Hello everyone:
I've been reading a few posts and so far has been helpful, the shock of my diagnosis is still sinking in and I'm in awe of those who are putting up one hell of a fight.
I suppose I am lucky compared to some I have just received a diagnosis of localised prostate cancer my PSA was rising over 18 months from 5 to 7.5 so asked for further investigation. So after an MRI, consultation and a biopsy I'm told I have T2a N0 M0 and of the 24 biopsy cores 18 were found to have cancer with a Gleason of 3+4. 40 cc prostate with a density of 0.19 and a 4mm lesion.
So being a reasonably active 61 year old with other problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes (diet and exercise, no drugs), sleep apnea being treated by CPAP and a bit overweight. I've already been slowly transitioning to better eating and exercise over the past year and will accelerate that process to be as fit and healthy as I can. I've been suggested hormone therapy followed by low dose radiotherapy LDR, normally they suggest surgery but due to my other problems that might be a bit risky.
The amount of information out there is overwhelming so I'm trying to narrow things down a bit and would appreciate any guidance on where to look, I prefer UK sites and anything about the hospital where I am to be treated which is Northampton General. The people I have seen so far have been stellar, professional, caring and very helpful.
Some information I have found is that LDR is only 50% successful and if so I am looking a bit farther forward at the possible options if this is so which may sway my choice of initial treatment.
Forgot to add that I'm having Hernia surgery in 10 days, so will recover from that before other treatment. My surgeon says getting hernias fixed helps in the long run for lower abdomen stability.
Best wishes to everyone.
Turblig.
Hi Turblig and warm welcome to the Online Community. I'm sorry to read about your diagnosis and the shock is still sinking in. We can all empathise as we've all been there in a state of disbelief no matter what the cancer!
I myself have a different type of cancer but my husband was diagnosed with localised Prostate cancer in February 2014 after a MRI scan and biopsies were taken. His PSA had gradually risen from 5.6 to 11.2. He had no symptomatic problems and had a blood test initially as he’d had a bad back and our GP said lower back pain could be symptomatic of Prostate Cancer.
His Gleason score was 7 (4+3). He had monthly hormone injections over 3 months, HDR Brachytherapy and 3 weeks of external radiotherapy.
6 months after surgery his PSA was 0.5 and continued to reduce at every PSA blood test. He was discharged from his Oncologist (after 6 monthly check-ups) back to his GP in August 2019 and his PSA is currently 0.18
It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) It’s helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep writing the same thing over and over. You can amend or update it at any time.
To find more information covering diagnosis and treatments there are pages covering most types of cancers which can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
The Macmillan Support Services also offer lots of information, support, financial guidance or just someone to listen. It’s free to call 0808 808 0000. Most services are available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two to three working days for replies from our expert team.
Sending you welcoming hugs B xx
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