Prostate cancer
Discussion
AstonZagato said:
BoomerPride said:
That was my final radiotherapy session today. 20 in total.
Few side effects apart from loose bowels from the beginning and later on a feeling of cystitis with some extreme occasional urgency! It was difficult holding it in a couple of times on the radiotherapy table, but fortunately I didn't disgrace myself.
I see the consultant in 6 to 8 weeks with a PSA test a week prior.
My prostate has been fried but hopefully the cancer cells have been fried considerably more.
Just be warned the the side effects get worse for a few days. My nadir was about 10 days post-radiotherapy. My recovery from that point was not linear - but more good days than bad days. Byt the 6 week review with the consultant, I was 100%.Few side effects apart from loose bowels from the beginning and later on a feeling of cystitis with some extreme occasional urgency! It was difficult holding it in a couple of times on the radiotherapy table, but fortunately I didn't disgrace myself.
I see the consultant in 6 to 8 weeks with a PSA test a week prior.
My prostate has been fried but hopefully the cancer cells have been fried considerably more.
My prostate part 1 of 4
Following strong words of advice from mates on here I decided that at the age of 68 I should know my PSA level. They know who they are and I have acknowledged to them that they have saved a life. So I booked a GP visit and a blood test was arranged. It was elevated at 7.96. Doctor said it is borderline for age and did a second test that came back at 7.85. An examination suggested very slight enlargement but no shape irregularity on the prostate and I was referred to the local hospital urology department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. This was end of March 2024.
On 17 April a Consultant Urologist saw me and agreed no Prostate enlargement. That’s good I said. He said not really because it puts cancer in the frame. Oh yes says I
and he sent me straight for an MRI.
My prostate volume was 33cc. He showed me the MRI images and there were dark areas with a small PI-RADS 4 lesion on the left. Right he said I recommend we take biopsies of that lot. OK I said, not liking the thought of the process.
A short wait and I was reclining on my back in a treatment room on what looked like a birthing chair with my feet in stirrups, perineum front and centre, surgical tape holding my tackle out of the way and the Consultant readying the ultrasound probe whilst two nurses set out a load of needles and equipment on the tray next to me and tried to keep me calm.
Don’t worry he said, producing a dirty great hollow needle, it won’t hurt. At that point I had to have a word with myself! He then explained the method of putting a surface local anaesthetic on my skin, which he did, then a deeper needle (weird internal pressure feeling - they don’t like it up them!) with more local anaesthetic, which he did, then a bit more of that and paused for it to take effect.
Then there was a bit of comedy when he couldn’t get a picture on the ultrasound and had to move the probe about quite a lot while muttering about technology
Following strong words of advice from mates on here I decided that at the age of 68 I should know my PSA level. They know who they are and I have acknowledged to them that they have saved a life. So I booked a GP visit and a blood test was arranged. It was elevated at 7.96. Doctor said it is borderline for age and did a second test that came back at 7.85. An examination suggested very slight enlargement but no shape irregularity on the prostate and I was referred to the local hospital urology department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. This was end of March 2024.
On 17 April a Consultant Urologist saw me and agreed no Prostate enlargement. That’s good I said. He said not really because it puts cancer in the frame. Oh yes says I
and he sent me straight for an MRI. My prostate volume was 33cc. He showed me the MRI images and there were dark areas with a small PI-RADS 4 lesion on the left. Right he said I recommend we take biopsies of that lot. OK I said, not liking the thought of the process.
A short wait and I was reclining on my back in a treatment room on what looked like a birthing chair with my feet in stirrups, perineum front and centre, surgical tape holding my tackle out of the way and the Consultant readying the ultrasound probe whilst two nurses set out a load of needles and equipment on the tray next to me and tried to keep me calm.
