What's your experience with EBRT for low-risk prostate cancer?

This is such an important decision to navigate, and it's great that you're reaching out to connect with others who've been in similar situations. Many people in this community have faced the choice between EBRT, surgery, and active monitoring for low-risk prostate cancer, and their experiences can offer valuable insights into factors like recovery time, side effects, lifestyle considerations, and personal comfort levels with different approaches. Hearing from others who've walked this path can help provide perspective as you work with your medical team to determine what feels right for your specific situation.

Anarjit —- If I’d been lucky enough for your diagnosis I’d certainly go with monitoring only. I was actually diagnosed with Stage 1, single core, non-spread, high risk 4+4, but deeply regret diving into radiation and ADT. Don’t rush your decision—you’ve got time to research, reflect, consult with all sort of experts—including all of the patients who post on this website!

@dave s I too have stage 1 high risk and aggressive prostate cancer with 5 tumors i was wondering why you regret your decision as ive been advised about SBRT for my treatment

Alfie—Thanks for asking so I can perhaps clarify. I should have gone with monitoring because my cancer was a speck…in one core…with a misdiagnosis of PSA (stated 19.4, actually 6.7 tops) and probably Gleason (stated 8, actual 7). I subsequently had complete failure of testosterone recovery, worsening incontinence, anorgasmia, and hematuria—combining to reduce quality of life to zero, for my wife as well as me. Bottom line: I’d rather be dead. To that end, I initiated TRT last month, which will either save or kill me, exactly as I want, but wouldn’t have been needed with minimal research and objective case management.

@dave s thanks for answering and sorry about your situation yes one of my 5 tumors is a 5 and shows great concern i was looking into SBRT im also 56 years old that may play a bigger part in my recovery i started the lupron shot it has me tired some days and hot flashes daily. Did you take lupron or something else

No, no lupron. I forget which, but it’s among the 2 or 3 most common. You’re 56; tomorrow I’m 77. That gives you a huge advantage in prospects for recovery and absence of side effects. Keep digging for new info; keep questioning me and others—especially your doctors!

Amarjit I have just completed my 39th EBRT treatment and had 2 doses of Lupron. The treatment itself was OK the preparation was the hardest part. Empty bowel and full bladder. The hot flashes persist and does affect my sleep and I’m told the hot flashes will continue for 6 -9 months. I had monitored my PSA for a year and before it got to a level that could have been an issue with the spread to the Lymph nodes I started the treatment. I am 70 years old and in good health so time will help heal the effects of the treatment and I wish you well with the treatment that you consider taking.