Help with options on treatments

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Hello, I am 53 years old and have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. PSA 3.8, Grade group 2, Gleason score 7, 3+4, T2 N0.

I have a consultation in less than 2 weeks regarding treatment, I am struggling to find a treatment that does not carry potential long term side effects, the short term side effects I can handle. Also I have a partner and wish to remain active for her as well as myself.

Can anyone give me your opinions on experience with treatments and long short/ term side effects related to each treatment.

Many thanks, Jason 

  • Hello Jason ( 

    Welcome to the club you didn't want to join - and I am so sorry to find you here.

    To be honest with you those results would make you available for all treatments including Active Surveillance. Your comments about side effects and being sexually active are noted, so:

    My best advice would be to take a pen and paper (or spreadsheet) list every treatment as to how the potential long and short term effects would affect you both and go from there. Use trusted sources for your research, Prostate Cancer UK. Cancer Research UK and Macmillan.(Not Dr Google). I will start you off with some links:

    Active-surveillance-and-watchful-waiting-for-prostate-cancer.

    Prostatectomy.

    Radiotherapy.

    Brachytherapy.

    Although I have my personal opinion, I can't really comment as my "journey" has been rather none standard. What I will say is that if you click on a Community member's avatar or name if they have recorded their personal journey you can read it as we are all different.

    Once you have done your research or just aren't sure please do come back and ask any questions - nothing is too trivial.

    Best wishes - Brian.

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  • There's also HIFU which is only available on the NHS in a very limited number of locations but carried out privately in many more.

  • Thanks Anndee, this looks promising

  • Your figures are low Jason, is active surveillance a possible.option

    Steve 

  • I was told when I got my biopsy results that active surveillance is an option, but because I am only 53 they usually recommend it for older men. In my case they recommended treatment. 

  • Ok, well I was just under 60 when diagnosed and went on AS.

    Your PSA is near normal, any idea on tumour size and is it near the capsule edge?

    Steve 

  • I don't know the size but I asked to see the MRI after the biopsy. It was a dark match at the back of the prostate inside the outer layer, the doctor referred to the outer layer as orange peel. 

  • Could be worth checking the MRI more at some stage cos if particularly small AS Def an option unless you would rather go for treatment anyway.

    At your age not sure about surgery though because of potential side effects.

    I have to say not everyone has side effects and that is just my  opinion anyway 

    Steve