Consultant appointment after MRI

Hello Wardster1 

A warm welcome to the online Community, however I am so sorry to find you joining us.

The MRI and prostate biopsy are the NHS "gold standard" for prostate cancer diagnosis. Your PSA is slightly elevated for your age so it's possible something has been found on the MRI. Every NHS Trust does things it's own way so being called in for a meeting is possibly normal for your Trust.

It's a low PSA so if something has been found, it's more than likely easily treatable with a "curative intent". Personal advice, stay away from Dr Google, carry on with work as normal and come back to us after your meeting on 21 October.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Brian thanks for the reply but as I stated I did get diagnosed last December, my concern is i should have been back for an annual Mri in December but they have brought it forward as my psa keeps rising and now the consultant wants to see me i was expecting a phone appointment so it's now making me feel something is wrong.

Cheers

Hello Wardster1 

They will have compared the 2 MRI's to see if there is any change in the cancer in the prostate. It's quite possible it's enlarged in the new MRI so it's time for action.

It;s still a low PSA figure and should be very treatable. (My initial PSA was 182 and I am still here 5 years later!).

The diagnostic process and waiting for results is the hardest part of this journey.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hello Wardster1

Apart from my Prostate cancer issues I have had more MRI scans in the last 2 years for a dodgy hip and odd gait (pelvis,hip spine lumber even Brain!) with different specialists. For what it’s worth my experience has been they follow up with a face to face even if there is nothing substantive to report.

best wishes Richard 

Hi Wardster1 sorry to hear your PSA is moving up, but that is what active surveillance is for.  To me, it looks like a very standard process and the MRI is routine.  My gut feeling is that there is activity (hence the PSA uptick) and the MRI together with last Decembers MRI will show exactly what is happening.  To me it looks like next week the team will suggest a move into action.  You mentioned you didn’t want an operation yet, but please don’t discount the other options that should be available.  If I am right and your team explain what is happening, then please ask them what are all the alternatives.  Then come back on here and we can help explain the good and bad points of each option.  It seems to me that surgery is pushed as the best option (certainly by surgeons) but the alternatives are equally effective but often without the major side effects.  Try to avoid going on Google as there is so much misinformation to worry you.  Whatever you do, try and stay fit (this will help greatly) and think positive.  Some of us have been on this journey for some time and are still going.  Gleason 6 and your age are both very positive to get you through this.

Thank you for that Richard ive had a few Mri's and usually just been told everything is normal, but it's with this being face to face, but hopefully it's like you say and they just want to run through it with me. 

Thank you so much for this david it's the not knowing what's happening inside, i must admit i feel very low atm which isn't like me im usually quite a positive person. Thanks again chris.

Chris, We all understand the ‘not knowing’ part.  Things will get easier once you get information.  Just don’t rush into anything.

Hello Chris,

I'm not surprised you feel low, it would be odd if you didn't given your appointment is  a week away. However this is transitory and will improve once you get more information. We've all been there and understand exactly how you feel.

I'll repeat what others say - your PSA is still low and if you're recommended to have treatment it will be with intent to cure you.

I will also repeat - if you're recommended to have treatment carefully consider all available options - don't be bounced into one treatment path recommended by one specialist. 

With my best wishes for next week,

Derek.

Hi Wardster1

Your stats are low so would be surprising if anything much has happened.

Main thing to ask at the meeting is , has much changed since last MRI ,  possibly check on important points ,  is tumour anywhere near the capsule edge and also tumour size in particular size change between the 2 Mris.

Best wishes 

Steve