what are my options

User

Posted 15 Oct 2015 at 19:42

Hi all, I am 55 years old and reasonably fit, I have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, PSA 31, Advanced localised cancer, bone scan clear and MRI showing cancer ready to spread from prostate. I would appreciate any information on the best kind of treatment for this level of cancer. after speaking to a specialised nurse she has recommended surgery to remove prostate with surrounding area and then radiotherapy to clear up any residue. Just wondering if someone else has had the same type of level as myself and what they did for treatment. I know everyone is different but I am trying to get some idea for the best way forward. I meet up with the specialists on the 27th of this month to decide what I want to do. any information would be gratefully received. Sandy.

User

Posted 15 Oct 2015 at 23:11

Sanders, as the CNS is advising surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy, it seems to me that your choices will be more limited than many newly diagnosed men.

I think there are 3 questions that might be worth going back to ask the nurse:-

1) by removing 'the prostate and surrounding area' did she mean that you will not be suitable for nerve-sparing surgery? If your nerves are removed, you will not be able to have natural erections and will need chemical or mechanical help
2) if the view is that you would need radiotherapy anyway, what is the benefit of having surgery first and having to deal with the side effects? Would you get the same outcome by going straight for radiotherapy?
3) when the nurse suggested surgery followed by radiotherapy did she also say whether you would need hormone treatment and if so, for how long?

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 16 Oct 2015 at 05:32

hi sandy

it is a personal choice you really need to read the tool kit as this fully explains them all, as I understand it if you go for some treatments it can affect you from having the prostate removed at a later date if you feel you need that

I can only comment on what my choice may have been and that is to have it removed, this may be because I don't have the choice

what ever your choice is it will be life changing,

one of the things I am doing is keeping a little video diary on my phone about how I am what is happening to me, treatment wise and results

how much do you talk with family, this may help but at the end of the day it will be your decision

my daughter didn't want me to start my chemo early but she excepts my decision of having it early

its a tough road don't let anybody kid you

all the best with whatever treatment you choose, this community will be here to offer as much support as we can

also have you had a chat with the PCa nurses they are great

nidge

run long and prosper

'pooh how do you spell love'

'piglet you dont spell love -you just feel it'

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User

Posted 15 Oct 2015 at 22:23

Hi Sandy,

Welcome to this forum where I am sure you will find some useful advice and support.

Please check out my profile we share some similar features.

Paul

Edited by member 15 Oct 2015 at 22:26 | Reason: Not specified

THE CHILD HAS GROWN, THE DREAM HAS GONE

User

Posted 15 Oct 2015 at 22:43

Hi Sandy

Welcome - you will get a lot of support here from everyone including those who have a similar diagnosis to yourself.

Click on each person's avatar to see their profile and you will find out about their personal situation. A good point to start is either downloading the toolkit from the publications section or ordering a copy to be sent to you.

Keep posting as they'll always be someone to help or point you in the right direction.

Best wishes on your journey.

Arthur

Edited by member 16 Oct 2015 at 07:27 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 15 Oct 2015 at 23:11

Sanders, as the CNS is advising surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy, it seems to me that your choices will be more limited than many newly diagnosed men.

I think there are 3 questions that might be worth going back to ask the nurse:-

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 16 Oct 2015 at 05:32

hi sandy

I can only comment on what my choice may have been and that is to have it removed, this may be because I don't have the choice

what ever your choice is it will be life changing,

one of the things I am doing is keeping a little video diary on my phone about how I am what is happening to me, treatment wise and results

how much do you talk with family, this may help but at the end of the day it will be your decision

my daughter didn't want me to start my chemo early but she excepts my decision of having it early

its a tough road don't let anybody kid you

all the best with whatever treatment you choose, this community will be here to offer as much support as we can

also have you had a chat with the PCa nurses they are great

nidge

run long and prosper

'pooh how do you spell love'

'piglet you dont spell love -you just feel it'

User

Posted 18 Oct 2015 at 18:31

Thanks everyone for their input, didn't realise that there was such an enormous amount of guys in the same position as me. Funny how you don't think about until it happens to yourself, now its every where you look.

Its good to get some feedback from people who have been or going through the same experience. I have been in touch with the PCUK specialist nurses, they have been very supportive and helpful.

Going to see the consultants/specialist on the 27th October to get an idea of what direction to go, but it looks likely to be surgery. loads of questions still to be asked though.

Sandy

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