Op or Brachytherapy

User

Posted 21 Apr 2026 at 15:02

Hello all

Urologist last week, hormones, brachytherapy and radiotherapy.

Oncologist today, operation is the way forward.

I am confused, I care for my wife she has Alziemers the radiotherapy would bec2.5hrs round trip with associate problems, but op is 8 weeks out of action.

Any ideas are welcome

User

Posted 21 Apr 2026 at 15:57

Hi Bob

I understand your difficulty in trying to choose a treatment. Considering your personal situation, I would not discourage you from choosing prostatectomy. Of course other options can have batter or the same outcome depending on many different things. I had prostatectomy over 15 years a go. I did suffer side effects but considering I am told that I am 'cured' is obviously great. The outcome of prostatectomy has improved greatly since my surgery. Your estimate of recovery time of 8 weeks is perhaps an overestimate. I was out and about with my catheter in position 3 days after surgery and was able to go for a reasonable walk within a week. Good luck

'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.' Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

User

Posted 21 Apr 2026 at 21:34

Hi Bob,

I wonder why the Oncologist rejected the RT proposal and what you prefer.

Like Pratap above I was walking around 2 days later but there was the catheter and bag and a need to be careful physically for a few weeks.

The NHS might provide support if you need it. The District Nurse visited me when I got home and offered to help if needed, but I didn't need it.

All the best, Peter

User

Posted 22 Apr 2026 at 19:50

Hi....

Same concern as you Being guided towards op but not sure I really want it as the brecht or SBRT is less invasive. So dammed confusing.

Some sites list the side effects as very similar and some don't. I spoke with oncologist and she said bratty was worse than SBRT.

Still deciding but lost in the vast amount of info.

Was reassured by talking to pier support for brachy worth a chat.

User

Posted 23 Apr 2026 at 06:44

Hi Bob,

I can only give my view from the brachytherapy option that i decided to take after being offered both treatments.

I was PSA 2.19 Gleason 3+4=7 No Mo and 5 out of 20 cores positive . I had the brachytherapy at Mount Vernon in September 2016 and found the operation very good ie in and out in under two days, and no real side affects.

If you click on my avatar and scroll down a lot you can see my journey if that helps.

I was signed off it 2021 ish and will be 10 years this September and only take blood pressure tablets and Statins but nothing to do with the Brachytherapy .good luck.

John.

Edited by member 23 Apr 2026 at 06:45 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 23 Apr 2026 at 08:03

Hi,

The side effects are similar, with surgery they are generally immediate but can and generally do improve, more so with urinary issues, ED is more hit and miss, depends on whether your nerves are spared.

The side effects with RT/Bracy tend develop over time

I went the RT/Bracy route mainly because I was T3b so most likely would have needed salvage HT too, plus I was told surgery would be none nerve sparing

Side effect wise I'm more affected by the 2 years hormone therapy which finishes in a couple of months. Its been very manageable (not the case for everyone), but I'll be glad to be off it! I will see what the future holds ED wise but so far things are still working, if less enthusiastically due to the HT.

All the best

John

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