Hi, new here.

Hi Pheenie,

I was 61 when diagnosed with a PSA 5.3.  This was found in a routine blood test.  Opted for radical robotic surgery.  This was June 2021. The surgeon was able to preserve the nerve and therefore Post Op I have been fortunate to continent from practically day 1.  This helps with normalising life. Biopsy found the 8mm cancer held within the prostate.  Currently have regular blood tests.  Surgury was the right option for me although I was worried about it at the time.  All fine now and living life to the full. As you say it is a personal choice. I had many people trying to give me advice.  I had to trust the consultant and information I had avaialble to me. I also took into account the strain on my wife. Surgey was right for me.  Good luck with everything.  

Hi, thank you so much for your reply and really glad to hear you are recovered and doing well. I think initially, this was the preferred option for my Dad as he just wanted the cancer gone, and fast. The thing that has scared him was the long list of possible side effects, although I’m sure this is the case with all treatments. It’s really helpful to hear from someone who has actually experienced the procedure and I’m very glad you had a positive experience. I really do appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Thank you, 

Pheenie

HI Pheenie

Really sorry to hear about your Dad. It is a worrying time, in fact its totally crap I'm afraid. But you do learn to cope with being on this particular 'journey'. Lots of information about and lots of good people on here to get thoughts and support from.

Everyone is different. I became symptomatic last August and got diagnosed pretty swiftly. PSA was 45 but the meds have bought that down in stages and its now 1.7.  

What I have learned though is that every treatment option has some sort of side effect. Many are not very nice and take time to get your head around - but they are a damn sight better than the alternative!

I have my RT planning session next Wednesday and will get dates for that phase of treatment then.

As they say, there are no stupid questions, so do ask. this community will help you.

Andy

Hi Andy,

Thank you so much for your reply and message of support. So sorry you’ve had to go through it all and glad to hear your PSA levels have come right down.
Whilst we can do our own research, I guess it will be a case of waiting to see what the specialists recommend and then just keep everything crossed that the side effects aren’t too bad from the chosen treatment. You are right though, any symptoms will be better than the alternative and we are grateful that he does have so many options.
It’s definitely been quite the shock and I think he’s still reeling from the diagnosis having originally just popped to the doctors for a routine blood test. Hopefully once he gets his head round all the information and last few weeks it will become much clearer to him. The waiting has been awful and he has been on edge every time the phone rings/ post arrives etc.

Many thanks for your help and I hope your next treatment leads to good health for you.

Thanks, Pheenie 

Hi Pheenie - Welcome to the club - I am sure you never wanted to join, so let's make use of your membership. I have just completed my Radiotherapy course after a period of 12 months hormone treatment. My "scores" are not too much unlike your dad's only slightly worse.

* If you want to find out what all these numbers are go online to Prostate Cancer UK and download their leaflet "How Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed" - all the information is there plus much more.

* If  you click on a members icon -  mine is Oludinez Beach some of us  have a detailed record of our "journey" this can help with planning and working out what you want - you can also ask questions.

Personal choice (I didn't get one) would be for Radiotherapy - it's less invasive and the "damage" is minimal but the side effects can be an issue. Taking into account your dad's age I think this would suit him better, but it's a personal choice.

Whichever choice you make good luck with it, if you need to ask questions fire away, there's always someone on here who's "been there, done that".

Kind Regards - Brian.

Hi Brian,

Thank you so much for replying and for the information on the hormone/ radiotherapy option. It’s very interesting to hear about another treatment and how it impacts etc. Also very helpful for the offer to look through your journey in more detail as that will really help with seeing the process/progress of different treatments and how they can impact etc.

Yes, it’s definitely the club no one wants to join isn’t it,  however I have been so touched by the kindness of everyone on this forum and how welcoming and helpful you have all been. Thank you.

You have all made a difficult and confusing time that little bit easier and my Dad is also very grateful for the information.

I really do wish the best for you on your journey and thanks again for all your help.

kindest regards,

Pheenie

Hi Pheenie.  In addition to the literature Brian has flagged I would also recommend the various macmillan guides available.  Everything from treatment, well being, dealing with impact of diagnosis and a good one in diet.   These should be available from the hospital macmillan nurse or I suspect good old Google will find them.  Andy

Hi Andy,

Thank you so much for the extra tips and info. It really does help and is much appreciated. 
A lot of reading to get through but we are taking it step by step and my Dad seemed to be in a much better place today.

Thank you.

Pheenie

Hi Pheenie

Once I got over the original diagnosis and the "Why Me" question and realised how common this cancer was - well I was off on a Crusade to first of all cure myself, find out as much as I could about it and finally get it out there so people are aware of it and can try and avoid going through what I have been through.

Knowledge and a positive attitude that you can fight this are half the battle and we are all with your Dad in this fight. You are doing all the right things for him.

Kind Regards - Brian.

Hi Brian,

Thank you for your kind words and support. 

I have told my Dad about the messages on this group and he is extremely grateful. I suspect he will join at some point, he just needs a bit of time to get his head around it all.
I have thrown myself into researching all about it since we heard and I must admit, treatments do seem to be very good, as do recovery rates which is encouraging. I was shocked by how high the number of cases actually are and how many of them are never picked up. Awareness is definitely so important.

I guess for now it’s just a case of ‘one day at a time’ and being as supportive and ‘there’ for him as we can be. Thank you so much for sharing your story to help him and others. It’s lovely how everyone is so supportive of each other despite going through so much themselves. 

Kind regards,

Pheenie