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is HIFU an option after prostatectomy?

Posted , 3 users are following.

dave08450
dave08450

My first psa after prostatectomy is undetectable, thankfully, but I may get advice to have follow up radiotherapy, just in case. I am reluctant to have this as it can be damaging, and may not be needed, even though they may advise me to have. My nerves have been spared so I wonder if HIFU could do the clear up job, with less damage. Anyone know?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Hoser
    Hoser dave08450

    Posted

    If the post op biopsy of the removed gland showed cancer contained, local area glands clear and your first PSA test is clear... " I " would not go there.

    My first post op PSA test was a 0.01 and the lastest test came in today at 0.04 ; radiotheropy was brought up. I'll wait for a solid trend up to point me towards that step. 

    Don

    • dave08450
      dave08450 Hoser

      Posted

      Hi Don

      Thanks for your comment.

      Were there any histology reasons why your psa has gone up a bit or may or may not go up further? I mean, did you have any of those pointers that this might happen, like positive margins, lymph nodes affected, or seminal vesicles affected or extraprostatic extension?

      Thanks

      Dave

    • Hoser
      Hoser dave08450

      Posted

      Hi Dave, only issue was post OP. Urologyst said there was cancer cells found on outside of prostate. Surrounding glands and tissue was free. He said there could be residule

      Cells that may have been missed that could be raising the PSA. He may have been just giving me worst case info. My concern with the PSA level at 0.04 he was leaning right to Rad treatment. If the level goes up or stays the same, he wants me and wife to consult with radiology.

      While the life longevity is good considering, I have lost sexual drive and have to use mechanical or injections just to obtain an erection. That sux but it's not fair to the wife to not try for her sake at least. She has really been my source of strenghth through out this crap. It helps that she is a nurse for 36 years. Then again there is little sympathy at times ;-)

  • ES28567
    ES28567 dave08450

    Posted

    I know HIFU can be done after radiation treatment but not sure about after prostatectomy. I will ask my urologist who is going to do my HIFU procedure.
  • aksns61
    aksns61 dave08450

    Posted

    Before you have any additional treatments, your surgeon/urologist should have you on a treatment plan and explained the plan with enough detail so to relieve your angst of needing more treatment. These specialists know your medical history and any issues related to your prostate surgery and follow up. 

    In the US HIFU has just been approved and very few clinics offer the procdure. Its being offered as a first line of treatment in patients with low or intermediate cancer ( T1, T2).

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