Dads Treatment Options? Radiation or Surgery or other.

[crystalfresh]

Dads age 65 physically very active (ex-smoker). PSA Up-Up. Had small surgery through rectum to remove cancer from part of the prostate 2 years ago. It returned now.

Now doc wants 30 radiation treatments every day for a month. Told he might not be able to hold urine and have bowl colon problems after radiation kills surrounding tissue and make him tired.

The other option was removal of the whole prostate. Big surgery I'm told. Dad doesn't want surgery now because of risks and recovery.

Are there any other options to stop the cancer? Is radiation best option? Pros and Cons? Doc scheduled radiation starting January. What should we do?

[Artdude]

Hello.  I understand your dad's hesitancy, but let me assure you that the recovery need not be long.  I don't want to mislead you or him--he will have to regain continency and will have ED issues, but they do get better.  Sometimes there are bowel and bladder issues with radiation that don't surface for a couple of years down the road. (and who wants that--to be going along and then start having problems?)  If your dad is in good health--65 is definitely  not too old for surgery.  He should at least check it out as an option before jumping into radiation.  (With radiation, if the cancer returns, there are fewer options.  With surgery he can then go to radiation and then hormone therapy.)  One option he should consider is Robotic prostatectomy.  I was back to work within a week, regained continence within 3 (less than a month).  The catheter was in less than one week--surgery on a friday, home the next day, catheter out on the following thursday, back to work on Monday.  Not that he has to resume work so soon, but i did like the quicker recovery time.  He should at least check out that option.  I would be happy to answer any questions.  Check out my profile page.  All the best as he (and you) navigate these waters.  Peace.  Artdude.

[zouzi]

Dear cristalfresh,my husband had his prostate removed today.He he also 65 years old.My husband didn't know what to opt for, radiation for 6 weeks or a complete removal of the prostate.We asked the specialist what was the best thing to do,and he told us that it was best to remove the prostate.We also have a friend doctor that advised the same thing.By doing radiation, our friend doctor said,could let one little cancerous cell escape and invade other parts of the body.Of course your decision must be only yours.Today my husband was feeling good that he got rid of the tumor and glad that he will not have to go through radiation.I wish luck for your dad in whatever decision he makes.Regards and best wishes.