Don’t worry he said, producing a dirty great hollow needle, it won’t hurt. At that point I had to have a word with myself! He then explained the method of putting a surface local anaesthetic on my skin, which he did, then a deeper needle (weird internal pressure feeling - they don’t like it up them!) with more local anaesthetic, which he did, then a bit more of that and paused for it to take effect.
Then there was a bit of comedy when he couldn’t get a picture on the ultrasound and had to move the probe about quite a lot while muttering about technology
My prostate part 2 of 4
Having got the right ultrasound targeting picture he inserted the biopsy needle and then the click of the sample being taken that set me off twitching and sweating. Just 23 more! It wasn’t that bad an experience really and certainly not painful and over and done with eventually.
They sat me down for a cuppa and recovery before giving me some support service leaflets and cautioned that I would see blood in my urine and semen for a few days following the biopsy. My wife drove me home.
On 9 May I saw a different Consultant Urologist who confirmed that I had a medium cancer confined to the prostate although right to the edge in places. Gleason 3 + 4 = 7.
The Consultant said he was referring me to both surgical and oncology departments in Sheffield and to expect the surgical team to contact me first as oncology has longer wait times. Asked about wait times generally for a treatment he said a minimum of four months time. His view of the alternatives was that with surgery you get the bad bit over early and then have an upwards recovery path and with hormone/radiotherapy you start good and then go up and down over an extended period but maybe there’s less chance of incontinence and erectile disfunction.
The head nurse gave me a stack of leaflets and explanatory booklets on the main courses of treatment for me to digest and think about.
Having got the right ultrasound targeting picture he inserted the biopsy needle and then the click of the sample being taken that set me off twitching and sweating. Just 23 more! It wasn’t that bad an experience really and certainly not painful and over and done with eventually.
They sat me down for a cuppa and recovery before giving me some support service leaflets and cautioned that I would see blood in my urine and semen for a few days following the biopsy. My wife drove me home.
On 9 May I saw a different Consultant Urologist who confirmed that I had a medium cancer confined to the prostate although right to the edge in places. Gleason 3 + 4 = 7.
The Consultant said he was referring me to both surgical and oncology departments in Sheffield and to expect the surgical team to contact me first as oncology has longer wait times. Asked about wait times generally for a treatment he said a minimum of four months time. His view of the alternatives was that with surgery you get the bad bit over early and then have an upwards recovery path and with hormone/radiotherapy you start good and then go up and down over an extended period but maybe there’s less chance of incontinence and erectile disfunction.
The head nurse gave me a stack of leaflets and explanatory booklets on the main courses of treatment for me to digest and think about.
My prostate part 3 of 4
Whilst reading all the information on treatments I kept thinking about the four month lead time and that the cancer was already at the boundary of the prostate and we didn’t know how long I’d had it.
I also recalled my father’s experience back in the late 70s when he’d had a company BUPA biennial check where they found liver cancer, operated promptly but it had already spread. He died within a year at age 54. That had clearly been a vigorous cancer. What had I got? They said medium, but what timescale does that work to? Nobody knows.
On 15 May I heard from the surgery department at Royal Hallamshire, Sheffield offering a consultation with a surgeon the following week but I would be away on a pre booked holiday that week so we set 4 June for that consultation, but by telephone. Was I losing vital time with this delay? Who knows?
That telephone consultation happens and I say I’m favouring surgery and ask about private options as time is of the essence in my mind.
He says there are criteria I need to meet for surgery by either provider and we need a face to face consultation for that and that the wait for private surgery is a few weeks compared to 4 to 8 months on the NHS. Even worse than I expected on NHS.
On 5 June I saw the consultant surgeon at Thornbury private hospital and I pass the criteria checks; physical health, body mass index, etc and I told him about my father’s experience and my thoughts on the NHS timeline. He confirmed that the rate of growth in my cancer is an unknown in that context and he asks me to think about my choice and let him know how I wish to proceed.
My wife and I agreed I should go for surgery at the earliest opportunity so on 6 June I confirmed I wished to go ahead. It was to cost us £18k to have the problem dealt with in 4 weeks rather than free in 4 - 8 months, the latter being a risk neither of us wished to take.
