Terrified

I am not medically quallified, so you would need to check things I say, but that might be helpful in itself.

The MRI scan is part of the diagnostic process. The PSA test, growing like that, is in indicator. So far, then, you know you have to check it out but NOT that it's prostate cancer.

I have had both resuts from an MRI - negative 2 years ago, and positive earlier this year. I am going to suggest what happens next, based on my own experience, not on medical knowledge.

If the MRI shows no evidence of cancer being active (other things such as an enlarged prostate can cause the PSA levels to rise) then you will have a consultation to advise you what to do. In my case, it was to keep checking.

Remember, the keep checking is a win/win situation. If they find nothing, you go on, if they find something, they treat you. Hang on to that for the moment.

IF they find something that needs investigating, then there are likely to be further tests. In my case, that came down to a CT Scan and a BoneScan, then a biopsy. The CT scan confirmed the MRI results, the BoneScan found nothing. Although the cancer in my case was real, and had escaped outside the prostate to one lymph node, it was not distant, which gives me all sorts of options.

The biopsy was not the most fun experience I have ever had, but it was a long way short of the worst.

Taken together, ALL the tests confirm:

1. If you have prostate cancer.
2. Where it is.
3. How fast it is likely to move.

With respect to number 3 the best advice I was given was by the specialist nurse who did the biopsy. Prostate Cancer, even the aggressive version, moves more slowly than most cancers. The medical team and you have the time to get it right.

Out of all this will come a package of information which is likely to be hard to digest on your own, or first time round. Make sure that you take someone with you to the consultations to make sure that the things you don't hear (because of how you feel and the fact that there is a lot of stuff) are picked up.

You will end up with a diagnosis and a plan.

Probably the best  things to hang on to at this early stage of the process are as follows:

1. If the cancer is fully localised there are mutliple treatments possible.
2. If the cancer has just escaped, there are multiple treatments possible.
3. If the cancer has spread beyond that, there are mutiple treatments possible.

Others, much more advianced and knowledgeable than I am will be in contact.

Read their profiles and be astounded at what can be done.

Take heart, there is a way to go yet.

Hello again SCJ .

I am so sorry that the anxiety and fear is still at such a high level and so pleased that you have reached out again. Can I suggest a couple of things which might help such as also reaching out to the Macmillan support line. Ideally I would suggest ringing them on 0808 808 00 00 as they have a lot of resources available to help get you through this initial stressful stage to start with. Also, check whether you have a Maggie's centre near you. If you have then maybe going in there before your MRI appointment might help calm you down. Your GP could also prescribe tablets to calm you temporarily because it may take a little time to get your results from the scan.

The fear of what might be found with scans is a common fear experienced by many of us, both the patient and their loved ones - I call it SCANXIETY and the relief is palpable when everything comes back as normal and under control. On occasion we have been told that more treatment is necessary but at least we know what we are facing at an early stage. mstev2 has given you some ideas about his experience. Most prostate cancers are slow growing so the increase in PSA in six weeks is more likely due to something else such as prostatitis (this is benign) and this can also cause the backpain. No matter what the results of the MRI you are now in the system so that a solution can be found for you

Hang on in there and we will hold your hand through this.

Hello SCJ

my husbands PSA was just a tad higher then the ‘safe’ limit for his ages for many years. Some 15 years ago the diagnostic process was very hit and miss! There was no MRI before biopsy. Biopsy, when it was performed was not guided by scans, was through the back passage and with no reach to some parts of the prostate and carried a high risk of infection. As my husband said, it was like they were playing darts blindfolded. Roll forward to 2 years ago and his PSA reached 10 and a GP decided it was time to refer him back to urology. After years of putting things off he was diagnosed with T3aN0M0 Gleason 4+3 prostate cancer at the ripe old age of 75. So, he had radiotherapy over 4 weeks and hormone therapy for 18 months ( finished the ht May 2024). It was very scary going through the diagnostics because we did not know what we were up against. So I fully understand your distress.

Anyway , roll forward to today and first PSA since ceasing the HT. He is feeling good, doing more and more with each passing day and his PSA result today is 0.04. There is every hope that you, like my husband, will be ok! 

prostate cancer, caught early , can be cured. In most cases it is slow growing and slow spreading. If it has spread, the medics now have a whole armoury of treatments in their war chest to keep it under control for many years and men go on to die WITH PC and not OF it.

You are doing absolutely the right thing in having investigations. My husband would have done had they been available! Hopefully your mind will be put at rest.

Do let us know how you get on and I really hope that all goes well for you!

Hi SCJ,

My heart goes out to you because I know exactly how you feel. I title it the dark terror weeks of diagnosis. You had some very good replies already and mstev2  lines the options really well.

I just want to add that your feeling are normal but after diagnosis with whatever results and after your first meeting with the oncologist your life will go back to almost normality. This PC is not a death sentence and there is a brilliant light at the end of the tunnel. People on this form are currently either on holidays or planning their holidays or planning the life ahead. Please hang on there until the diagnosis, keep fit and carry on. 

Lots of hugs and love

Dafna

Perfect summary mstev2 .  We’ve taught you well - A++

AW

To the other three respondents, your answers are of the usual quality.  What a brilliant forum this is.

AW

0.04 and he’s off HT!  What a great result!    AW