Sorry for your experiences Allan, mine were totally the opposite.
I was 58 when diagnosed, no symptoms but showed PSA 14 on a blood test for kidney function. Biopsy came back 70% positive, 100% in left lobe 30% in right. Initial stage reported as T4, but after second scan changed to T3a (thank god or whoever would listen).
I was recommended by my original Oncologist at Gloucester to consider other options rather than surgery if I wanted a quality of life after the operation as the cancer was very extensive in the prostate and no nerve sparing would be possible and the bladder sphincter may also be involved. I am glad I took his word and looked a different solution.
I can only say all the consultants I met and/or talked to from Gloucester and several other hospitals were incredible helpful and very honest in their views without trying to "sell" any particular treatment options. My treatment was undertaken at the BHOC in Bristol and they were superb thoughout.
I had 6 months ADT HT, followed by HDR brachytherapy then after two weeks I had daily EBRT for 26 doses.
I arrived at 6.30am having already taken enema etc., After an examination and discussion with the consultant I was in theater by 8.00am.
Spinal epidural and needle placement took about 2 hours then wheeled out into recovery. 1 hour later taken up a floor to where radiation was to be administered. This took about an hour, before needles were withdrawn, this was only slightly painful bit as no anesthetic was possible.
I was on the recovery ward by 2.00pm and hooked up to catheter to flush out residual radiation. Had a blockage caused by blood clots a couple of times during night but otherwise no problems.
Discharged 9.30am following morning after removal of catheter and being able to empty bladder on my own. Wife collected me and I was home by 12.00pm.
It took 2.5 years but now 3 years post treatment my PSA is >0.1 for the second six monthly check in a row, I feel fit and fine, just get a bit tired late in the afternoon and I have some minor bladder/bowel issues, but so far it has been a great success. My doctor, consultant and the whole team at the BHOC in Bristol have all been amazing and I can't thank them enough.
I can only go by my treatment experience but it was almost totally painless, one night in hospital, I was up and about almost totally pain free 24 hours after being discharged and back to work 3 days later. I took paracetamol for about a week for the bruising, that's it.
In the 3 years since treatment I have had prostatitis a couple of times, I still get tired in the afternoons/evenings but that's probably old age, and I have had some minor issues caused by the raditation, but considering the alternatives I am incredibly grateful.
I hope your experience only gets better and your recovery is as successful as mine has been.
Cheers
Mike
Edited by member 31 Oct 2019 at 11:56
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