Its the wait, that's worrying

Hi Den60 I know what you mean about the waiting.  You just want to get on with treatment as soon as possible, however I think there are valid reasons for delaying RT while the HT gets to work.  You haven’t given your staging, Gleason or PSA so it is difficult for us to understand where you are in your treatment. I was also interested that you are going straight to SABR before a more systemic treatment.  I have been very impressed with my own NHS experience but clearly there are Regional differences (I can’t access my hospital info through the NHS App) which hopefully in time will get sorted out.  Like you I am a massive NHS supporter. David

Hello Den60 

Well that's great news your treatment is going ahead and you have a date. Thank you for keeping us in the loop.

The cancer pathway, diagnosis and start of treatment is there, 62 days however as with everything it's a target and it's missed more often than hit.

I try and advise anyone starting on the cancer pathway to 

* If you live in England, download the NHS App and get FULL access to your medical records on it.

* Make notes of everyone's details you come across on your journey, name, telephone number and e-mail address - you never know when you might need them!

* Remember the NHS get lots of cancellations, so if you can let then know you are able to take one at short notice let them know.

* Be gently assertive in all your dealings with the NHS and try and control your journey.

It does help if you micro-manage your journey. It's helped me get what I want.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi David2017

my data is below

PSA 5.30.    MRI shows organ confined PI-RADS  ¾  abnormality.   Prostate volume 30cc PSA density 0.18.   TP biopsies confirm grade group two prostate cancer i.e. Gleason grade 3 + 4 = 7 in 5 of the biopsies. The greatest length of cancer was 13mm.

As my cancer is confined to my prostate and has not spread I was only offered monitoring, radical proctectomy or Sabr.  I opted for Sabr as it seem to have lowest side effects and as I am diabetic surgery is not a good option.  Waiting/monitoring was definitely not an option. 

Hi Millibob

I have the NHS app and find it verging on useless.  I have lots of letters sent directly to me that have not appeared on the app, it states to get a copy see you Doctor. 

None of my appointments in the hospital have appeared on it either.

I am keeping a big folder with all the information in it, My google calendar is a godsend

 Den60 thanks for the stats.  I think in your position I would have gone for the same option.  Hopefully the RT will cure you once and for all.  Regarding the NHS App, your surgery need to give you FULL access.  I am in Hampshire and even with Full access I can’t get anything outside my GP surgery notes but it seems to be a postcode lottery!  Best wishes, David

Hi, that’s great that you are having SABR, I was offered it, but chose brachytherapy as a mono treatment which happens in 2 weeks time, after my diagnosis in September with similar results to yourself.. So now you can sit back and relax and wait for the procedure as my understanding is, the cancer is not likely to go anywhere in this period as it’s early stage.. I hope..  I will probably post again after my treatment so keep a lookout and it would be good if you posted after yours…. 

Hi I am on my 3rd week of rads and cisplatin . I then have to have brachytherapy ( have not had hysterectomy) I am more worried about this bit of treatment . 1 does it hurt ? Is it uncomfortable? How long does whole process take please if anyone got any advise 

kind regards 

Hello Granny55 . I am not sure how much we can help you because whilst the principle of inserting or delivering radiotherapy is the same it looks as if the number of doses is different as is the port of entry. I have a friend who had Brachytherapy as a single dose for prostate cancer many years ago and apart from a little initial discomfort he felt nothing. Have you tried asking the question on the Macmillan forum specifically for your type of cancer, I see that you have joined the cervical cancer forum. In order to point you in the right direction why not ask the question on the Macmillan support line on

0808 808 00 00

We have found that very often the fear of a procedure is worse than the actuality so I wish you well in your treatment.