In the third week of June the Oncology Department at Weston Park hospital offered a Consultation for 11 July which I declined after telling them I’d be recovering from surgery by then.
The robot assisted radical prostatectomy with nerve sparing was set for Friday 5 July at The Park Hospital, Nottingham and I attend for pre surgery checks, bloods, etc the week before, followed up by a final blood test two days before.
The operation went ahead as planned under a spinal block and light anaesthetic and the care, humour and attention from all parties in the hospital was brilliant. The consultant confirmed the surgery had gone well and he’d been able to spare a good amount of nerve tissue.
I was discharged home at lunchtime on Saturday 6 July.
So here I am recovering at home and awaiting removal of the catheter next Wednesday 17 July at Thornbury.
As after my hip replacement operation last year (at Thornbury) I have struggled with nausea both in hospital and at home which has prevented me being as mobile as recommended but I’m doing foot and leg bed exercises and jabbing myself daily with subcutaneous enoxaparin sodium to prevent blood clots. And wearing compression stockings. A call to the hospital on Tuesday led me to try a significant reduction in codeine intake and that led to relief from nausea without break through pain and probably contributed to my bowel restarting early Wednesday morning. Boy did I take a leap forward at that point!
Whilst reading all the information on treatments I kept thinking about the four month lead time and that the cancer was already at the boundary of the prostate and we didn’t know how long I’d had it.
I also recalled my father’s experience back in the late 70s when he’d had a company BUPA biennial check where they found liver cancer, operated promptly but it had already spread. He died within a year at age 54. That had clearly been a vigorous cancer. What had I got? They said medium, but what timescale does that work to? Nobody knows.
On 15 May I heard from the surgery department at Royal Hallamshire, Sheffield offering a consultation with a surgeon the following week but I would be away on a pre booked holiday that week so we set 4 June for that consultation, but by telephone. Was I losing vital time with this delay? Who knows?
That telephone consultation happens and I say I’m favouring surgery and ask about private options as time is of the essence in my mind.
He says there are criteria I need to meet for surgery by either provider and we need a face to face consultation for that and that the wait for private surgery is a few weeks compared to 4 to 8 months on the NHS. Even worse than I expected on NHS.
On 5 June I saw the consultant surgeon at Thornbury private hospital and I pass the criteria checks; physical health, body mass index, etc and I told him about my father’s experience and my thoughts on the NHS timeline. He confirmed that the rate of growth in my cancer is an unknown in that context and he asks me to think about my choice and let him know how I wish to proceed.
My wife and I agreed I should go for surgery at the earliest opportunity so on 6 June I confirmed I wished to go ahead. It was to cost us £18k to have the problem dealt with in 4 weeks rather than free in 4 - 8 months, the latter being a risk neither of us wished to take.
In the third week of June the Oncology Department at Weston Park hospital offered a Consultation for 11 July which I declined after telling them I’d be recovering from surgery by then.
The robot assisted radical prostatectomy with nerve sparing was set for Friday 5 July at The Park Hospital, Nottingham and I attend for pre surgery checks, bloods, etc the week before, followed up by a final blood test two days before.
The operation went ahead as planned under a spinal block and light anaesthetic and the care, humour and attention from all parties in the hospital was brilliant. The consultant confirmed the surgery had gone well and he’d been able to spare a good amount of nerve tissue.
I was discharged home at lunchtime on Saturday 6 July.
So here I am recovering at home and awaiting removal of the catheter next Wednesday 17 July at Thornbury.
As after my hip replacement operation last year (at Thornbury) I have struggled with nausea both in hospital and at home which has prevented me being as mobile as recommended but I’m doing foot and leg bed exercises and jabbing myself daily with subcutaneous enoxaparin sodium to prevent blood clots. And wearing compression stockings. A call to the hospital on Tuesday led me to try a significant reduction in codeine intake and that led to relief from nausea without break through pain and probably contributed to my bowel restarting early Wednesday morning. Boy did I take a leap forward at that point!
