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I started having to go to the bathroom during the night to pee on a three to four times a night. I contacted my Gp'surgery and requested a PSA test which can back with a result of 14. This was followed up with a DRE and an MRI, followed by a biopsy. which proved positive T2 gleeson score 3-4. I saw a specialist nurse who advised some the of the potential treatments. I really do not want a radical prosectomy. I am 74 years old and have always led a very active lifestyle, the thought of sitting around doing nothing for weeks is totally abhorrent, I just could not do it. The loss of bladder control would also be an issue. No final decision with respect to treatment has been decided at the moment although I am scheduled to see the specialist surgeon next week to discuss this. The other option that was previously discussed was the radio therapy coupled with hormone treatment which I prefer as opposed to the latter. The time scale for this treatment, was given as three months hormone therapy, followed by daily radiation treatment over a 4 week period with an addtional three months of hormone treatment. I am assuming that this would be based on my gleeson score. I wondered if anyone on the forum has had a similar prognosis with the same proposed treatment and how it worked for them, and if anyone insisted on a specific treatment

Buddy030259

Grundo 4 months ago

Hi Buddy and welcome

Your stats seem fairly low which is good, did they suggest active surveillance?

Could be worth finding out tumour (s) size in mm cos that can help decide on AS.

I also didn't fancy surgery so went for Radiotherapy, it was ok, no problems, a few side effects that lasted a few weeks only..

Anyway Def looks curable.

Best wishes

Steve

Alpine Wanderer 4 months ago

Hi Buddy030259c5ab76 - I also went for the radiotherapy/ hormone therapy combo, with brachytherapy thrown in for good measure (as I was T3a aggressive) . You look like you might be headed for standard radiotherapy to prostate gland only, with maybe 6-12 months hormone therapy to weaken the cancer before blasting it. If you read my bio (click on the snowy scene) I think you will find much reassurance. Remember, mine was an aggressive treatment, but I have felt fine throughout. AW

Mace 4 months ago

Hi buddy I am exactly the same as you and went for RT and 6 months hormone therapy I'm back at work and getting on with it good luck mate I'm sure you will be fine

Millibob 4 months ago

Hello Buddy030259c5ab76

A warm welcome to the group from me to - I know it's the club you didn't want to join!!

For me the two posters above Alpine Wanderer and Mace have hit the nail on the head - HT/RT and it's a "curative pathway" without any major surgery.

Not everyone gets the side effects from HT and RT is just like being on a ""sunbed" for 10 minutes a day. The hard part of the treatment is travelling to the hospital everyday.

Best wishes - Brian.

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Agent99 4 months ago

When I was first diagnosed I was PSA 12, Gleason 3+4, T2C. Went on active surveillance for 2 years and was then recommended to consider treatment.

I was offered the same treatment options as you, 6 months HT combined with 20 days RT, or RP. I was told both options would be equally effective for me, so I went for the HT + RT option. Main reason for the choice was that HT + RT had a greater chance of being normal after the treatment, accepting that side effects during treatment would go on for a lot longer that RP.

Alpine Wanderer 4 months ago in reply to Agent99

Hi Agent99 - I’ve looked at your bio again for an update : textbook treatment. Well chosen. AW

Buddy030259c5ab76 4 months ago in reply to Grundo

Nothing was mentioned with respect to active surveillance, although I must admit I feel like its one of those things that I want to get rid of asap, knee jerk reaction being get this thing out of my body !

Grundo 4 months ago in reply to Buddy030259c5ab76

Ok, in that case RT and HT easiest.

Just my opinion but best wishes

Steve

Buzzers 4 months ago

Hello Buddy,

Welcome to the group but sorry as well that you have found it necessary to join. Having done so, you will find that it's full of very supportive people who are more than happy to help with any questions you may have.

I was diagnosed as Gleason 7 (4 + 3) T2A & went down the HT/RT route as the wimp in me ruled out an operation immediately. The HT was for 9 months in total & it's approaching 2 years ago that I had my last 3 monthly injection.

If you asked me if I had any regrets about choosing this treatment plan then my answer would be ''not at all''. If it helps at all you can read about my journey by clicking on my profile picture.

Best Wishes

Brian

Millibob 4 months ago in reply to Buddy030259c5ab76

Hello Buddy (Buddy030259c5ab76)

Buddy030259c5ab76 said:
I want to get rid of asap, knee jerk reaction being get this thing out of my body !

Take your time and don't jump in before you have looked at all the treatment options open to you. Weigh up the pros and cons of each treatment as to how it would affect you and any partner.

It's a very important choice and a "knee jerk reaction" isn't possibly the best choice.

Use the group to ask any questions you have - we are all happy to help, that's why we are still hanging around.