Dilema

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Hi  in Jan 2023 my psa was 10.1 my biopsy of 12 cores showed one core 5% I was given  Gleason 3+3 T1 and have been on A/S- W/W for two and half years. My psa has been raising since and is now at 19 have not had another biopsy but have been offered treatment of radical radiation therapy with or without hormones,  my dilema is I am 77yrs old have a good active life reasonably fit. My anxiety levels are high trying to decide what to do. is this slow growing or not. Is it the amount of cancer that increases your score or the type. Hope all this makes sense.

  • Hi Rontug,

    Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to the online community.

    My name is Ursula and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.

    I am sorry to read of your diagnosis of prostate cancer.  It is understandable to have questions around this and the treatment you have been offered.

    As we are independent of the NHS and do not have access to medical records, we are unable to offer personalised advice. However, we understand that making decisions around treatment can be a challenging time, and hopefully can offer some information and support around this.

    I am pleased to read that you have a good active life and feel reasonably fit. Being on active surveillance for 2.5 years has allowed you to have your bloods monitored regularly, whilst avoiding the side effects from treatment. However, the rise in your PSA from 10.1 to 19 during this time is presumably why radical radiotherapy with or without hormone therapy is now being offered.

    Results from your original prostate biopsy showing a Gleason score of 3+3 would suggest the cancer is likely to grow slowly. This can however change whilst on active surveillance. The aim of this type of surveillance is pick up any changes early when there are treatments available that aim to cure your cancer. Your specialist team will be best placed to discuss this with you on an individual basis. You could also ask whether it would be beneficial to have another biopsy to support your decision making. It may also require having an MRI scan before having a biopsy.

    Often talking to others going through similar experiences can be helpful. There is further information and support available via our prostate cancer forum on the online community. Prostate Cancer UK also have a wide range of support available.

    I hope this information is helpful, and please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you require any further information or support.

    Sending best wishes,

    Ursula

    You can 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:UH/AMc

  • Thank you very helpfull