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I have been recenlty diagnosed with prostate cancer. 2 core Gleason 3+3. Urologist recommends brachytherapy. I have to decide between surgery or radiation treatment. I am 70 years old. Suggestions welcome
Well, those are certainly not the only two choices, and you do not have to rush into a decision. I suggest you read some of the many experiences posted here by men with similar initial diagnosis. My choice was active surveillance.
Aloha Mazharul Hug,
Roger's advice is certainly one to look at closely with the information you've provided. First thing anyone should do with such a decision is TO GET A SECOND OPINION ON THOSE CORES! It would be nice to know more info about your initial conditions and do you have a PSA history? Any treatment has great potential to screw up your life, especially at your age. Look at Terry's story, he chose to keep lots of years, with minimal treatment and he got to keep all his body parts.
With recent survey results about the quality of life after surgery, I'd think twice about that. My own experience with radiation (EBRT) lead to a lot of problems, although I would not change what I did, as the PCa is currently not detectable. It did give me more years of life.
So, where are you from? Do your treatment centers have good results?
Keep asking questions, read everything you can, good luck,
Joe
I would also not rush to any hasty decisions. There are a variety of modalities that are explained very well on Yana. Take your time and research.You have more time than some surgeons or radiologists woul have you believe.I chose proton beam because much of the anectotal information(check out stories on Yana) indicates far fewer side effects. I am 9 months post-treatment(gleason 7), psa down to .8 without side effects. Consider all of your options.
My journal has evolved as a mini-primer on one form of radiation that may be of interest to you; check it out at http://protondon.blogspot.com/
Regards Don O.
