Hi Guys....I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. Had PSA of 7.2 although second PSA blood test went down to 6.4. Biopsy showed cancer cells mainly on left side and just one core on right side. My Gleason score is 4+3=7 and consultant states it is slow growing but I am in the intermediate risk group. My father died from prostate cancer and my older brother was diagnosed and treated with surgery 12 years ago and still going strong. His Gleason score was also 4+3=7 but he was put in the high-risk group. I have also spoken to a lady who is involved in the PART study. She advised that things add moved on in the last 12 years. I am confused as our Gleason scores were the same unless the 'goal posts' have moved. I am torn between choosing surgery and radiotherapy. Is it best to get rid but deal with the side affects or radiotherapy with its own side affects.
Hi Copperman
Welcome to the community.
I am 100% in agreement with Peter (Outdoor Walker) above, it's a difficult personal choice and you do need to do as much research as you can into each option.
I had no choice in the matter as it looked like the little sods had escaped the prostate so went down the HT/RT route and in fact am 3 months ahead of Peter with my treatment. Again if it helps with the choice you can see my journey by clicking on the icon of the beach. 18 months down the line I feel amazing and I have had a few "issues" on the way (including a Gleason regrading).
As you say a Gleason 7(4+3) is now a Grade group 3 and the official wording is "Most of the cancer cells found in the biopsy look likely to grow at a moderate rate. There are some cancer cells that look likely to grow slowly." - so I don't think I would be hanging about waiting!!
Tough choice - personally IF I had the choice - I would have gone done the route I did - but it's personal.
If you want to know more - ask away.
Kind Regards
Brian.
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