My journey

Just found this forum and thought I would share details of my journey with prostate cancer.

1. Went to the doctors about 3 years ago with a routine complaint. Doctor carried out a standard set of blood tests which revealed my PSA  level was 12 (should be <4.5).
2. Was sent for an MRI scan, which revealed a grade 3 lesion, and the urologist suggested I have a biopsy. 15 samples taken of which 8 were positive (6 x 6 and 2 x 7)
3. I was advised I was suitable for active surveillance, so had PSA tests every 3 months. After 2 years the PSA level had increased to 16 and I was advised to have another MRI scan and another biopsy. Both showed that the cancer had got a bit worse and I was advised to consider treatment. I was also given a nuclear medicine bone scan.
4. I had a meeting with a surgeon who explained the risks and possible side effects of having the prostate removed. Then had a meeting with an oncologist who explained what hormone treatment and radio therapy was all about. I was encouraged when the oncologist described the cancer as fairly well behaved. This was March 24, and the oncologist said there was no rush to have treatment so if I had things planned for the summer then it was ok to have treatment in the autumn.
5. Went on holiday and sat on a beach in Bali for a couple of weeks to decide which way to go. The literature I was given suggested both treatments were equally effective, so it came down to a short, sharp shock (5 weeks recovery after the operation) or a much longer HT / RT treatment period but with better chances of finishing the treatment being normal.
6. I chose the HT / RT path, and had the first Prostap injection last November 24. After 2 months I had a CT planning scan and blood test. PSA level had fallen to 1, and testosterone level (should be about 18) was 0.6
7. Beginning of February 25 I had the second Prostap jab, and the 20 days of RT concluded at the end of March. Just had a 6 week consultation with the oncologist to check on how things are going.
8. PSA level is now 0.1 and things are going well. Worst part of the RT was visiting the bathroom 5 times a night, but the RT side effects cleared after a couple of weeks. Still getting side effects from the HT, including minor hot sweats, some loss of strength and occasional mood swings. 
9. Currently playing golf twice a week and waiting for next consultation and PSA test in 6 weeks time.

Overall I'm pleased with the decision I made regarding treatment, even though it will be another 2 or 3 months before my body can get things back to the way it was before the first Prostap injection.