I received my diagnosis a month ago of Prostrate Cancer - Gleason 4:3 but with a T3a report. As a result things have been moving swiftly. I have met my surgeon who ordered a bone scan that was done five days later and I was called to tell of my appointment for a Pre-Op medical assessment the following day. I am now awaiting the date for surgery which will be a radical prostratectomy. It all feels rather surreal. I have no symptoms. This process was started by my GP who noticed I hadn't had a full bloods test for some time and arranged this then called to say my PSA level was high. It had more than doubled in less than 2 years, I had a PSA test at the rugby club before arranged by the Prostrate Cancer UK. I was called for an examination and discussion, referred for an MRI that found an anomoly which generated an appointment to got to Urology for a biopsy which provided the evidence for the diagnosis.
I'm 66 years old, recently married, fit, healthy, cycling regularly. I have been a triathlete and competed at National Championships, a rugby player and coach, completed many marathons and many other feats. This all feels out of step. It's beyond existensial. I am coping, I think, its hard to tell with so much new territory, thoughts, and fears. Its harder for others my wife in particular but children friends family are all affected.
One benefit is that I managed to raise over £700 for Macmillan by riding the Etape Loch Ness a couple of weeks ago. 66 miles around Loch Ness with some awesome climbs up into the highlands. I was going to do it as a challenge after surgery on my ankle to cure arthritis but a little before the event I received all this and dedicated my ride to Macmillan.
How do others cope?
