Newly Diagnosed - Age 58

Hello Radio67 

A warm welcome to the group, although I am so sorry to find you joining us.

Do you have a little more information please - such as full TNM and PSA's? - you would have these with the diagnosis results. This will help us help you.

Let me say now, Yes you do need to see an oncologist as well as a surgeon as there may well be treatments other than surgery that are suitable for you. I would also say you need to mention the shoulder but it may well just be "old age".

Radio67 said:

my mental health is going haywire . 

This is very common whilst waiting for a full diagnosis and treatment plan - but a low Gleason 7 (3+4 and not 4+3) should be very treatable - with a positive outcome. Do remember though our Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) is there for you and your family. Please do give them a call.

One other thing as you have a cancer diagnosis and you are under 60 you can claim free prescriptions if you are resident in England.

I hope the above helps, feel free to ask anything, however trivial - we are all here for you.

Best wishes - Brian.

Unfortunately , I am in Scotland . Not to worry. My PSA was 25

Hello Radio67 

There's nothing wrong with Scotland - I am back there from darkest Lancashire for my Easter holidays (and Lorne Sausage!!) next year!!

Everything should be good with that PSA - try and keep calm - sort out a meeting with the oncology department and then if you need to chat about your choices we are all here for you.

Best wishes - Brian.

Cheers for that

Radio67 said:

Unfortunately , I am in Scotland . Not to worry. My PSA was 25

There are several members from Scotland here. I lived on an island when going through an extended diagnosis (nearly seven months from GP referral to start of treatment) in 2018, but you should be fine. There are great treatment facilities in all the major Scottish cities (I was treated at the Beatson in Glasgow) and we even have SGRT (which is quite new) and robotic surgery available in the Highlands.

Good luck with your diagnosis and treatment and do come back with any questions you may have as there will be someone here who has "Been There and Done That".

From two Scot’s 

yes your mind will go haywire but try to stay focussed as every single twitch will have you wondering . When my husband was going for his bone scan . We mentioned he had a diving injury years ago . Yup it showed up as did his dislocated shoulder , three broken ribs , two duff knees and the proverbial partridge in a pear tree . 

the waiting is the worst part but hopefully you will have a plan soon and start to unwind & look forward .

PS It’s is worth while speaking to both a surgeon and oncologist to give you options as Brian said above 

take care & hugs 

Liz & OH xx

Just to add, the "aches and pains is it due to cancer" - as far as I know if the pain is not constant and chronic , but starts with certain movement or occasional is  less likely to be ominous - no particular need to mention, the routine MRI and CT/bone scans will have checked that out anyway.

Hello radio67. Ive also just joined this forum so warm welcome. Having just read Milibob response to you, I very much concur. We share the same gleason 7 and I'm only 6 years older than you so, we are both very much in the same boat! Having consulted with radiologist and surgeon, it was evident that being "young" and healthy, makes a prime candidate for prostatectomy and I would think that you probably fit the bill. I really opted for surgery as radiotherapy remains an option should I be unfortunate enough to require it after surgery. (surgery not so much of an option in reverse order). Furthermore, I did alot of research into the longer term risks of radiotherapy making surgery a firm first choice for me. As Millibob said, take the time to have a consultation with both specialists to make an informed decision. Living in Scottish Borders, MacMillan SPOC are fabulous for advice, support and putting you on to cancer charities for free therapy such as massage, reflexology etc. Not sure where you hail from but I'm sure there will be a similar SPOC that can keep you right. As you have mentioned, it is really important that you take care of your mental health on your "cancer Journey" as it can take a wee while for the process, depending on your choice of treatment. Take some comfort in your early stage diagnisis but if your a bit impatient like myself, take positive steps to keep your mind positive, pre-occupied or better still, try mindfulness exercises.... I'm on my 11 session of reflexology and relaxation/meditation available on YouTube has kept my anxiety levels in check. I'm even learning to be patient! 

Hope to chat more so, fire in questions and someone on this forum will undoubtedly provide knowledge that'll help. 

Kind regards

Del