Hi, my name is James and I’m just starting out on this journey. I’d be having some symptoms of PC for many months and thought that at 57 I was growing old, Getting up in the night to pee, flow problems etc.
I finally saw my doctor in May who examined me and suggested I should have a PSA test. That was done 2 weeks later. I should have been concerned that he was back on the phone within 24 hrs saying it was high and he’d start the 2 week pathway.
I was in shock and hadn’t really understood what was happening until I spoke to the Urology team who confirmed my PSA score of 135. She suggested a second test which came back at 148.
Since then I’ve tried to read as much as I can and realise I’ve got a fight on my hands.
Ive had a CT scan and subsequently met with the consultant who has diagnosed T3. I’ve now had a biopsy which is another post for another time, a bone scan, daily hormone treatment and my first hormone injection.
It’s fair to say things are moving incredibly quickly which in its own right terrifies me but I have my final consultation this Thursday where I hope to understand the Gleason score, whether it’s spread and what treatment options are available.
I’ve been reading these forums which I’ve found incredibly helpful and supportive but the not knowing is beyond worrying and I’m finding the stress of it is taking it’s toll.
Best wishes to everyone who is navigating this too.
Hi Jimbob123 and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time. I have been on my journey with a completely different (incurable) cancer for over 25 years and the one thing that helped a lot was getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey.
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.
