Woodworker,
Welcome. I would echo David's question, although I had done a lot of the research before I got the full biopsy report (the DRE was basically bad enough that they shuffled schedules to get the biopsy in as soon as possible), so I had a short (several week) decision path. I had several full professional additional opinions, and because I have some family connections to the medical world, I had a lot of short conversations with some leading professionals, and patients (through local contacts).
My pathology was fairly brutal (age 56 myself at first diagnosis, 12 core biopsy, 9 positive, Gleason 4+3 in 2, Gleason 4+4 in 7).
I did not want Radiation combined with the expected long-term HT, due to the lifestyle changes, and the relatively low success rate the doctors quoted.
I was very excited about
seeds, since that was a technology I followed closely many years ago, thinking it would be one of the most exciting uses of radiation (I once did programming for radiology labs, and felt like it was some of the most valuable work from the point of impact on others I ever did). Pity that every doctor to the last one interviewed said I was too far along for seeds.
HIFU is not considered by my insurance.
Proton theraphy would have been a viable option, but a combination of medical and job considerations ruled me out of the nearest program.
I finally did DaVinci, more because I trust the surgeon, and he doesn't do
open anymore. I don't regret or question my decision, but I do wish I had found it earlier.
So we all look at time to decision thinking about
our own paths, and compare our numbers to yours.
I have posted a lot both here and over on CSN's prostate page (same id) about
preparation, and some things about
"afterwards" - I am not the poster child for painless and dry recovery, so don't be too discouraged by my stories - 98% do better if you accept the publicity. On this site, we have a member who has consolidated a lot of our thoughts in a post that shows up at the top of the forum - start with that.
Again, welcome.
(added)
Tells you everyone is active here - I started my post after David's, and 5 more were added before I hit "submit".
Post Edited (142) : 4/2/2010 10:25:52 AM (GMT-6)