To drummerboy: Every case is different and so
answers are as well. I think the best answer is to
look at caes that seem similiar to your father's.
You may want to look at my story and see how it
may be like your father's. I was diagnosed at 69 and now at almost 72 am much improved and, at
least, for now have no active cancer.
Best to you and your father on this journey.
God bless.
Ross

My prostate was removed. I was a high stage of progression T3c, aggressive cancer, and I was fairly young when diagnosed--55 years old.

Could not just leave it sit and progress. At your fathers age thats a good call-no need to go through all the garbage if not prudent to do so.

I wish you both health.

What Ross and Indyeastside both Said.

If the rate of increase of PSA level is low, if the Gleason score is low (4 or 5, for example), if bone scans say there's been no progression there, then surgery is not indicated - it won't help any, and would just be an unnecessary financial/emotional burden.

My Dad had his removed at age 80, because of severe difficulty urinating, and pain. The trans-urethral resection technique hadn't been invented yet, so the entire gland was taken. My Mom doesn't remember anything else.)

Me? I'm 62, and my Gleason score was high (4+3 on biopsy, 3+4 for the entire body) and a rapidly increasing PSA level. Hopefully everything is gone. (See my page for details.)

Prayers for you and your family

I agree with Ross. You might want to check out my story as well.
Each of us have our reason for having it removed.

I hope you find some answers

Thanks for the responses. Dad passed away last year, I have just been thinking about his journey. He was diagnosed, at around 70, we were told it wasnt fast moving, but some 13 years later it took off, spread to bladder, pelvis, lungs and got him. Just seems that if it was gone, at 70, this wouldnt have happened. I guess he was just one of those that didn't follow the "odds".

I am trying to figure out what to do myself. I read of people who have it removed and it still comes back later. Then I read of people who have it removed and it stays gone. I don't think there is any sure way to know removing it will always eliminate the cancer so it won't come back.

I'm 72 and my doctor said the same thing - no removal. I believe that the issue lies with recovery mainly in urination. It seems that older men do not heal as well as younger ones and "leakage" is a big issue. I had IMRT radiation and am now on hormone therapy. Although the ED and lack of libido bother me, I'm happy with my decision and am looking forward to healthy years ahead.