Diagnosed with prostate cancer last week

Hi,

PSA level isn't really significant - some people with really advanced disease have a low PSA, and some with high PSA have a manageable disease. As you find out soon, its whether the PSA falls when it should, and how fast, that matters.

You have a frustrating time ahead of you while they do all the tests - these are essential, not just to confirm a diagnosis, but also to see what your treatment options are.

Look out for your Gleason score and your TNM (tumour, nodes, metastases) score - they are much more useful.

It's also well worth reading the 'toolkit' for general advice.

It's also well worth searching the Internet as you go along, but be careful - there's a lot of poor information as well as acres of good stuff on hospital and medical sites, plus some support sites.

Thanks I appreciate you taking the time to reply, it was only Friday when I got the diagnosis so am just trying to get my head around what lies in store 

This sounds like a very similar diagnosis to mine. What type of HT did they put you on? The good news is that the HT alone will bring down your PSA rapidly and begin to remove your bone pain. It's then a question of waiting for the full diagnosis. If it is advanced PC, which it might be, then the treatments they are now offering are very good and offer real hope of remission but not a cure. However it's best to wait for the full diagnosis. If I were you I'd ask questions at every stage so it isn't a total bombshell when you eventually meet the oncologist. This all takes time to come to terms with.      

Hi Silkworm, yes the outlook is not necessarily bleak because of a high PSA - and there are lots of good treatments out there.  When all the info is in (biopsy, scan results and so on) there will be a treatment plan for you. Best of luck. (if it helps: I started off with a PSA of 141, following biopsy, scans etc. had radiotherapy and hormone therapy and my PSA is now undetectable and a recent tissue sample was clear of cancer cells - this is 3+ years on) 

Hi Silworm

Just because your PSA is high, does not mean you’ve not got many a year to come, mine was 893 and five and a half years later I still help people on here with advice, information, or just chat. So it’s not as bleak as you think, keep positive and keep us informed.

Stay safe

Joe

Thanks for your support on this . Yes the hormone tablets are already starting to kick in and have made the bone pain more manageable , I have the biopsy and scans next week 

thanks , that’s good to know . I hope it continues that way for you

Wow 893 ! How high can these scores go ? Very reassuring to know you’re still battling this 5 years on

Hi

There have been others with a far higher PSA than me, you only need to read my profile to find out I’m just not a quitter, even when it comes to my time, I have a little quip for my family, yes I’m forever the one who likes life but also knows what’s coming one day.

stay safe

Joe