Prostate cancer stage 2 3+4

  • 3 replies
  • 36 subscribers
  • 174 views

Hi,   I am 68 years old.  A few months ago and my last psa was 4.7. The mri showed a small area which led to a biopsy and my readings above.  I am now struggling to understand what to do next, the recommendations are surgery or radiography, the side affects look to be potentially awful. There is also a chance I can go on active surveillance..  Does anyone know whether the radiation dose is less at this stage than if it were to leave it and let it develop or not to stage 3 and thus the side affects may be less. I can’t seem to find this out, I am seeing my own doctor this week so anything you can help me/guide me would help me make a decision. Would the radiographer target in on the small area and would my does be small such that the risk of side effects are reduced because if so it would make my decision making quite a bit easier   Thank you

  • Hi Bluecloud1,

    My name is Anne and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Support Line.  Welcome to the online community. I see you have already joined our prostate cancer forum. I hope you have found it to be a supportive place so far.

    I’m sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis of prostate cancer and understand this must be difficult time for you. I’m glad you reached out for more support. Being given a cancer diagnosis and then having to make treatment decisions can feel overwhelming.

    Prostate Cancer UK has information on understanding your diagnosis and the different treatment options available. Making treatment decisions can be particularly challenging, and it’s important to have as much information as is required. You may find it helpful to read through our booklet and jot down further questions as they come to mind.  It may be a good idea to have a read through this information then have a chat with either your Consultant or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to go through your questions and concerns. You mention you have an appointment with your own Doctor this week. I’m unsure if this is your GP or Consultant, but it’s important you have the opportunity to talk things over with your Consultant before you come to a decision about treatment. This would also allow you to discuss in more detail the benefits and risks of active surveillancesurgery, and radiotherapy.

    Most localised prostate cancer grows slowly and may not need immediate treatment. However, some men have cancer that grows quickly and has a high risk of spreading. Your Consultant can explain more about your own individual situation. It’s often helpful to bring a partner or friend to these appointments as a ‘second pair of ears’.

    You may also wish to consider joining a local support group for men with prostate cancer. Sometimes chatting things over with others in a similar situation can be helpful. If you feel you are struggling with the emotional impact of prostate cancer, please do remember there is lots of support out there. Your CNS is there to support you and we can also help you explore your options. We are only a phone call away if you’d like to chat things over with us.

    I hope this is helpful.

    Best wishes,

    Anne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email

    Ref:CC

  • Thank you, it was my own nhs doctor I spoke to this week. The specialist nurse at the hospital says the next step is to meet with an mdt team, which she is going to organise for me, is that the consultant you mention in the nhs as I am not on private care.. 

  • Hi Bluecloud1,

    My name is Keith and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    I hope you’re finding the support and information from our online community helpful.

    The consultant that Anne has mentioned would be part of the NHS, MDT. Sorry health care professionals love abbreviations it can be confusing at times and can sometimes cause confusion.

    MDT is short for multi-disciplinary team (MDT).  This team would consist of different health care professionals who specialise in your type of cancer. Including consultants who specialise in different areas such as surgery, radiotherapy, and oncology. You would be referred to the most appropriate consultant after the MDT meeting. This is where your case would be reviewed after all diagnostic tests have been completed and reported back. From this information a plan of action would be put in place. The next step would be for you to be invited for a consultation with most appropriate consultant within the MDT to discuss your diagnosis, how it is affecting you as an individual and the outcome of the discussion from the MDT. Your medical team will discuss your options in a way that you fully understand, your individual set of circumstances and what treatment option or options you may have.

    This would also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have so that you can make what we call an informed treatment choice.  There is no such thing as a wrong question to ask.  As Anne has already suggested sometimes its good to write any questions down before attending this meeting, as a starting point.

    However, if you do have any immediate concerns, you should have been introduced to specialist nurse. If not, to contact this nurse, call the main switchboard of the hospital where you have been initially seen and ask to speak to the secretary of the last consultant, you have spoken to and ask to be put in contact with the specialist nurse. This nurse would also be part of your MDT.

    I hope this information is helpful and has answered your questions. If not you can always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns in more detail or require any further support.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

     

    take care.

    Keith, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref KM/GH