Hello everyone,
I’m new here, having only just joined the forums. I’m currently 10 weeks post-HIFU surgery and doing well, but I hope it’s ok to share my story in case it helps anyone else navigating that initial "whirlwind."
The Diagnosis
My journey started on December 9th. At 54 years old, I asked for a PSA test during a routine appointment—I had zero symptoms, but someone had suggested I get one done. By December 17th, I got the email: my PSA was 7.14.
What followed was a blur of MRIs, appointments, and biopsies. On January 13th, I was told I had prostate cancer. It’s something I never thought I’d have to say. My stats were:
• Stage: T2
• Gleason: Two areas (6mm of 3+4 and 1mm of 3+3)
The Decision
I was given three options: Active Surveillance, HIFU, or a Radical Prostatectomy. Initially, my gut told me to just "get it out," but my wife, Ann, and I spent time researching and joining webinars. We decided on HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) as the right path for us.
Surgery & Recovery
I had the procedure on February 4th. It took about 2 hours in the evening, followed by an overnight stay.
• Weeks 1-4: Mostly rest. I had a catheter for the first week, which is definitely a challenge, but manageable.
• Fitness: Once the initial 4 weeks were up, I took on the "March the Month" 11,000 steps-a-day challenge. It felt great to raise £1,300 for Prostate Cancer UK and get my fitness back.
Side Effects
I’ve been lucky with side effects, though I had a bit of a acare today. I passed some blood—the most I’ve seen since the op. I think I overdid it in the garden yesterday! It’s a reminder that even at 10 weeks, the body is still healing internally. I'm taking it easy today and flushing through with plenty of water.
What’s Next?
My first post-op PSA test is April 30th, with a consultation on May 12th. The plan is PSA tests every 3 months for the first year, and an MRI at the 12-month mark.
I’m an open book, so if anyone is currently weighing up HIFU or has questions about the "whirlwind" phase, please feel free to ask. Happy to share anything I’ve experienced!
wishing everyone on this journey a positive outcome and a good recovery 
️
Hello Wayne (Wayne71 )
Welcome to the group, although I am so sorry to find you joining us - even though you look to have had a good outcome to your 5 month Prostate Cancer journey. I did notice your reply to a post yesterday, so thank you.
Thank you as well for your great post, this will be useful to others who may be considering HIFU.
The only issue I have with HIFU is that at present unless you are involved in a trial or very lucky the treatment isn't generally available on the NHS (I am aware you went down the private route).
I wish you well in your continuing journey and many more low PSA tests.
Best wishes - Brian.
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Thank you Brian for your kind message and the welcome
That is really useful to know thank you for adding that information.
Just for info before going down the private route I was diagnosed under the NHS. I was referred to Charing Cross - London following my psa result.
The 3 options I was given from the NHS included Hifu it was at the time a longer wait time than having the radical prostatectomy. I understand that not everywhere offers Hifu or the other focal therapy’s and that some surgeons may only specialise in one focal therapy. I was lucky to be offered HIFU under the NHS and then fortunate also that the surgeon Professor Hashim Ahmed covered both sectors. ️
