Hi Folks, new to this group, hope I find you as well as you can be under challenging circumstances. I have a general synopsis to ask anyone with similar experience.
I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer, Stage 2 Grade 6, in February 2020, just at the start of the pandemic so lots to think about, also diagnosed with enlarged prostate and was put on active surveillance, I have had 6 monthly appointments since the diagnosis, I am male now 63 and have kept in fairly good health in the interim period.
However of late, last 9 months, I am experiencing sharp pains in my back passage and my genital area, also experiencing back pains which historically were present pre diagnosis but are getting more severe. The active surveillance is usually a PSA test and to date this has been anywhere between 3.8 and 6.
I had a discussion with my NHS consultant nurse, 6 months ago explaining the pains I was experiencing and asked if I could have a further biopsy to establish if the cancer was changing but she told me this is not how it works, she sent me for a flow test which in all honesty I knew was not the problem this was confirmed by the nurse at the flow test but never followed up by my consultant nurse.
Here is the question, I am due my 6 monthly Active Surveillance appointment next week, do you believe that I am being reasonable in once again asking for a biopsy or some other form of check, other than PSA, to ensure that the recent pains I am experiencing are not related to the cancer potentially growing. I keep being reminded that the sooner you catch it the easier it is to treat, I would have thought that a biopsy 4 years later would not be an issue but it appears it does not work like this, according to my consultant nurse.
Any related response would be much appreciated to help me form my appropriate way forward with the disease.
Thanks In Advance.
Hello Jimmac A warm welcome to the online Prostate Community.
An interesting question - as with everything I don't think there's a correct answer.
* For a 63 year old your PSA level should be 4.5 or less - I see you have hit 6 at some point - that in it'self should have raised a flag.
* You say you have sharp pains in your back passage and genital areas - have you contacted your G P regarding these?
* If you are due for next 6 monthly check up next week I most certainly would be asking for some form of review. It's worth remembering that a PSA test is only an indicator of Cancer. Perhaps your consultant or GP should start off with a DRE (digital rectal examination) to check the feel of the gland to see if it's hard or enlarged.
I hope this helps - let us know how you get on next week.
Best wishes - Brian.
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