Hi, newly signed up. Interested to hear the opinions and advice from others diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

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I’m coming to this group rather late in the journey compared with many others it appears.

So until the beginning of 2023 I was (I thought ) a fairly typical quite healthy 61 year old non smoker and not overweight. Just retired I was enjoying having the time for hobbies and interests.

So as is perhaps the case with many it was my wife who was proactive in encouraging me just to ‘go and get your psa checked’. Thought nothing of it then received result call from GP of 7.3.
So MRI scan recommended and results were that an area of concern had been identified.

So Biopsy recommended in mid 2023.
Follow up meeting confirmed low level PC

Until then I had naively never prepared myself to hear those words. I remember smiling and trying to almost dismiss as one of those things….

I left the meeting in the hospital and came out to a beautiful sunny day with everyone going about their business. Got back to the car and it started to hit home ’did I just hear that?’

We lost our Mother a year earlier to breast cancer and she was (at least outwardly) very stoic and matter of fact through all the operations and treatments.

I and my siblings would take her to appointments to the cancer hospital and now I find myself back in those same waiting rooms with my own issues quite ironic.

Moving forward a period of active surveillance was recommended with a number of psa tests at 3 month intervals (results ranging from 9.08 to 11.06).

Second biopsy performed May 2024 with psa remaining around 10 or 11.

So discussion then centred around treatment options with meetings with surgical and radiation experts.

As most here may agree neither option is very appealing but I know I need to make a choice.
But I decide to kick the can down the road and try to enjoy the summer and think things through.

I then ‘leave it until after Christmas’……..

So here we are in January and I need to grasp the nettle. My wife and I have come down in favour of prostatectomy but I have yet to make the call…

I hope my inaction doesn’t prove to be a big mistake.

I’m planning to call tomorrow if I can get in the right frame of mind.
I’m thinking it’s a long process of recovery and better sooner than later….

Ironically I feel well with none of the typical symptoms so it’s difficult to elect for a procedure with guaranteed side effects and an uncertain future.

If you have read this far thank you. Strangely it has been quite therapeutic to have a moan.

I hope I will have the courage to make the call in the morning…..

best wishes to all who find themselves on this journey

Thanks Rob

Whittaker over 1 year ago in reply to Rob_

Hi my OH chose the surgery route if you read the biography it might give you more info. Good luck hope all goes OK for you

Grundo over 1 year ago in reply to Rob_

Hi Rob

There's pro's and con's for both as u probably already know.

Two main points, surgery a major op and ED can be a big issue, not always and doesn't concern everyone.

Downside to RT is surgery near impossible if cancer returns but not the other way round , RT after surgery.

Hope all goes well for you

Best wishes

Steve

Rob_ over 1 year ago in reply to Grundo

Thanks for the reply Steve

Yes that’s pretty much what is swinging my decision towards surgery. The fact that if RT for some reason does not eradicate the cancer it is then difficult to have secondary surgery. My main concern with surgery is continence. Also I enjoy motorcycling and wonder how long it might be before it’s wise to get on the bike again after surgery??

Grundo over 1 year ago in reply to Rob_

Hi Rob

I'm a car petrol head so can't answer your question re motorcycling but good that you have come to a decision, lots of people have the surgery and very happy with the result

Perhaps someone will come on and answer your specific question re MC

Steve

Richards Dad over 1 year ago

Take everything you can get we all need to get this thing sorted out All the best David (I know it means going through it but go for it)

Psticks over 1 year ago

Hi Rob,

I went down the RP route. I have used my profile as a diary. I am now 9 months post RP.

All the best Psticks

Rob_ over 1 year ago in reply to Psticks

Hi Psticks

Quite a journey for you so far and it seems everything has worked out well.

I recently spoke with the surgeon and have finally requested to be added to the list for RP. This in itself has been a relief. I’m advised I may be called in for surgery in4 to 5 weeks which I suppose is good given the pressures on the NHS. Gives me some time to cut some hedges, lay some tiles and get house in shape beforehand. My guess is I won’t feel up to anything strenuous for some time after OP. I enjoy motorcycling and am sure that will be impacted for some time too. Although I’m not stressing about my diagnosis I’m certainly not looking forward to the surgery and the side effects which will follow. Of these incontinence is my main concern. I will definitely do exercises and whatever it takes to recover quickly. Ironically I feel well at present but must undergo treatment which will undoubtedly make me feel worse. Of course I do understand that treatment is necessary. It is interesting and informative to read of the experience of others and how they cope.

thanks again Rob

Millibob over 1 year ago in reply to Rob_

Hello Rob (Rob_)

Now you've settled on your treatment path I wish you well with it - here are a few links you may find of use:

* A link to a cracking post by "Huffies" Pads and what you need to know

* A link to Johnyboy's Surgery journey JohnyBoy

A link to some "free stuff" Surgery Support Pack from our friends at Prostate Cancer UK.

If you need anything or if I can do anything for you just give me a shout.

Best wishes - Brian.

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Rob_ over 1 year ago in reply to Millibob

Thanks Brian

just read Johnnyboys diary of his journey. A great read. It’s useful to see the story/journey mapped out with the ups and downs. It helps know what to possibly expect at certain stages.

thanks to all who take the time to share their experiences.

Currently just waiting to hear a date for surgery. I hope I won’t just get a couple of days notice. I’m surprised that I am calm and somewhat removed from the reality ahead. Hopefully I’ll be able to navigate the stages without being a burden on my wife and family.

really appreciate

Millibob over 1 year ago in reply to Rob_

Hello Rob (Rob_ )

I wish you well with the surgery - I didn't have the choice (but am a wimp anyway!). I am sure your wife and family will be along to help with your recovery - just take it easy and listen to your team and your body.

We are all here for you - keep us posted and any questions, however trivial ask away, someone will have an answer for you.