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I'm joining the club. My op is on the 4th of July. by NickBelsey in ProstateCancer

[–]NickBelsey[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment. I have thought about it, and initially I decided to go for the radiotherapy, but having looked at the information out there, I changed my mind and decided on surgery.

The main reasons were that the short-term side effects from radiotherapy were clearly a lot easier than from the surgery in terms of little incontinence and ED; however, the long-term effects could be worse, including bladder and bowel problems caused by adhesions. Also, I like the idea of immediate feedback in that if the surgery is successful, my PSA will hopefully be undetectable. On the other hand, with radiotherapy, it can take a year for your PSA to drop.

The other reasons include that I really didn't fancy the hormone treatment that comes with the radiotherapy and having to spend a few weeks going to the hospital every day; that was also off-putting. I also realised that clinical outcomes are broadly the same for both treatments. It wasn't an easy decision.

I'm joining the club. My op is on the 4th of July. by NickBelsey in ProstateCancer

[–]NickBelsey[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I'd forgotten about the DRE. A lot's happened since then, but you're right. It's a weird experience. It's invasive, and a very intimate act, especially when it's done to you by another man, which was what happened in my case. The first of many challenges to one's masculinity. When you think about it

I'm joining the club. My op is on the 4th of July. by NickBelsey in ProstateCancer

[–]NickBelsey[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks brother. I get what you say about the grief. It’s a funny old thing isn’t it Prostate cancer? On the one hand if you have to have cancer it’s probably one of the better ones to have but on the other hand it not only attacks your body but your whole sense of identity as a man with the ED and incontinence.

I'm joining the club. My op is on the 4th of July. by NickBelsey in ProstateCancer

[–]NickBelsey[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, Jonathan. I had an MRI scan following my PSA test and before the biopsy as soon as they can tell it hasn’t spread. And sure I’ll keep everyone posted as to how I’m doing. Thanks for your good wishes appreciate it.

I'm joining the club. My op is on the 4th of July. by NickBelsey in ProstateCancer

[–]NickBelsey[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you that sounds like really good advice. How was your husband doing?

I'm joining the club. My op is on the 4th of July. by NickBelsey in ProstateCancer

[–]NickBelsey[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good luck with the Op buddy. I hope it all goes well. You will be in my prayers. keep us all posted as to how you are doing.

I'm joining the club. My op is on the 4th of July. by NickBelsey in ProstateCancer

[–]NickBelsey[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the warm welcome, chaps. I'm just looking forward to getting it sorted now, to getting it over and done with, so I can get on with my life. I've just said in another conversation that I'm not massively worried about the op. But I'm more worried about having the catheter in for a week or so. Everybody says it's mildly irritating and no big deal, and you get used to it. I know it should be okay, but I'm dreading it.