My prostate part 4 of 4
It looks like I have a low tolerance for morphine. I can cope happily with a single 30mg Codeine phosphate tablet per day (as much of 2023 proved) but the 2 at 6 hourly intervals wasn’t for me!
All of the small incision wounds are healing nicely with no weeping or redness.
I have some epic bruises on my right flank with attendant pain when bending. I phoned the consultant about his yesterday evening and he said it was entirely expected as that is the lowest point of the operation site and blood tends to pool there. Do take a photo as it’s always a good laugh to look back on
He was delighted my bowels had restarted as this is a critical indicator that all has gone well, if anything is leaking into the abdomen the bowel tends not to restart.
I was a bit down yesterday after the high of rapid improvement on Wednesday. I’ve stopped taking the codeine without pain downsides and no longer have nausea. One week post operation I’m feeling much better, upright, movement becoming easier, building stamina. I may even shave this bloody awful beard off today, it’s been quietly driving me mad in the background this week!
My wife has been and is looking after me wonderfully. I am so very grateful to her for this, I would have been totally stuffed without her care. I’m feeling quite emotional writing this. I am a lucky boy in so many ways!
Where do we sit today?
1. I’m alive and there was no sign of the cancer having spread. But, we must wait for the post operation recovery PSA test to be sure.
2. Bassetlaw NHS Trust doesn’t mess about with diagnosis and testing but isn’t a regional centre of excellence for follow up.
3. Neighbouring Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust doesn’t have enough surgical or oncology practitioners to deliver treatment to an adequate, acceptable timetable for saving life.
4. Government really must sort that out; we, the patients and tax payers of this country pay for and deserve an effective NHS delivering timely treatment and value for money. If I was not in the fortunate position of being able to pay for private treatment I would now be sitting on a time bomb and going mental with worry at my life prospects.
It looks like I have a low tolerance for morphine. I can cope happily with a single 30mg Codeine phosphate tablet per day (as much of 2023 proved) but the 2 at 6 hourly intervals wasn’t for me!
All of the small incision wounds are healing nicely with no weeping or redness.
I have some epic bruises on my right flank with attendant pain when bending. I phoned the consultant about his yesterday evening and he said it was entirely expected as that is the lowest point of the operation site and blood tends to pool there. Do take a photo as it’s always a good laugh to look back on
He was delighted my bowels had restarted as this is a critical indicator that all has gone well, if anything is leaking into the abdomen the bowel tends not to restart.
I was a bit down yesterday after the high of rapid improvement on Wednesday. I’ve stopped taking the codeine without pain downsides and no longer have nausea. One week post operation I’m feeling much better, upright, movement becoming easier, building stamina. I may even shave this bloody awful beard off today, it’s been quietly driving me mad in the background this week!
My wife has been and is looking after me wonderfully. I am so very grateful to her for this, I would have been totally stuffed without her care. I’m feeling quite emotional writing this. I am a lucky boy in so many ways!
Where do we sit today?
1. I’m alive and there was no sign of the cancer having spread. But, we must wait for the post operation recovery PSA test to be sure.
2. Bassetlaw NHS Trust doesn’t mess about with diagnosis and testing but isn’t a regional centre of excellence for follow up.
3. Neighbouring Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust doesn’t have enough surgical or oncology practitioners to deliver treatment to an adequate, acceptable timetable for saving life.
4. Government really must sort that out; we, the patients and tax payers of this country pay for and deserve an effective NHS delivering timely treatment and value for money. If I was not in the fortunate position of being able to pay for private treatment I would now be sitting on a time bomb and going mental with worry at my life prospects.
Damp Logs said:
JeremyH5,
That’s a pretty thorough and accurate description of the process- good to hear you’re on the recovery road.
