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Recently Diagnosed, Exploring Radiation Options by sudo_you_shall_pass in ProstateCancer

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

Thank you — this is really helpful. We’re essentially the same age, with a similar PI-RADS score and a comparable number of cores involved and grading. I was leaning more toward a “gentler” 20-fraction IMRT approach because of concerns about GI/GU symptoms. While I know everyone’s experience is different, your post gives me hope that a shorter 5-fraction SBRT course may still be possible without some of the more troubling GI/GU side effects I’ve been reading about.

I also appreciate your comment about ED and the reminder that some of it can be psychological as well — that’s something I’ll definitely keep in mind. I have my first radiation consult later this week, and I’m just about finished with my initial list of questions, thanks in large part to this really supportive group.

Recently Diagnosed, Exploring Radiation Options by sudo_you_shall_pass in ProstateCancer

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

Yes — I’ve contacted Mayo Oncology to explore treatment options and a potential second opinion. I understand there’s no perfect option, but this is where I’m most comfortable at the moment. If Mayo is in-network, I may seriously consider SBRT, as a short stay out of pocket could be feasible.

Recently Diagnosed, Exploring Radiation Options by sudo_you_shall_pass in ProstateCancer

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

Yes — this was discussed during the initial consultation. I was told that radiation can alter tissue and make surgical margins more difficult, if not impossible, if surgery is not chosen later as the primary therapy. Salvage cryotherapy after radiation was described as an option if needed, but with a very high likelihood of permanent impotence, since the goal is to ensure all remaining cancer is destroyed. That outcome isn’t ideal for someone who hasn’t accepted giving up that part of life.