Hello everyone, I've been visiting this site and others trying to figure out what treatment I want,
I was diagnosed on 2/28/23 with 3 positive cores. one was 3+3 the other two 3+4
I'm 55, in great shape, very active and have no sexual health issues what so ever.
Here's where I'm confused, I've met with Dr. Lau from City of Hope, who by all accounts, is a fantastic surgeon with over 3000 under his belt. He obviously thinks surgery will be my best outcome.
I've met with Dr. Kishan from UCLA, who thinks SBRT would be a great treatment choice.
(side note my insurance won't cover SpaceOAR)
Dr. Kishan did tell me that he wasn't against me going the surgery route, which I appreciated his honesty.
So here's my dilemma, gong with RALP, gonna have urinary incontinent issues that, more than likely will subside after time. ED will be immediate and function could come back to current standards, within 12-24 months, greatly dependent on the surgeon and how well he can spare the nerves. Other concerns with penis shortening and curvature aren't hugely concerning to me.
With SBRT the urinary side effects seem to be back at baseline within 12 weeks
ED will not be immediate but will come, and about 50% will have ED at 5 years after treatment.
But my biggest concern is having long term toxicity rectal side effects. Dr' Kishan says they have data for about 12 years, my concern is, could this get worse after 15-20+ yrs?
If I was 70+ I wouldn't hesitate to get SBRT, knowing that for at least 12 years I'm probably good.
I haven't been able to find any longer term studies or anyone who has had SBRT maybe 15-20 years ago. I know I'm overthinking all this, but I have too. I need to get this right and make the best decision for me. My main goals are to get rid oof the cancer, but preserving my sexual health is right up there.
Appreciate any insight and thoughts.
Thank you for your time
Jef