Decided on surgery

User

Posted 20 Feb 2025 at 13:53

Hello again folks, as you can see in my bio I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and today I’ve had a meeting with my CNS and consultant surgeon to decide what my future treatment will be.
I’d already pretty much decided what route I was going but was really helped making my final decision by the lovely surgeon I spoke to.
we’ve decided that surgery will be the best route for me given my age and general health. The surgeon I spoke with is very experienced and is confident that I’ll be back on my feet again sooner rather than later.
He ran through my scan and biopsy with me insisting that the cancer I have was very slow growing and that I might not have issues for many years, but he wants to get my surgery done while I’m youngish and fit.
They said that I could go in for the operation in 2 weeks but I asked for a bit more time as my father is having treatment for prostate cancer starting in March and I’m his only family so need to be able to help him. There’s also my 7 year old to take into consideration we have holidays booked in May and July and I want to make sure he has the best time. Then I’ve got that worry in the back of my mind that I’m leaving it too long and that It will have progressed.
I’m trying my best to do what best for me and my family. I was confident on my decision when I left the hospital, but now the seeds of doubt are in my mind as to if I’m leaving it to long and should act sooner.
I’ve decided to have surgery the week beginning the 18th August. Just hope the decision I’ve made Is the right one.
thanks

gary

User

Posted 20 Feb 2025 at 15:29

Look I am no expert and worry and second guess all the time but if your surgeon is happy to wait until after your holiday then I would accept their advice. Believe you me I err on the side of caution all the time but if you have a slow growing cancer you will be fine until after your holiday. Enjoy

User

Posted 20 Feb 2025 at 15:41

Hi Gary

Good Luck when you have the surgery ,I would be guided by the Surgeon ,if he is OK with the delay then that is fine.I was diagnosed last year with Pc and waited 2 months for the surgery and was desperate to get it done as soon as possible , I was T3a and Gleason score 8 .When you do have the surgery I hope your experience is the same as mine ,only one night in hospital ,minimal pain and good overall treatment.You will see from the comments on the site that managing the incontinence is a challenge, but a small price to pay to get rid of the cancer.I did use the 2 months wait for surgery to my advantage, I started my Pelvic Floor exercises and got my self fit (lost 1 1/2 stone in weight)

all the Best

John

User

Posted 20 Feb 2025 at 15:54

Thanks for your reply. Yeah that’s my plan get myself as fit as possible and work hard on my pelvic floor exercises to put myself in the best possible shape.

User

Posted 22 Feb 2025 at 07:45

Hi Gary

I had similar thoughts when diagnosed in October, we had an annual family holiday booked the week before Christmas, our boys were so excited I didn’t have the heart to have to cancel it because of my surgery. I discussed it with CNS and they were happy for me to wait as the initial discussions were either active surveillance or surgery. If they’re happy for you to wait then it gives you the opportunity to plan things and enjoy some quality time with your son before the op. I wouldn’t say that the surgery has caused too much disruption, not being able to drive interrupted my help with some of the school/club runs, also not being able to be involved in any physical games but after a few weeks you’ll be ok.
You could request a 3 monthly PSA test for your own peace of mind whilst you’re waiting and if there’s any alarming change you will at least have an opportunity to change your plans if needed.

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