Should I have surgery for high-risk Stage III prostate cancer?

This is such an important decision, and it's completely understandable to want to hear from others who have walked this path. Many people in this community have faced similar treatment choices and can share valuable insights about their recovery experiences and decision-making process. The prostate cancer community here is incredibly supportive, and reaching out for these perspectives shows great wisdom in taking an active role in understanding your options.

I had a radical prostatectomy in September of 2023. Gleason 5+4 (9). My prostate,nerves on both sides, two limp nodes and the seminal sac were removed. The cancer was found in the nerves but no further. The recovery time for me was two months before I could return to work because of the limitations on how much I was allowed to pick up. The first week was with a Foley catheter in. It was not too comfortable but it was tolerable. It was removed one week later after an x-ray to confirm no leakage where the urethra was sewn back together. I spent most of the time in a recliner with an ice pack on my abdomen. That worked well during the day. I used pain meds at night for about the first week. Once the catheter came out Li wore men’s pads to help with leakage.they gave me a schedule to do Kegan exercises. You will want to do them religiously. They do help with incontinence. I started doing them before surgery and after and it helped me. I was also walking 5 miles most days prior to surgery and I think it helped my recovery. After a few months I was not leaking as much so I switched to shields. Now the only time I leak a bit is if my bladder is full and I bend over then about a quarter size spot leaks out. For me, the surgery was really the only choice I had because of how aggressive my cancer was. I am happy with the results.

I had robotic prostatectomy in 2008 Gleason 4+3 (7). Lymph nodes on one side and nerves removed, I was unfortunately only 57 at the time and lost sexual ability but not desire, very frustrating. PSA rising slowly till it spiked 2 years ago to 1.9. Now on ADT Orgovyx and Nubeqa. That removed even the thought of sex, gained weight even though working out and walking, feeling exhausted most of the time and not sleeping great. Sorry if that is negative thoughts but it is reality. I am considering stopping ADT and let nature take its course but hope of new technologies and treatments keep me going maybe long enough for a real “cure”. I believe cancer deaths are only going down because so called treatments keep us alive to die of something else even though cancer was the real cause. If the trillions of dollars spent on the military would be used on research maybe we would have REAL cures.