I’m currently on AS having been diagnosed 30/09/2024 with Gleason 6 Grafe Group 1 . T2a. 10 9out of 20 cores cancerous. PSA 6.6.
i have chosen A S to research and buy time! How long should I stay on AS? I’m viewing it as Russian Roulette! It is kind of surreal because I feel fine and that I don’t really have cancer!
What should I do?
I don’t want to risk the chance of ‘cure’ but hate the thought of side effects!
Had anyone stayed on AS indefinitely?
All this I’m sure will mess with my mind!
As good as the medical profession and NHS might be, who or what do you actually belief or trust?!
Being on AS can be a challenge, I have been on AS now for 2.5 years. It is important that it is active, so regular PSA tests and yearly MRI to monitor changes. If during AS risk increases then you can decide about treatment, although there is a lot of argument at the moment that Gleason 6 should not be classed as cancer.
Hi Andy
I was on AS for 4 years but I have read of others on here for longer, think the longest was about 7 years.
It all depends on your original stats and how they may increase over time
Your stats seem low so ok for now.
Just have regular PSA and at least yearly MRI
Keep an eye on tumour size, over 4 years one of mine went from 3mm to 13mm at which point I started treatment.
Also to make sure tumour doesn't get near to the gland edge, another point at which u should probably think about treatment.
Best wishes
Steve
My husband was monitored for many years before AS became an acknowledged pathway and MRI scans were introduced into the pathway. He had regular PSA tests - each one with a slight uptick. He was told there would need to be something more once his PSA reached 10 - which it did in 2022. He was T3a N0M0 Gleason 4+3. We think he should have been referred back to urology a couple of years before this but, of course, that was when COVID was at its height and our GP practice was in a dire state. Nevertheless , he has still been treated with the intention to cure. I think we would feel more certain that cure had been achieved had treatment started earlier and he might have withstood the treatment better at a younger age? He had no symptoms whatsoever and even DRE was normal. Of course, we are all different and every cancer effects us all differently and behaves differently.
hth
Hi BM
I notice your bit at the end where u talk about the nurse , I assume pushing u to have treatment, and I had the same issues, always pushing, in fact changed hospitals twice because of it.
Very important to keep on top of things though cos tumour size can suddenly increase so yearly MRI important.
i was on AS for 4 years in the end until the largest tumour got near to the capsule edge
Good luck
Steve
Hi Andy
Not been on forum but looked today and saw your post, I was also Gleason 6 and a very good consultant thought A/S was the best option for me, he was very against having any treatment at this time.
I have been on A/S for 10 months with psa tests every 3 months actually had a test yesterday and awaiting result's
Some find A/S hard but for me it’s not been a problem I just put it to the back of my mind and get on with my life and don’t worry about it.
Hope this helps and hope you get on ok
Thought I’d update my progress on AS
After having to see a consultant after my psa levels reached 10 have been on A/S for 10 months, the last one was 8.6.
My consultant differed from what most seem to experience on hear
Many times I’ve read that when given the options for treatment it’s entirely your choice , but the consultant I saw recommended strongly to go on A/S
This was a great relief to me as I trusted this second consultant unlike the first one I saw
Anyway best wishes to everyone, and I must say this forum has been a big help to me, so thanks for all the support
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