Difficulty choosing the right treatment for prostate cancer.
My prostate cancer was picked up on a PSA blood test which had a reading of 6.3.
I then had biopsies done which came back with a Gleason scale reading of 7 in 6 out of 12 samples. I was offered surgery and radiotherapy with three options for each. I spoke to the consultants for both and became more confused. I am widowed for 5 years but have recently met a new partner who is very nice and we both want to continue our relationship. I fear however that side and after effects from both radio and surgery treatments will impinge on our new beginnings. Namely that erectile dysfunction and incontinence are not good bed fellows. She is an understanding and caring person but I am wondering for how long? Trying to find the treatment which offers the the best prognosis and the least side effects is difficult. Both consultants are understandably pro their own methods, but this does not help me. I am looking for men who have been through these things and have advice for me. I am aged 64.
Comments
Hi Jim,
I agree with Webmaster, best to ring the Helpline who will put you in touch with someone from Peer to Peer Support or MAC, who have been through this. Best to talk directly, and in confidence.
Regards,
MM
Peer to Peer Support & MAC
Dear Jim,
I am sorry to read that you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I see that you have not had a reply yet so perhaps you would like to speak to a specialist nurse here on our Cancer Information Service (FreeFone 1800 200 700 Mon-Thurs from 9-7 and Fridays 9-5).
We could also put you in touch with a gentleman from our Men's Cancer Support group called MAC. Some of these men have had surgery, some radiotherapy. We also have a booklet entitled 'Understanding Early Prostate Cancer' and factsheets on the Urinary and Erectile dysfunction associated with this treatment and the many suggestions on how to minimise these side effects.
You can download these also from our website at http://www.cancer.ie/sites/default/file ... nction.pdf or if you call 1800 200 700 we can post you a copy.
Kind regards
Cancer Information Services Nurse