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I agree with John about the problems associated with surgery after radiation. It can be done, but it is rarely successful.
I must say I have never understood why men concentrate so much on what salvage therapies might be available. If, for example radiation therapy is considered as a good salvage therapy for failed surgery, wouldn't it be better to have radiation initially rather than surgery. If radiation isn't considered a better option for primary therapy, why would it be good as a secondary?
Choose the one you believe is best for you and deal with salavge if and when it is neccessary.
I note that John has suggested that Brachytherapy or DHR (High Dosage Radiation) are also options for failed EBRT (External Beam Radiation Therapy). I have been under the impression until now that this is not possible simply because the initial EBRT procedure will have given the man the maximum 'safe' radiation dose.
Perhaps John could give some references to support his view?
HDR Brachy as salvage after failed ERBT:
http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/localdis/Song_SalvageHighDoseRate.html
Michael Dattoli in his book "Brachytherapy and IMRT" and on the Dattoli website also mentions reseeding with a different isotope as an option for salvage after failed Brachy.
