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Awaiting Radiotherapy

Ballou
  • 6 replies
  • 179 subscribers
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Hi Folks

So were do I begin. ?

Back in May 2023, I went for my annual medical review, I asked for my PSA to be taken.   I had read prior to this that it was recommended for people of certain age to get one. 

I was 66 in May.  I had no symptoms whatsoever, so was surprised to get a call form my GP a couple of days later asking me to come in to discuss my blood teat.  

So in a duly went to be told my PSA was 151.  Thought I had misheard him. But no it was high. I was referred to the Oncology dept at Leighton hospital in Crewe.

So attended my first clinic on 31st May 2023. I was told in was highly likely that i had Prostate cancer.  

Over the course of the next 2 weeks I had MRI scan, CT scan and bone scan. I must say all was very quick, so thank you NHS.

I was immediately started on Hormone injections (Degarelix )  had 2 shots first off in my stomach.  With i shot  every month to follow. I was told this would halt the cancer in its tracks.

Injections are sore for about a week afterwards, but nothing I cant deal with.

I few days later had a biopsy. 15 samples taken.  Whilst this  rather embarrassing , the humour of the staff got me through it with no problems and it wasn't painful, just slightly unpleasant.

Before long i got my scores on the doors .     Gleason score of 4+3, T3b N1 M0.  So i have locally advanced prostate cancer, who knew ?, This means it has left my prostae and entered my Lymph nodes.  But i have been told it is curable  but with a very high risk of travelling elsewhere.

So as i speak I am still awaiting 20 shots of  Radiotherapy.   Have been waitng now for some weeks. Just want to get this  started so I can move forward with life plans etc.

Not sure if  this  will help anyone out there, hopefully it will.

Take care all

Ballou

  • Hi Ballou, sorry to hear

    Ok, so it has escaped the gland and in nearby nodes but it is still curable potentially.

    Obviously there is a chance that it could have spread but hopefully not and at least the HT will now stop it in its tracks although obviously it's the RT that will hopefully cure but the HT does also help.

    Hopefully the coming weeks and months will go ok and any other questions please ask

    Best wishes

    Steve 

  • Hi and welcome to the forum.

    The hormone injections will stop the cancer from growing any more and it's usually a few months after the start of HT before any RT treatment. This gives the hormone treatment time to shrink the cancer (and the prostate) making a better target for the RT. In some areas you will get three gold seeds implanted in the prostate to help the radiologists target the right area, but not all NHS trusts do this. You will also have a planning scan about two weeks before the treatment starts and three tattoo dots (one on each hip and one in the groin area) again to help with targeting the cancer.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you are progressing. Ask any questions you may have as someone here will have "been there and done that" so will be able to help.

    Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift.
    Seamus
    (See my profile for more)

  • Hello Ballou

    Welcome to the forum - we are a decent bunch.  has nailed the basics and stolen my thunder - so I will wish you well on the rest of your Prostate Cancer journey.

    An interesting comparison though is your journey is almost identical to mine - save for a few details. It was thought I may well be a T3b N1, however after much talk between Urology and Oncology they decided the cancer hadn't left my gland but to be sure they "zapped" my lymph nodes whilst I was on the "sunbed" anyway!!

    You can follow my journey by clicking on the icon of the beach next to my user name.

    Best wishes - Brian.

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  • in reply to Millibob

    Thanks Millibob

    Have read your profile and yes it seems we are on a similar path.

    Am finding that it’s the waiting for the Radiotherapy that’s difficult. As you just want to get it done and dusted. Then move on with life etc. 

    Appreciate everyone’s kind words. Will keep you posted as to my progress. 

    Thanks all

    Ballou

  • in reply to Seamus47

    Thank you Seamus.

    I have just read your profile. I found your 'journey' to be very encouraging.

    Have just received by RT planning appointment through (10/10/23) so having a date helps me to plan things better.

    |i will keep you posted.

    Mike

  • in reply to Ballou

    Hi Mike

    That's great you have a date - with a bit of luck it will be all over and done by Christmas. Two things I always say before Radiotherapy:

    * Follow the advice of the Radiologists, regarding anything connected to diet and enemas.

    * Keep as fit as you can because somewhere during your 20 fractions Mr Fatigue will be lurking to catch you out.

    I hope it all goes well. Brian.

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