Hi I'm Damian. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June 2023 after 6 months of tests and a biopsy. I was put on the low risk surveillance treatment. Now after 12 months of PSA blood tests my PSA has started to rise. My problem is I have terrible reflux and leaking sinuses so I can't lie on my back to have an MRI scan. I have to go for more urgent blood tests this week so I'm dreading what I do because of my issue with being unable to have an MRI scan. I was going to pay for a private upright MRI scan which are not available on the NHS. The nurses told me they may not get proper readings from one of these scans so I'm in limbo at the moment. Has anybody got any ideas what's best for me to do?
Hi Damian B and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Prostate Cancer support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group please click on the link below……..
…… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Hello Damian B
My name is Brian and I hang around with Eddie on the Prostate Cancer forum, you may get some better answers if you join us there and repost your question.
I am not medically trained (I have prostate cancer like all men on the forum). Have your team considered:
* An x-ray scan or examination.
* A CT (Computed Tomography scan).
* An ultra - sound scan.
There are "open" MRI Scanners - but they are all in private healthcare (I think!).
I hope this helps - can and join us and let's see if any of our bunch have any other ideas.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
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