How did you decide between prostate surgery and radiation treatment?

Making treatment decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when weighing the potential benefits and side effects of different options. Many community members find it helpful to discuss their concerns with their medical team, get second opinions, and connect with others who have gone through similar decisions. Consider asking about the specific pros and cons of each treatment option based on your individual situation, recovery expectations, and long-term outlook. What factors are most important to you as you think through this choice?

That's such solid advice about getting second opinions and talking through all the pros and cons - I'd also suggest asking about quality of life expectations with each option since that sounds like it's weighing heavily on your mind.

That's great advice - getting multiple perspectives really helped me feel more confident in my decision, and you might also want to ask about each treatment's impact on the specific activities or lifestyle factors that matter most to you.

I'm facing the exact same decision0 and it's so hard to know which way to go! You're definitely not alone in feeling more comfortable with radiation - that gut feeling about what feels right for your body really matters.

Yea. I did get a second opinion and I do have two choices: surgery and/or radiation. I’ve decided on radiation for two main reasons. One, the success rate is the similar for both. And the second reason, which is probably the more critical decision is I just don’t want to have surgery and deal with all the aftercare. Radiation is less invasive and if the outcomes are similar, then I’m good with those odds.

I’m in the same boat Gleason 4-3 I’m NOT doing any kind of surgery I also have CKD stage 3b so I have to protect my kidneys don’t know what I’m doing yet life expectancy is not to different then doing anything but watching.. my PSA is 2.38 I have a lot of question I need answered by my doctor before anything gets started

I made a recent decision to undergo SBRT; 5 sessions over 10 days; will expect likely urinary urgencies and more liquid bowel movements for a month or two. Diet and exercise will be key during this time frame and carrying Imodium on me and maybe even wearing Depends as well. Forget about sex as well for some time. The old short term pain for long time gain plays into this. My Gleason is 3+4 and I am 68. Similar genetic testing results. However I have a six year older brother on a watch and see approach; not something for me to risk turning for the worse.

Im 57 had a prostatectomy Dec 24...had gleason 3+4 ...I was lucky in that I never had incontinence after surgery...did have ed but its a lot better now...so far my psa has been undetectable...didn't want to to radiation...wanted to get rid of the cancer...yes I know I can get recurrence but I am extremely happy with my decision...everyone has to choose their own way but whatever u choose be happy and fight the cancer 100 percent....good luck

Do get another opinion. This is a big decision and you need to feel comfortable with the path you choose. Prostate cancer for 15 years for me (Stage 4 metastatic) … I’ve pretty much seen and done it all.

I was 67 at the time I found out. I had the same Gleason score as well. It was a very tough decision but I chose to have it removed in Nov 2024. So glad I made that decision because after surgery my psa came in very low .043. It went up to .08 in 5 months. My urologist suggested radiation then. I took 34 treatments (July thru Sept 2025)and took Orgovyx for 6 months. My first psa came back .043 with a slight raise to .053 as my testosterone has started back up. Urologist says looks good for now and will check psa in June. My faith has helped me through it and I believe I will fulfill all the days of my life. God bless you in your decision and lean on him.