So as per previous post I was recently diagnosed with PC Gleason 3 + 4 with 19/28 cores positive. Pirad score on 2 MRI’s was 2 and CPG2. I went for the face to face with the consultant even though the results letters had been uploaded to the NHS App by my local GP surgery which they were not happy about but it gave me time to prep and do some research. Throughout the last 12 months of 2 MRI’s and PSA results I was told that I had an inflammation which was prostatitis and nothing else could be seen. Based on family history and the PSA slowly creeping up to 5.9 a previous consultant made a good call to send me for a biopsy which showed the results as above. Even the consultant doing the biopsy questioned whether I actually wanted it with a fairly low PSA and Pirads of 2 with obvious inflammation but I stuck to my guns and had it done - STICK TO YOUR GUNS. During my face to face I questioned how we had gone from PIRADS 2 to where we are now. He said the cancer is too small to be picked up on the MRI which just showed the inflammation. Not sure whether that is positive or not although he said it was. It appears I have prostatitis and cancer at the same time but the prostatitis has potentially been the saving grace as it was that that caused me symptoms that led me to the Doctors to have the PSA test done. Don’t get me wrong based on family history I have been having fairly regular PSA tests but I probably would not have gone for a few years. 6 to 12 week wait now to have the prostate completely removed. Take care everyone.
Hello Markopoly
I sometimes like to play Devil's Advocate so here goes (and I can't go against medical advice).
So I understand why you have been told surgery and no other options however the NICE guidelines your team should be following are here:
NICE Guidelines - Prostate Cancer.
I would encourage you to read these and pay attention to 1.3.7 which shows you should have been offered choices - and indeed shows the after effects of each treatment.
We are all here to help you, however the ultimate choice of treatment is yours - not your team - remember you have choices. Anyone on the Community is happy to answer questions about their own treatment path. Some members have their journey on their profile if this helps - just click on any name or avatar to read this - it can help reading personal experiences.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes - Brian.
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