Hubby had his first Oncology appointment today and I went along too.
His details are in my profile, but in summary he had a PSA of 35.5 prior to starting hormone therapy a month ago. His tumour is large but it’s contained. Gleason 7 (4+3) but with a very high percentage of 4. So localised cancer with some high risk features.
It was a good session today. The consultant was really calming and positive. She said ‘curable’ within the first few minutes. Alpine Wanderer - your thoughts were spot on! She wants hubby to have Brachytherapy Boost - to deliver a higher radiation dose to the prostate than could be given through Radiotherapy alone. Then a gap of 2 weeks and 15 Radiotherapy sessions to follow. These will treat the margins of the prostate, because while his MRI shows a contained tumour, hubby’s high PSA gives a risk of invisible spread. Treatment will start In early August, 3 months after the start of HT.
We went into the meeting feeling well informed from all we’ve learned on here. So thank you again to everyone who contributes. All the info and support has made a massive difference to a glass half empty husband and his glass half full wife
Hubby’s been on HT for a month now - no particular fatigue or hot flushes yet, but we are prepared. He’ll likely be staying on it for a total of 2 years.
Will report further after the Brachytherapy in August.
Hello Hopingforthebest
Cracking post - don't you just love it when a plan comes to fruition. I am so pleased for you both - the journey isn't over but you have a plan and those 2 "magic words - Curative pathway".
Thank you for keeping us updated and I wish you both well moving forward - I am aware our Brachytherapy expert Alpine Wanderer is off up the Dolomites tomorrow for a couple of weeks but I am sure he will see your post as he's been "tagged".
Best wishes - Brian.
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Hi Hopingforthebest and Millibob - of course I saw this very positive post! I’m currently in the departure lounge at East Midland Airport. Another Brachy Boost brother (and sister) enter the fold! An excellent, upbeat consultant makes all the difference too. AW
Hi again Hopingforthebest - a quick question for you. On your OH’s biopsy, was cribriform or AIP mentioned? AW
Yes, Biopsy report says ‘cribriform/glomeruloid Gleason pattern 4 present’.
This wasn’t mentioned in the biopsy results meeting - OH asked for the full report afterwards. I saw your post about cribriform - interesting.
Hoping you have a great trip! ️
I am glad that you have a plan which should see off the pesky cancer cells. Here is a reassuring report on the glomerular part of the diagnosis.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0893395222008055
All the best for your treatment.
Thank you so much Alwayshope for the helpful information on the glomerular aspect. There’s been so much to take in that we hadn’t even considered what this might be.
It’s good to know that it doesn’t necessarily make any of the rest any worse!
Your knowledge and kind thoughts are very much appreciated
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