PSA reading.and radiotherapy

Hello Alan (Al985 ) 

Although NICE have guidelines for the treatment of prostate cancer - every NHS Trust - every surgeon and every oncologist follows their own beliefs to some extent.

Easy for me to say - the surgeon is clearly different than oncology, you will be under oncology for HT and Radiotherapy - see what your PSA is follow the oncologists advice.

Al985 said:

and have now developed mental health issues. 

Are you getting any help with these and would you like some ideas for help?

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi

I know where you're coming from , want to see a rise to get it all over with IE Radiotherapy.

The only thing is though, I have read that although PSA undetectable is best . .1 is  acceptable.but no higher.

So u never know, maybe it's gone down this time but if still .1 u could hold fire although obviously down to their recommendations.

Just my thoughts.

All the best 

Steve 

Hi Brian.

Thanks again for your ongoing support

• I have had a nightmare with the hospital. No support from the CNS and the surgeon isnt even on the same planet as me never mind singing from the same hynm sheet. My oncologist appears really kind and understanding, getting to know all about me and my family. She has explained the prospective treatment regime and rather than knocking me for doing research showed me some of her own, backing up her plans. She insisted we  took a planned holiday arranging to see me just before I go away.  She said she will organise my scan and appointments whilst I am away so we can crack on when I get back. I do feel comfortable with her and I am glad to be away from the surgeon. I have a call from the GMC booked for next week. I am  determined to make sure he knows the damage he has done.I will post my psa when I receive it.
• Al

Hello Alan (Al985 ) 

Your oncologist sounds like mine, someone who cares and is interested in you as an individual as well as your cancer diagnosis.

Have your holiday, sort the GMC out and come back to continue your journey refreshed.

Do you know you can self refer yourself for counselling via the NHS?

NHS Talking Therapies.

There's also Men's Sheds and Andy's Man Club. If your hospital has a "Maggie's" why not call in there they can help too.

There's plenty of help out there - just reach out for it - don't be embarrassed.

Kind regards - Brian.

I would second this about reaching out

The NHS talking therapies are very good Although there can be a bit of a wait

Hello Al985, I’m really sorry to read about your journey so far. We had an appalling time with our urology department but, once transferred to oncology. ( within the same trust) we could find nothing to complain about! They were excellent! It sounds as if you, too, are dealing with similar approaches towards patients - one good and one bad.

im not an expert by any means but my understanding is that a very low PSA means that a scan might not pick up any rogue cancer cells. Is this the reason they are asking you to wait a while longer,  perhaps?

Although we may be treated with the ‘intention to cure’, our emphasis has to be on ‘intention’. It cannot be guaranteed. Like you, we focussed very much on the word ‘cure’ and not ‘intention’. Those darned cancer cells can be so very small when they decide to move away from the main tumour and set up home somewhere else. I have come to think that sometimes the medics focus on selling us too much hope and, arguably, insufficient reality.

You are naturally in a very anxious state but this is a very normal human reaction. Do you have a partner and family around you to give you support? I hope so! Also, I think a planned holiday might be literally and in reality just what the doctor ordered. I hope you can relax and enjoy it.

i am an anxious personality and , for me, if I am anxious about something, action has to be taken immediately to get rid of that anxiety so I really understand your reactions to your situation. Sometimes I try to get involved in a project ( even a good book) as a distraction from those awful thoughts that chase round and round in my brain and which I can’t switch off. That sometimes works!

Whatever happens, this forum and the wonderful people posting here all know and understand the fears, knock backs, the highs and the lows of this journey we are ( unwillingly) on. We are not walking this path alone and that gives us strength. 

take good care of yourself and I sincerely hope all turns out well for you