Struggling

Hi Sammy and welcome 

AS is ok but depends on the stats, perhaps if you can give last few PSAs , Gleeson, what the MRI says then we can advise.

It does seem a bit odd that he has only seen a nurse unless perhaps stats are particularly low.

The other thing possibly if found in 2024 then time for another MRI  I would have thought.

Best wishes 

Steve 

Thank you for your reply Steve, 

His latest PSA scores were 4.4, 4.7, 4.4

Gleason score was 6

He had a biopsy after the MRI which showed cancer in 4 out of 11 biopsies done. 

We live in Wales where they only do an MRI if there are any changes. 

Ok , so all very low, but do push for another MRI on 2 year date as tumour can grow even if PSA doesn't go up although quite rare that.

Other thing try and get a copy of the MRI report to see what it says about tumour size and location in the gland

Steve 

Thank you I will.

The only thing we were told was it’s localised, T stage 2C and the MRI scan results were Likert 3? Sorry the writing is terrible so I may have that last one wrong 

Likert irrelevant as biopsy confirms cancer.

I presume coming up to 2 year anniversary for MRI so they can't keep saying won't do another unless PSA goes up., it's probably ok as stats very low but it needs to be checked at least at some stage during this year.

Don't forget that's just my opinion and I'm not a specialist, just followed PC for past 13 years .

Steve 

Hello Sammy (Sammy11 ) 

A warm welcome to the group although I am so sorry to find you joining us. I can understand you struggling with your husband on AS. People on the group will know I am not a fan.

I have been reading your replies to Steve - let me clear a few points up:

* A Prostate Cancer diagnosis has to be made by a qualified urologist - however the news can be given to the patient by a CNS (Clinical or Cancer Nurse Specialist). 

* A bone scan would only be given when the team think there is a possibility of spread, which is highly unlikely with a Gleason 6 and a PSA of 4.7.

* The NICE guidelines for AS - link here NICE Guidelines - Prostate Cancer see 1.3.13 say that during AS only 1 MRI scan should be performed between months 12 - 18. HOWEVER the Welsh Government use the NICE guidelines but unlike England they are not mandatory. So you can ask for an MRI but they will no doubt refuse.

We do have Community members here who have been on AS for over 10 years - it's just a matter of having faith in the system, regular PSA tests and low anxiety levels.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks Steve, 

2year anniversary has passed a couple of months ago. They’ve already said they won’t do another MRI unless there are changes,  but I’ll try and get him to push for another. 

You would think they’d do one anyway even if it’s to put your mind at rest but unfortunately the NHS is a shambles in Wales. 

Thank you for your reply Brian.

I think I’m so worried because my husband seems very blasé about it all and is very reluctant to tell me or our doctor of any ailments he has. He also refuses to tell our children or any family members so that’s why I’m here. I have to respect his wishes but I’ve got no-one to discuss this with

Yes I understand.

Push if U can , doesn't have to be now , by end of year will be nearly 3 years anyway.

It's a difficult one cos I think if was me I would just like to be sure, 

All the best

Steve 

Hello Sammy (Sammy11 ) 

He's a typical bloke!! We are all like that, I was fine, nothing wrong with me, it was only that I went off food and beer my wife (a trained Nurse) made me go to the GP and as they say the rest is history (full story by clicking on my name or avatar).

As long as he keeps up with his scheduled PSA Tests and there's no increase then AS is good - it's IF his PSA starts to rise you need to worry. All I can suggest is you support him as best you can and hope he opens up to you - you can of course express your anxiety - he may realise the effect it's having on your wellbeing too.

There's always someone around on the group to chat to or ask questions. Our Support Line is there for you if you want to chat to someone - it's a free call to 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week).

I hope this helps.

Best wishes - Brian.