9 weeks ago I had robotic radical prostratectomy surgery. It was the best solution given the state of the cancer discovered by the biopsy -Gleason 3:4 but with fibriform near the edge of the prostrate. A whole body bone scan showed no evidence of any 'hot-spots' so surgery could progress. That was at the beginning of June. 10 days of hell followed - I really didn't like the catheter - and slowly started to feel normal again. The worst aspect of this period is the not knowing whether you have cancer or, hopefully, it has been entirely successful and there is now no trace of cancer. That is the Goldilocks outcome that everyone hopes for and realistically one of the less likely outcomes.
On Monday I went to donate blood as a regular donor. The discussion with the nurse who checked my haemoglobin said I was good to go then checked the screening questions. Discussion and searching the guidance followed as I'd declared the operation and the cause. Apparently I can never give blood again!. I was completely unaware of this and no one at any point had mentioned this. I was disappointed and somewhat angry as well as feeling like a second class of person, not worthy. There is a point here for urology or Macmillan to mention this aspect, it would have saved a lot of disappointment.
That was the low. Late the same afternoon I had a message from my GP surgery to say that my test results were back. I opened the message and it was the recent PSA test result prepared for my upcoming follow up appointment. My PSA score was '0'. I was clear. Complete success, no trace of the cells in my system. I need the confirmation and to find out what the next steps are but the sense of relief is immense. I feel I have a future again and can think ahead.
The last 6 months since the first indication that there was something to look into has been one of an existential nature with no symptoms other than the results and prognosis, intervention and recovery. I feel very lucky and relieved that I have come through this experience and would encourage others to be bold discuss the diagnosis, treatment options and follow the clinical logic of their consultant. I am so glad I did.
