Hi,
It's nice to have a do nothing option. It makes it sound like it doesn't need urgent action. Although there are different sorts of do nothing where it's putting off the inevitable and perhaps it would be better to get it treated. They sometimes like to avoid accusations of over treatment as that has been an accusation, although it's easy saying things after the event.
In general options 1 and 2 have similar outcomes although being ever sceptical I believe a good operation must give a better result. If it's gone it's gone. Whereas with radiotherapy the prostate is still there, somewhat fried.
I would add that nothing is certain with prostate cancer and no-one can be sure. You should soon get used to it though and won't think much about it, unless there are problems.
It would seem that if they're willing to do nothing it hasn't spread or is in imminent danger of spreading. Radiotherapy has an advantage when it comes to treating spread near the prostate.
Side effects vary and you might get one or all of them depending on luck and perhaps the skill of the surgeon. There are plenty of other threads listing the side effects and a search will bring up several discussions. I know the operation side effects but am hazy on radiotherapy.
If you list side effects it can be off putting when, in my opinion, you need to make a decision on your feelings for best outcome and longer life. Although some people are willing to sacrifice to have a better quality of life.
After the op a surgeon will normally say most men regain continence within six months. You may need to take tablets to get an erection. You won't eject anything during sex. There are minor effects too. I think most men have some disfunction but regain continence. If you're lucky you'll be continent and having an erection fairly quickly. If you're unlucky the side effects will mean you'll not regain continence and not be able to get an erection, but there is treatment for those. There are advantages with the op such as you know better where you are quicker and treatment is over faster. Long term side effects from radiotherapy won't happen and you can have radiotherapy after the op.
Anyway with that as a primer I'd look around this forum. Some say download the toolkit on this site and it's probably good advice.
If I could put it off due to very low grading I think I would as some people have prostate cancer for years without it becoming critical. I sometimes think I must have had it a few years but I was lucky I went to the GP for a different reason when I did as it was about to become almost untreatable. It's not easy to judge so I'd be careful and err to caution.
Regards
Peter
Edited by member 22 Sep 2021 at 23:32
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