[r_foye]

I'm 52 and just had my prostate removed 6 weeks ago. I chose surgery because I figured that was my only guarantee that I'd never have prostate cancer again. Still a little sore but other than that everything is ok. Some people chose chemo, others watch, I decided I didn't want that crap inside of me. The doctors won't recommend one over the other, it just comes down to the one you feel most comfortable with. Good Luck...

[hdh1470]

Originally Posted by r_foye

I'm 52 and just had my prostate removed 6 weeks ago. I chose surgery because I figured that was my only guarantee that I'd never have prostate cancer again. Still a little sore but other than that everything is ok. Some people chose chemo, others watch, I decided I didn't want that crap inside of me. The doctors won't recommend one over the other, it just comes down to the one you feel most comfortable with. Good Luck...

Robotic?

[r_foye]

Not robotic, I didn't necessarily buy into the hype. I read one report that said less evasive and another that said no difference. I choose the skilled human. They had unexpected complications when they got in there and the skilled human took care of it.

[hlanders]

I responded last August when my husband was first diagnosed and we were firm supporters of Proton Therapy. After consulting numerous doctors on his specific situation, i.e. early detection but aggressive we knew the best option was surgical removal. Our local urologist was excellent however we preferred robotic which he does not do. There is less trauma, loss of blood, etc. and faster recovery but SKILL is extremely important whatever route you go. We found a doctor in Atlanta that has successfully performed hundreds of robotic surgeries and has a excellent reputation in the entire south for handling prostate cancer patients. They are used to "traveling" patients so everything went smoothly, very good recovery. A year later, my husband's PSA remains at zero and is not incontinent.

[dadspet]

Had mine done about 8 yrs ago at RCOG in Atlanta. Proceedure is a combination of seeds followed by radiation called "prostrcision". PSA has been 0.0 for about the last 6 years and minimal side effects. Going there is like a radiation vacation - this place is great. Check their web site http://www.prostrcision.com/. They have published cure rate over 10 yrs in the Journal of Urology that are better then surgery at the gold standard for surgery at John Hopkins. Their tracking is extensive, with patents reporting psa levels and multiple page questionnaire on everything from side effects to sex. Eight yrs ago they did more prostate patents then the largest 3 major surgery hospitals. Doctors to patient talks each week on all aspects of the treatment / side effects / cure rates / changes in procedure, diet, etc lasting for well over an hr and the Doctors not leaving until all questions are answered. Activities for the wives. A place with free or minimal cost housing for your stay if needed. Patients really liked the housing and all become real friendly during their stay. I don't think you will find a better clinic in the world for prostate cancer.

You might want to ask your clinic or Dr if their cure rates and side effects are published and what they are over the years.

[jmitchell]

Originally Posted by hdh1470

Thank You I think i will have robtic surgery,from speaking to all the DRS i have seen the outcomes ten yrs out are about the same.What made me decide on this is that my parents lived til they were in their 90s and what Drs have told me is after 15 yrs out they start to patients with bladder and other types of cancers and just dont know if the radiation caused them or not.I also asked about proton thearpy my Dr said to go where they had done alot of cases and that would be loma linda or Mass. general I also was told watch the hype about all the treatments their is a lot of big money investors in all these different treatments. But again they say their is no wrong treatments about the same. have to do what you feel is right for you I think he told me last week a new study came out on proton thearpy and it showed its the same as all the others. thanks again and good luck
Oh just so you know i have been going to very good Drs at Loyola and Northwestern both good theaching hospitals

My husband was diagnosed a little over a year ago with PC. He was only 58. Unfortunately his PC had spread outside the prostate and he had a Gleason score of 7. He went to John Hopkins and had a radical prostatectomy. They found cancer in one of his pelvic lymph nodes and thought his cancer would continue to spread. But as soon as he was diagnosed he completely changed his diet based on research done at John Hopkins. You may want to read Patrick Walsh's Book, Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer. Even though they don't have proof it changes the chance of recurrence, he has been cancer free since -- much to the surprise of his doctors.

Everyone is different. Do what you feel is best for you. For us, it was living as long as possible. Take good care of yourself.