Prostate Cancer Support Group

I am 10 months post prostectomy, and have had two lupron shots

because the cancer was found in lymph nodes and seminal vesicals

i am probably going to have radiation treatments at some point

but my doctors are not in any hurry do start that, i guess it is best if i heal for a year first, but after hearing stories from others who have undergone radiation teatment i am not looking forward to this, it really seems like a gamble, a roll of the dice, as far as side affects,

i hear stories like irritable bowl syndrome and bleeding of the rectum

and all this terrible stuff and i am not sure i want to do this.

what do you guys think about salvage radiation?

can you make a case for or against going forward with radiation therapy

thanks

jack

Jake

Many of us who chose the surgery as the treatment for our PC did it just because of the possible side effects of radiation; for myself I kept radiation as the backup plan in the event I found myself in your situation. I certainly feel for you. The only thing I can think of sharing is that I watched my dad die of his PC metathesis into his bones, it is not what I want for you or anyone; my advice is to follow through with the treatment as recommended.

Jake,

It is always a bad feeling when you find that the PCa wasn't confined to the prostate.

Like paperplane ( and others at this site ) said radiation is often kept as a back up

plan. Radiation after surgery is MUCH more common than radiation and then surgery.

Knowledge is power, so I hope you are asking lots of questions, and taking notes so you'll remember everything you need to.

Reaction to treatment is different from one man to the next. Also dependent on type

of treatment. This is where YOU can do your homework and research. Find out from your

doc what the next step is. Do it NOW so you will have time to understand it.

In dealing with PCa, there aren't any clear answers when you are talking treatments.

When you choose NOT to take treatment the answer becomes much clearer.

Don't let fear and doubt cloud your mind or hide what could be a bright future.

Be concerned, don't be afraid.

I had radiation following radical prostatectomy. My urologist wasn't much in favor of it, since the chances of regaining urinary continence were somewhat worse after radiation therapy. My medical oncologist suggested it as a way of decreasing the risk of local recurrence, which can be especially unpleasant. The radiation oncologist wanted to get on with it as soon as possible, to destroy as much of the tumor as possible before it had a chance to grow and metastasize elsewhere.