(No Subject)

Radiation kills the cancer. Once dead, it is “all out”. Radiation covers a much larger area than surgery. Especially a wider margin around the and pelvic lymph nodes as is usually indicated with high risk. That is important in high risk cases, as yours is.

Look at my signature. Probably similar to yours in terms of PSA, tumor load and Gleason. Three surgeons said no surgery as it would not be curative and I would then need radiation. That is the double whammy of negative side effects no one wants. Particularly on purpose.

I used the best known combination of treatments for high risk. External beam radiation, high dose rate brachytherapy and androgen deprivation therapy. That was nearly 14 years ago and today I continue to be cancer free and have no treatment side effects.

And another myth; the surgeon might say that you are too young for radiation and you may develop secondary cancers. Again, hogwash. The risk of developing radiation induced secondary cancer is about equal to dying from complications from surgery. And if the surgery doesn’t work will the doc wait until you are old enough for radiation? And what is that age? No he will say well now you need radiation as we thought you might. Of course more children with cancer are treated with radiation than surgery. Hmmmmm, aren’t they too young?

A lot to learn, multiple assessments from different board certified practitioners. Best wishes.