if you ever need a chat i like many others are always watching.
All the best
Mike ( London Uk )
Psa 3.4 Gleason 3+3 ( not for long ) tongue
Posted 12/23/2006 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Guys,

It is not a fact that a prostatectomy is impossible following radiation. There are many qualified surgeons doing them now. The catch is, the incidence of incontinence is estimated at up to 30-50% and impotence rates hit over 80%. These are significant but, the outcomes have also signifcantly improved in recent years. It appears to me that only surgeons at high vloume teaching hospitals are doing second attept prostatectomies.

At just 48, unless something contraindicats surgery, radiation should be reconsidered as first choice IMHO. But then again, my hubby has had all the radiation he can have for a lifetime so we know...if something can be saved as a safety net, do it. Even in best case situations, recurrences do happen. If Paul does have a recurrence, his options have been reduced to hormone deprivation. Young guys need to think ahead when ever possible.

Bottm line is it's still an individual decision and one must weigh only his own thoughts, statistics and comfort zone. Frankly, had Paul had radiation as an option he probably would have chosen that instead of surgery.

When I get some time, I will find and post a few articles on post radiation prostatectomies.

Swim
Posted 12/23/2006 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
The best words my urologist used when informing me of my own prostate cancer in person last March was, "You've got time to make a decision"  That was an immense relief. I began reading everything I could get my hands on.  The choices for me came down to brachytherapy and surgery, and I did not decide on surgery until 2 months after my diagnosis. 

I chose surgery because I wanted the peace of mind of having my prostate out and having a surgical pathology report in my hands that stated exactly what was found in the prostate, the seminal vesicles and the surrounding lymph nodes. And I wanted the option of of radiation treatment later if needed.  In hindsight which, by the way, no one has the benefit of, I strongly feel I made the right decision.

Take the time it takes to come to an informed decision.  Read, get expert medical opinions, talk to others who have been thru prostate cancer and then decide the best course of treatment for yourself.

I wish you well and hope to see you on this forum. 

Tim

Posted 12/24/2006 3:02 AM (GMT 0)

    At a younger age I would always perfer to have surgery and have the cancer out of my body.  Save the radiation and chemical tratments for a back up.

  Just my opinion.

  Consider your options and make your decision based on YOU.

    KW

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