Awaiting test results and struggling to concentrate

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This is all happening quite fast and I am struggling with my emotions. My wife lost both her parents to cancer many years ago and is petrified that something will happen to me, so we are both trying to be strong for each other and inevitably the pressure is building. So far I have had a CT scan and bone scan - both of which identify a number of poorly defined sclerotic lesions on my pelvis. The second radiographer was quite specific in not being able to rule out a rare form of prostate cancer. My PSA level is normal (below 1), which I thought was good news, until the latest consultant I saw made clear that's not always the case. I am now awaiting an MRI scan on my pelvis. The prostate specialist made clear that there are other potential causes that are not cancer but the radiographers comments, and the general caginess and careful language is worrying.

I have some youngish adult children who still live at home who have anxiety issues about losing either of their parents (this started during Covid) and as yet we haven't said anything to them as we want to have as normal a Christmas as possible without causing them any undue worry, but consequently finding time to talk about this out of hearing is difficult. I find my mind is drifting at work (desk job) and I am struggling to concentrate at anything for very long. Any thoughts on coping strategies would be welcome as I am struggling to keep this bottled up. I have some holiday booked over Christmas and New Year so hopefully a few long walks and cycle rides will help settle my mind.

eddiel 12 hours ago

Hi Saegull, and a warm welcome to the forum though sorry you have to be here. I have prostate cancer, and understand the emotions you and your wife are experiencing at the possibility of a diagnosis, it's normal to assume the worst weall do, I'm sure your radiographer and urologist are very good, but until all your tests are done, they can't be certain what you have, and your radiographer would likely not rule anything in or out, and I think I would listen to the specialist first. They aren't withholding information from you, they don't have a clear picture from the tests yet, can I ask, have you/are you having a biopsy?, as this is the best way of diagnosis.

I know it's difficult to carry on as normal, the slightest possibility of cancer will cause that, but you haven't been diagnosed yet and maybe never will, getting away, walking, swimming and gardening were/are my ways of switching off from all things cancer, exercise really does help. As does knowing 98% of men who get prostate cancer do not die of it. My friend, I do hope you never need to use the community again, but if you do, can I suggest you join the prostate cancer forum, best wishes Eddie

Millibob 1 hour ago

Hello Seagull

Another warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community from me. I am Brian and am one of the Community Champions here - I hang around mainly on the Prostate Cancer group where we have a mutual bond - we all have or have had or are suspected to have prostate cancer.

The Prostate Community is a safe space for you to chat with others who are in the same or similar situation and I would urge you to join our little Community - here's the link-

Prostate cancer forum

If you click on the link, once the page opens up, click on "join" on the black banner at the bottom of the page. You can then either copy and paste or repost your original post in the "New here - Say Hello" section - you will receive some great replies from our little bunch.

I look forward to "meeting" you again on "our" part of the Community.

Best wishes - Brian.

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