Newly diagnosed

Hi, and welcome to a place you probably would rather not be. However, you are in the RIGHT place. There are some wonderful guys here who will be able to fill you in with all the jargon (G's L's and M's) and hopefully ease your mind.

Stay clear of Google though as lots of information there is outdated.

Gina

Hello Carpydarter and welcome from another wife. Basically you have a cancer with some features which means that the cancer has the potential to spread (cribriform and PNI perineural invasion which is spread to the areas around the nerves which poke into the prostate). T3a means it has just breached the capsule edge, N0 means there is no lymph node involvement, Mx means that they are waiting for the other scans to confirm that there is no further spread or metastases. If the scans come back clear then you will probably be treated with curative intent.

There is a very good book you can download for free which explains a lot of this.

https://issuu.com/magazineproduction/docs/js_prostate_cancer_guide_for_patients_ezine

What and how to tell your kids depends on their age but they are going to need to know because you may have some side effects from the hormone therapy and I expect you will be having radiotherapy at some stage to kill the cancer off. The hormone Therapy puts it into hibernation and weakens it and making it more sensitive to the radiotherapy.

You are young so you need to look after your penile health - have a word with your GP. Also the hormone therapy can weaken the bones so ask about calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Don't be rushed into making a decision on treatment routes. You have time to look at all your options.

Yes its all rather difficult at first not knowing really what it all means you will get to understand better as you go along! You seem to be in a very similar place to me last August, I have now completed all treatment and just had a second Very positive PSA result! Have a read of my profile. Be assured there is every hope of a full curative result just take it a step at a time. Wishing You the very Best.  David