pretty12d

Hi Wildewoman:

I'm a 65 year old male who has had two episodes of recurrent prostate cancer in 2007 and 2009. Initially I had external beam radiation therapy and a surgical procedure called HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) which utilizes sound waves to essentially burn out the prostate-this is approved in Canada but not approved by the F.D.A. in the States. Coincidentally I'm part of a North American study that is examing the safety of this procedure in the hope that it will be approved for use in the States. From the three options that you mentioned, I assume that you are not currently dealing with a large cancer centre because there are more than three options available. Two other options are brachytherapy (radioactive beads are implanted in the cancerous areas of the prostate) plus cryotherapy (freezing) the tumor. You also didn't mention your husband's Gleason score or P.S.A. level. Unfortunately all cancer treatment options have side effects-the question is not if but rather degree of side effects. Let me wish both of you good luck in your journey. Let me conclude by suggesting that you go to an academic centre that specializes in Cancer treatment(s). Finally do some home work prior to seeing the specialist by accessing the internet < edited > If I can be of any further assistance please feel free to contact me at your convenience.