I am 74 and was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 2 years ago and have a gleeson score of 7 have had multiple PSA tests which have fluctuated between 12 to 22 I've had 2 MRI scans approx 12 months apart and both of which shows the cancer has not grown and is still confined to the prostate, my surgeon has now referred me to an oncologist who is going to call me for a discussion as to where I go from here.
Any thoughts as to what is the best treatment before the oncologist calls me
Many thanks and good luck to all
Good Morning Nhojlirb
A warm welcome to the group although I am so sorry to find you joining us.
I assume you have been on Active Surveillance and your team have advised you you need to take some action to treat the cancer.
If the cancer is still contained within the prostate then in theory you would be eligible for Surgery to remove, Brachytherapy or Hormone/Radiotherapy as a combination treatment. All 3 come with advantages and disadvantages and it's a very personal choice.
I am 70 and at my age I don't think I would be fancying surgery as it's a major operation. I am on Hormone Therapy and know the side effects although they no longer bother me so I would be looking at Brachytherapy although this isn't always offered and isn't available in every NHS Trust.
The answer is to get a pen and paper (I am old fashioned) and write a list of the pros and cons of each treatment as they would affect you and any partner. Use trusted sources for your information, Macmillan, Prostate Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK (not Dr Google or AI). here's some links to our information:
Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer.
Hormone Therapy - Prostate Cancer.
Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer.
You do have time to make a choice - and I would look at the one that gives you the best quality of life.
Happy to answer any questions - however trivial.
Best wishes - Brian.
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