[Guest]

I'm 43 and have recently undergone RRP. Pathology Gleason was 3+4 (Biopsy 3+3). Pre-RRP PSA was 18.3. Post-surgical pathology found no evidence of capsular invasion, lymph nodes were negative, seminal vessicles were negative, margins were negative. No mention of perineural or vascular involvement. I am due to have my first follow up PSA test in about two weeks.

I have two questions: 1) What are my chances of remaining disease free. I have seen estimates that vary considerably. 2) Should I request radiation therapy to better my odds?

Thanks, CP

[miket]

If you are still using this site I am curious how your post surgery tests came back.  I had the same procedure 08/07 and just had my PSA increase from 0.22 to 0.45.  My  urologist feels that I have a recurrence- but cannot be sure of where.  I  am investigating what options are available. I will have a bone scan and then talk to an oncologist about radiation treatments.  I would just like to find out what lies ahead and what other options are available.

[alchymyst]

Re question of having radiation treatment, I would consider it very carefully. I had external beam radiation after an aborted prostatectomy 17 years ago. I had severe rectal irritation and found that I was allergic to the plant materials in Preparation H which aggravated the situation. I also developed internal hemorrhoids which bleed periodically and have occasional rectal incontinence.