I was shocked when, just before Christmas, I received the results of a blood test showing PSA of 58.9. I had been feeling very fatigued and slightly unwell for a while, so my GP decided to check for anaemia and prostate problems.
the following day, I was given a rectal exam, which showed significant swelling, and was referred urgently to Urology. After Christmas came MRI, X-ray, CT scan, which showed a massively inflated prostate, and PSA of 55. Also indications that the cancer had started to spread beyond the prostate a bit
Next step was biopsy. That was extremely painful and unpleasant, and over half the samples were positive for cancer. My Gleason score was 5+4, so not good. Consultations then with Oncology and Urology, and it seems the only viable treatment is hormone therapy, which started 6 weeks ago. I had 4 weeks of tablets, and then the first of a quarterly series of injections. The idea is to kill off the outlying nodes.
if successful, then it’ll be intense radiotherapy every weekday for a month, and then hormone therapy again. If not, it’ll be an extra hormone treatment to stabilise and slow down the cancer. Surgery is not viable.
And here I am. It’ll be the end of April before I know what the future holds, so I’m trying not to think about it. My PSA has dropped slightly to 49.7, so that’s encouraging, and I’m just crossing my fingers and hoping.
It’s seemed an endless process, but actually it’s only been about 12 weeks from initial diagnosis. I’m very fatigued, feel unwell, and my joints and bones ache. I’m also experiencing severe night sweats and waves of depression. It’s not nice, but it passes.
I think there’s a danger of allowing the process and the cancer to take over my life and define who I am and what I do, but I’m fighting against that, with help from the mental health team, my GP, and my wife.
On Monday, we’re going to Malta for a week, because we’ve never been there and because we can. There’s nothing to do but fight against worry about the future, and avoid brooding.
Thank you, MacMillan for providing this place to vent. It helps to keep things in perspective
Good Afternoon Bruce (Wiltsbruce)
A warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Prostate Community, although I am so sorry to find you joining us. I am Brian one of the Community Champions here at Macmillan. I am on the 4th year of my personal prostate cancer journey.
Like you I am a member of the Gleason 9 club and have just completed my first 3 year journey on Hormone / Radiotherapy and you can read my entire journey by clicking on my name or avatar.
You look like your treatment plan is sound and that you have a decent team looking after you - don't forget our Support Line is available to you and your wife should you need any help and support on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week). I am pleased to read your mental health is being looked after.
As you are on Hormone Therapy, make sure your GP has given you a prescription for Calcium/ Vitamin D Tablets as this treatment can weaken your bone structure. As for the Hot sweats, mine were horrific but Sage Tablets put them on hold and I haven't had any more - although these don't work for everyone.
I do hope the above helps, please feel free to ask any questions - nothing is too trivial.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hello Bruce (Wiltsbruce)
Mine are "Menoforce" you can get them in branches of H&B in 30 or 90 day jars. They are on Amazon too in the 90's. They are a tad expensive but they work for me.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
