Gleason 6 new diagnosis please advise

Hi Mike, a Gleason 3 + 3 is a low grade cancer grading ( the lowest on the scale ) and indicates a tumour that is likely to grow very slowly if at all, and not a high risk to spread. The reason for recommending AS is that whilst curative prognosis would be excellent, the side effects of any treatment are significant and would impact quality of life.

I too was recently diagnosed with a 3+3 but unfortunately my PSA was a bit higher which increased my risk, hence AS not offered as an option. 

Hi Mike 

With a Gleeson 6 , low PSa and small size tumour your dad is a good contender for AS.

The idea is to monitor the situation and if the tumour grows significantly or gets near to the prostate border then treatment could start 

I was on AS for 4 years and it went ok 

With a smallish prostate not sure why he is on Finesteride. His bladder issues could be down to an infection, that needs further tests.

Regards

Steve

Hello Steve

Thank you for replying.

He’s had symptoms for many many years, but they put it down to enlarged prostate. It was all an assumption that it was enlarged, so they put him on finesteride. Don’t think it can be an infection for that many years. Im still not sure why the Dr would think symptoms separate from prostate cancer.

With tumour being small in a small sized prostate, wouldn’t that be relatively large? 

if you don’t mind me asking, after 4 years did it change from gleason 6? I’m just so worried that that mri is in years time. What if it progresses before then. 

Thank you for replying. 

If you don’t mind me asking, did you have symptoms? 

I am not sure why the Dr saying symptoms separate from PC and we should be investigating the bladder and use bladders meds. Despite all symptoms being indicative of PC and now being diagnosed with PC. 

I had  frequency and urgency symptoms for many years and was diagnosed at the time with prostatitis. I wouldn’t have thought to raise again either my GP but he was astute enough to order a full set of blood tests  ( which revealed the raised PSA ) when I consulted regarding another condition. I am so glad he did, it means I can be treated when the grade is a low one .

Mike 

As they r suggesting to come off Finesteride could be worth a go to see what happens.

For a couple of reasons I only had the one biopsy, Gleeson 6,  the thing that spurred me into action was tumour size increasing From 3mm to 12mm over 4 years plus it was near the border.

With your Dad's stats being so low yearly MRI should be fine but I also had quarterly PSA which was a good monitor as well.

Steve

Thank you for replying. 

we have not been told whether it’s near the border or not. 

They suggested quarterly psa and mri after one year. 

I’m extra concerned about AS because he’s already 70. Waiting to see what happens would be he gets older and potentially other health issues making him unsuitable for treatment.  

It is reassuring to know you were on AS for 4 years. We are worried being on it for even 1 year.

Based on what I’ve told you, and you’re experienced fo AS and then treatment, would you also think AS is best option for him at the moment?

Thank you for replying.

I am guessing your probably a lot younger than my dad too, that’s why they also recommended treatment. 
With my dad being 70+ they’re probably thinking he doesn’t have a long enough life expectancy to do anything maybe.

I  would give AS a go at least. Don't forget there are possible side effects from treatments, also your dad does have existing urinary issues which could exacerbate existing problems

Possibly also consider going with what the experts r recommending.

Steve

Thank you Steve. Honestly has helped chatting to you. 

We were panicking about AS thinking the MRI will be one year away and a lot can change in a year. But seeing as people have been on AS for 4 years, it is reassuring.

All the best for you and thank you again