Prostatectomy in June 2018

[kdh1950]

New to the group. Biopsy in April 2018 showed cancer in prostate, Gleeson score of 8. Radical prostatectomy in June 2018. Post surgery pathology showed positive margins and cancer in lymph node, left groin area. Quarterly PSA tests since surgery remain below 0.02. Doc is suggesting possible radiation treatment beginning on the one-year anniversary of my surgery, as a preventative measure. Has anyone had this type of radiation treatment?

[wmcrgood]

Sounds strange to me?

Your blood test shows your clear. Why suffer the sicness and cost of radation?

[wmcrgood]

Get another doctors opinion on the radation

[Tovok31]

Get a second opinion!

[Jimbo59]

I had 4 opinions. 1 no, 1 50/50, 1 yes 1 yes plus ADT possibly. My pathology was more favourable than yours, pt3a 3+4 with tertiary 5 and established PNI. clear margins. I chose aRT at 4 months. A major factor was I was due to embark on a six months trip to the other side of the world within 6 months of RP so the option of early salvage RT was not available which would have been my first choice probably. I remain cancer free 4 years later with piece of mind that I hit it as hard as possible. I would seriously consider it with your pathology as well as get more opinions. Cost was not an issue since I was covered by insurance in UK.

[MrOz]

Hi, I'm 62, I had radical prostatectomy 2/2014. Gleason 7, 3+4. I had Extraprostatic Extension but no other involvement, it was explained that it was right at the edge but not broken through. PSA dropped from 4 to 0.02. By 2016, PSA had risen to 0.1. I had scans in 02/2016, a bump or tumor the size of a pea was found on my prostrate bed. A biopsy was performed and came back positive. I had radiation in 04/2016 which consisted of 45 visits, 9-weeks, 5 days a week. PSA dropped to 0.02. Stayed there until Nov 2018, went to 0.03. Had PSA test 3/2019, went to 0.06. Scheduled for follow up 06/2019. It has been discussed that depending on what the PSA shows on that visit I will have a PET scan using Axumin.

Radiation wasn’t too bad, nausea , some diarrhea and fatigue, I worked a reduced schedule during that time. Long term, so far I have had an increase in urinary issues and loss some of my sexual functions. Prostate cancer is a slog, plenty of opportunities for reflection and to play mind games with yourself. Good luck on your journey.

[Harley1948 in reply to MrOz]

I had RP in Oct 2018. I only have one post that has my pathology report. I started ART at 3 months after RP. It was 36 sessions. It had little side affects for me. I did it because, I did not want to look back and wish I would have had ART. Perhaps over treatment, but gave me peace of mind. I read this forum everyday and see what this cancer can do and have cried a more than once. I finished RT a couple of weeks ago - happy it is over, glad I did it and HOPE my psa stays undetectable (less than .02 on last psa test in March).

[David1958]

I had RP almost 8 years ago. No follow up RT. No extention beyond the margin. Unable to harvest lymph nodes because of extensive scarring from earlier hernia operation. My PSA has been undetectable since surgery. Gleason 7 (3+4). T2c before surgery. Pathology made it T3. Everyone does what they are comfortable with. As long as you can sleep at night is all that matters.

[tklee7532]

I had radical prostectomy in 2/18 when I was 73-1/2. Over 60 lymph notes removed but none showed cancer. Had positive margin. Got genetic test which said aggressive form. So I started RT late in 6/18 for 39 treatments. No ill effects. Also started ADT in 6/18 and will continue for 2 years. Had severe hot flashes at first but started Megace and it is no longer a problem. So I did the triple because I wanted to be as aggressive as my cancer. ADT may have long term effects, but none noted so far. I feel well. Doing everything I could gives me comfort and so far it's gone well. I hope that continues.