Prostate cancer kept under observation

Hi Ruperbear - can you give more detail - what was your Gleason score. The histology of the cancer cells is the most important thing.  Also, if you went all the way through to biopsy, I’m surprised that you’re not having 3 monthly PSA tests.    AW

Hi Ruperbear, and welcome to the forum, IF, as seems likely from early indications, you have low risk localised prostate cancer, the 15 year outlook from active surveillance, is identical to radiotherapy or surgery, but without all the side effects those treatments can come with, as Alpine Wanderer said histology is key, a low grade, is what you want to hear from your oncologist. best wishes.

Eddie 

Thankyou Eddie, my PTS result was under 2 can't remember the exact result but the oncologist did say it was low and not to worry about it, just wanted to ask others in similar situations thankyou 

Your welcome, PTS?, I think you mean PSA, and under 2 is very good, and your oncologist saying not to worry about it is good too, but doesn't give a clear picture of histology. There are a few guys on active surveillance on the forum, not many when you consider over 50% of guys with a prostate cancer diagnosis are on it, while waiting if you type in active surveillance in the search box, there are many useful posts to go through.

Eddie 

Thankyou Eddie 

Hi RB

AS is fine if stats low, just make sure that u keep your eye on any rising PSA and also  MRI pref yearly to keep eye on tumour size.

All the best

Steve 

Thanks Steve 

Hi Ruperbear 

Welcome on board !

I suspect that your Gleason score is very probably 3 + 3 = 6, or at worst 3 + 4 = 7.  

BTW, I too have very recently opted for active surveillance, with a Gleason score of 3 + 4 = 7 (risk group: 'intermediate favourable').  PSA (currently 4.0), with tests scheduled for 6-monthly intervals, plus MRI scans at 12-monthly intervals.  

Recommended actions for you, and I apologise if I am stating the obvious here:

(1) Keep a good record of all of your 'stats'.  Get copies, electronic if possible, of all letters, reports etc.  If possible, get electronic access to your GP / other health records.

(2) If you have not already received an appt for a future appt (esp PSA test), diarise a reminder to ensure timely follow-up.

(3) Re your other health issues and weight, if at all possible try to improve your fitness level, and preferably get your BMI down to somewhere in the healthy range, even if it is at the top (25). 

Should active treatment for your prostate actually be required at some point, and that may well never be necessary, better fitness will help to keep the range of treatment options as wide as possible, and facilitate recovery.  BTW, my age is close to yours, so I know how tough it is, but making a start is probably the hardest single step.  

Best of luck !