Hi Everyone,
My confirmed diagnosis came through on Tuesday. Gleason 7, with 3+4 on the right, 4+3 on the left, T2, N0/MX. My PSA was 8.4; I requested a blood test because of family history, and not because I had any symptoms.
I'm 64, and my brother, 68 at the time, was diagnosed with the same, almost an identical diagnosis, but with a PSA of 13, at the end of 2022. My Dad was diagnosed at the age of 86 (he went on to maintain an active and healthy life for the next eight years, eventually dying from old age). So it was probably on the cards that I'd make the family hat-trick.
My brother went down the HT/RT route. Treatment options have been discussed with me (the St. James's Hospital, Leeds, team have been tremendous in all respects), and I have an upcoming appointment to discuss the HT/RT route in more detail. This is the path I most favour, largely because it worked well for my brother and for Dad (though he didn't have RT), and I'm a total coward when it comes to surgery-related issues (was bad enough having the biopsy - Ouch!).
You know, one always thinks that cancer affects other folk, and not you, until you read the statistics. I rarely 'do' forums, but it's been the strangest of weeks, and I can see that Macmillan does this astonishing work, and so I thought I'd share my thoughts - though apologies for a bit of a ramble!
Best wishes to you all.
Hello Fidelio A warm welcome to the online Prostate Cancer forum - we are a decent bunch !
Well you appear to know where you are going and have understood your diagnosis - I am impressed, although at the same time sorry to find you joining our exclusive club.
Don't worry about rambling - we all do that here - some better than others. This is the place to ask questions - join in any conversations and help to put the world to rights.
I wish you well with your up coming appointment - if you have any questions, however trivial they are feel free to post them, someone will have an answer.
Best wishes from the other side of the Pennines - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
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Fidelio, another welcome to this forum. You will find plenty of first hand experiences for all aspects of the Cancer journey.
I was a T2 Gleason 3+4, took the Hormones and Radiotherapy option (it was my only option).
The Oncologist was optimistic. This proved to be right.
Fingers crossed 
, next month I should be 2 years in remission.
Don't worry about side effects, not everyone has them .
As Brian, Millibob said:
Don't worry about rambling - we all do that here
I have turned into a championship rambler.
Please let us know how you get on.
Steve (SteveCam)
Thank you, Steve, for your reassurance. It's heartening to know that your treatment has gone so well.
