New diagnosis

Sorry Steve he said no to surgery as it Carries too many complications meant to say so chemo or radio x

Ok Jep, if contained probably best to start with Radio, am sure they have said that anyway.

Hope all goes well

Steve 

Hello JEP.

I am also in the Gleason 9 club and went on the HT / RT route for treatment.

You can read my journey by clicking on the picture of my cat.

Whatever you decide I wish you well on your journey.

Keep us posted on your decision, were all here to offer support and advice.

Regards

Peter 

Thanks Peter I read your story and feel more positive I kind of felt that we had no hope with a Gleason 9 you folks are certainly helping me focus x

There is a group of us who were friends prior to diagnosis and are survivors. One was told his Gleason was 5+4 after the surgery pathology report. He is doing fine and no sign of recurrence, coming up on 10 years post surgery now.

Reading all these commands about the failure to take the necessary action at the primary care stage makes me so mad.

Spent 26 years working for criminals justice government departments, much of that time in a man's prison including the health care department. We had a duty of care to those men and they were referred to the relevant hospital specialist without delay. On one occasion I was waiting for an appointment at the maxilla facial clinic and a prisoner with the same problem as me got an appointment within days   whereas I was waiting for weeks. I strongly believe that one of the reasons they got such good care was the fear of being sued because of  their human rights being violated.

Prior to this I spent 5 years working for the old department of health and social security at artificial limb and appliance centres.

All my roles were in administration, without the benefit of the IT systems that are used these days. There was none of todays 'computer says no'. excuses for poor service. 

I once lead a class action against my employer  which was settled out of court. If only I had the strength to do this again. 

Hello JEP

Gleason 9 M0 N0 Initial PSA 10.2 would indicate a fast growing cancer but NO spread and it's not gone "walkabout" anywhere. I can't think why surgery wasn't offered as it's not spread on those figures and you say he's fit.

I would have thought with those figures he's ideal for HT/RT. I am sure the oncology appointment will point you in the right direction but in the meanwhile if you have any questions - however trivial they may be - please don't hesitate to ask. As a Community we are here for you.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks Brian I’m not sure why surgery was not an option, will the oncology team guide you as to which treatment will have the best outcome for you x

Hello JEP, the decision whether someone is considered suitable for surgery is based on age, pre-existing health conditions, fitness and stageing of cancer. Being cynical I also wonder whether costs and waiting lists are built into this - but that’s just me!

my husband was gently steered towards Rt and HT but I did ask the oncologist. He said he would be happy for my husband to have a further appointment with the urology surgeons if he wished. We had had such a dreadful time with urology that I don’t think my husband would have trusted them to even cut his finger nails! He chose not to pursue the surgical option there and then!

It does seem odd that surgery was ruled out when there's no spread. My husband’s had broken through the capsule and after a CT scan and a bone scan were both negative he was offered surgery. He is 69 and they mentioned his fitness as one of the reasons for offering it. Some hospitals don't offer surgery to men once they are 70 so timing for us was on our side.