My husband has been diagnosed with locally advanced prostate caner and has to make up his mind whether radiatherapy or surgery.
Had bone scan and MRI bone scan thank god clear. awaiting MRI think he is going for surgery and then radiotherapy but I am very scareed. He is 58 and gleeson score of 9 surgeon says T3 and very agressive. Would like to find someone who has been through the surgery and what to expect how I can help him. I am all over the place at present. Have appointment early tomorrow and am now really finding it hard to deal with all this.
FormerMember
yes lil the early days when someone you love is diagnosed is the most scariest of times
its a living nightmare isnt it?
all i can say ...and i hope it helps you cope a wee bit -is - that each day you will get stronger and cope better .... i think as soon as treatment begins we all feel a bit of relief that something IS being done!
i hope someone can help who has gone-going thro the same as your hubby!
Similar to your husband, I was recently diagnosed with prostrate cancer with a PSA score of 8.7 and Gleason score of 9. According to the MRI the cancer was on margins between a T2c and T3a - breaking out of the prostate capsule. The bone scan was clear.
Following initial diagnosis my original urologist discussed my case at a multi disciplinary team meeting and subsequently I was referred to another urologist surgeon as well as a clinical oncologist. The surgeon's original advice was surgery which would have been significant, removing important nerves surrounding the prostate. The clinical oncologist looking at the same results was advising hormone therapy and radiation. His view was that even with surgery, radiation would still be necessary, particularly to have an affect on lymph glands located near the prostate, should the cancer have microscopically spread. Subsequently the surgeon came to the same conclusion and supported the treatment of HT and Radiation as being the best option. I started the HT five weeks ago and this will continue for 3 years and radiation will start early in September (37 sessions). I am 53.
I located an excellent publication from the 'prostate cancer charity' entitled 'prostate cancer - a guide for newly diagnosed men' It provides very useful info regarding the cancer and also allows you to record visits, names of the specialist nurses, consultant urologist, etc as well as test result scores and dates of next appointments. The website is www.prostate-cancer.org.uk . The document I mentioned is a .pdf download.
If it hasn't been offered, I would ask for a second opinion beyond that of the consultant urologist to include a clinical oncologist.
Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. Once you open the cancer door and look inside you will be amazed how many bright lights are shining which will bring much hope as well as a better understanding of the disease. If you want to pm please feel free to do so at any time. You might also want to follow the blog on this site of BrambleDigger who has also been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is both informative and entertaining.
Hiya Lil! First of all try to calm urself a little! I was told 31/2years ago that I had terminal prostate cancer ! and that I had 18 mths to live ! Well I can tell you that I am still here and in fair health too! and thats with the cancer spread to my bones> prostate is a very slow growing cancer in the first place and it looks like they have caught your husbands in good time ! When they tell us we have the big c it scares us to death in the first instance , but I must assure you that your hubby aint goin anywhere soon ! , only where he wants to! The chances of a full recovery in his case are great! Good luck to him in his treatment and keep us informed how he gets on , We love a success story on this site ! Keep smiling ! xxx
Lil, I have no experience with prostate cancer (my husband had lung cancer). I would however like to offer the hand of friendship and support to you as you begin this arduous journey of discovery. Good luck to your husband today x x x Love Tricia x x x p.s. Lanzarote is a good person to get on board. It sounds like John will be a great support too.
I have no experience of this type of cancer but having recently joined this site myself I can assure you that you will get all the support/advice/comfort and friendship that you need to get you through this!
And Yes, I would agree with Dev, Lanzarote seems to know what he is talking about as he has been there and wore the Tshirt!
