Prostate Recurrence Radiotherapy

Beefy24 7 hours ago

6 replies
178 subscribers
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Hi everyone, Just thought I should share my personal prostate journey with you all which may be similar to others going through dealing with this devilish disease. I was diagnosed back in 2017 after visiting my GP since I was having urinary problems in that I felt like I really needed to go , but when I did it was only a small amount and minutes later I felt the urgency again. Being a sales rep on the road this was very problematic so I arranged an GP visit which surprised my wife as I never did that sort of thing. After a physical exam he decided there was a slight lump and then referred me to Ninewells in Dundee. After the usual test I had a PSA of 2.4 and a Gleason of 6 but still had stage 2 low grade prostate cancer. I was given the choice of either radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy and chose the latter just to “ get it out of me”. Six monthly blood tests ensued and although rising slightly over the years there was no cause for concern. However last November came a bolt from the blue when one of the surgical team I’d previously dealt with phoned me to say that as my PSA had risen to .3 they would need to get me in for a PET scan to see what the story was. To be honest though he didn’t sugar coat it like that by saying it could have spread to here or there and put the fear in me. Just coming up to Christmas and my head was in a spin ! Planning scan first of all , followed by the PET scan within a couple of weeks then the worrying, anxious wait and needing to know but dreading the phone call. Just before Christmas I got a call from my surgical team to tell me that there was no obvious signs of the cancer and my organs, bones etc were clear but there was most likely something microscopic causing the spike in PSA. Mixed emotions but relief at the same time. 33 fractions of radiotherapy followed starting on the 24th of March and finishing on the 7th of May also accompanied by 12 weekly hormone injections after an initial month of hormone tablets . The usual side effects ensued, upset tum, frequent peeing during the night but some aches and pains from the hormone injections, fatigue and the dreaded hot flushes ! To be honest I quite enjoyed my visits as time went on as several of us had formed a little group and we became great friends , comparing our experiences and experiences openly which was like a self therapy group. Once the 33 sessions were over there followed a 6 week wait for the outcome and on Wednesday past, the 25th I attended my oncology appointment to get the news I’d been praying for that my PSA is now undetectable. A long journey with emotional times along the way but a very worthwhile one. Just wanted to put this out here for anyone in a similar situation ( there were lots of guys like me who’d previously had surgery and lots of others getting 20 fractions as their prostate cancer treatment) and hopefully this gives an insight and hope and confidence for taking the decision to follow a similar path to mine. If anyone has any questions or just wants someone to communicate with please get in touch. A bit of a long read here but I’d rather share it than keep it to myself. Best wishes to all ️

Polly1912 6 hours ago

Hello, thanks for sharing this. My partner is currently having tests at Ninewells, no diagnosis yet but with a PSA of 134 we are expecting something! Just had bone scan, now waiting on mri.....how did you find your care and treatment? I know you were diagnosed a wee while ago, I am worried about waiting times but we are on the journey now.

It's been really helpful reading everyone's stories, the information and advice is fab!

Millibob 6 hours ago

Hello Beefy24

Cracking post and thank you very much for taking the time to post that - I feel sure it will be a great help to many on their personal journey.

I wish you all the best moving forward.

Best wishes - Brian.

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Beefy24 6 hours ago in reply to Polly1912

Hi Polly 1912, I’m sorry to hear your partner is going through the prostate procedures but I can assure you that the care and treatment at Ninewells is absolutely fantastic. Every single department I dealt with was so helpful and nothing was too much trouble and always with kindness. It’s a time of high stress and I know how anxious you can get waiting for results. The procedures have come a long way since my initial diagnosis and they waste no time in getting you on the treatment schedule once they and most importantly you decide on the course you wish to take. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any concerns or questions or just for a chat. Best wishes for you and your partner ️

Polly1912 6 hours ago in reply to Beefy24

Thank you so much! That is reassuring to hear️

Beefy24 5 hours ago in reply to Millibob

I have always felt it necessary to make my story available to everyone who is going through treatment since we all have a thirst for knowledge on something we all know so little about until we are unfortunate enough to find ourselves faced with it. If I can help anyone in even a small way then I’m happy to have helped.

Beefy24 5 hours ago in reply to Polly1912

I’m glad that gives you some reassurance and remember you are never alone in this , I’m a good listener ️

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