Was there any mention in consultations of alternative treatment options?
Thanks. That’s a pretty thorough and accurate description of the process- good to hear you’re on the recovery road.
Was there any mention in consultations of alternative treatment options?
Yes I was offered hormone/radiology treatment as an alternative, see part 2 above. But I discounted it after reading about the nature and duration of the treatment. It also turned out that it would have lead to the longest wait time.
Based on life experience with my father and his cancer and time scales I decided prompt action whilst the opportunity was available, based on the MRI findings, to minimise the risk of metastasis was the only logical way forward.
JeremyH5 said:
Damp Logs said:
JeremyH5,
That’s a pretty thorough and accurate description of the process- good to hear you’re on the recovery road.
Was there any mention in consultations of alternative treatment options?
Thanks. That’s a pretty thorough and accurate description of the process- good to hear you’re on the recovery road.
Was there any mention in consultations of alternative treatment options?
Yes I was offered hormone/radiology treatment as an alternative, see part 2 above. But I discounted it after reading about the nature and duration of the treatment. It also turned out that it would have lead to the longest wait time.
Based on life experience with my father and his cancer and time scales I decided prompt action whilst the opportunity was available, based on the MRI findings, to minimise the risk of metastasis was the only logical way forward.
Hope you continue to recover
Damp Logs said:
Was there no mention of HIFU - nanoknife or cryotherapy? Obviously depends on location of tumours.
Hope you continue to recover
None. I researched those and asked the surgeon but they aren’t available around here. I essentially went with the option I preferred and which was forecast to give a prompt and decisive outcome. Avoiding the risk of spread was high on my priority list.Hope you continue to recover
You have been very fortunate in many ways. Your mates for getting you on the road. No spread outside the prostate. The means to go private. And your good wife looking after you. I'm sure your next PSA test will confirm all is well.
For anyone reading this, it should be remembered that prostate cancer is not in the top league of fast acting cancer killers such as pancreatic, lung or brain tumours. Prostate cancer is a relatively slow growing cancer. You can gauge the aggressiveness from the Gleason score and in this case is 4+3 so not a top end 9 or 10. I don't think waiting a few months would have made much difference but given how fast your dad deteriorated it is understandable you wanted the op asap.
As for the radiotherapy route, it is a matter of your choice wherever possible. Just for balance my PSA was 38, Gleason 9 (5+4) and spread outside into the seminal vesicles so Stage 3. I was told there was no choice, it had to be radiotherapy. If I had no treatment I was told I had possibly 18 months to live. From seeing my GP to starting radiotherapy was 5 months. That was 7 years ago and I could have the op today, technology having moved on massively. There are downsides to both treatments so do your research thoroughly before making your life changing decision.
For anyone reading this, it should be remembered that prostate cancer is not in the top league of fast acting cancer killers such as pancreatic, lung or brain tumours. Prostate cancer is a relatively slow growing cancer. You can gauge the aggressiveness from the Gleason score and in this case is 4+3 so not a top end 9 or 10. I don't think waiting a few months would have made much difference but given how fast your dad deteriorated it is understandable you wanted the op asap.
As for the radiotherapy route, it is a matter of your choice wherever possible. Just for balance my PSA was 38, Gleason 9 (5+4) and spread outside into the seminal vesicles so Stage 3. I was told there was no choice, it had to be radiotherapy. If I had no treatment I was told I had possibly 18 months to live. From seeing my GP to starting radiotherapy was 5 months. That was 7 years ago and I could have the op today, technology having moved on massively. There are downsides to both treatments so do your research thoroughly before making your life changing decision.
Viper201 said:
You have been very fortunate in many ways. Your mates for getting you on the road. No spread outside the prostate. The means to go private. And your good wife looking after you. I'm sure your next PSA test will confirm all is well.
For anyone reading this, it should be remembered that prostate cancer is not in the top league of fast acting cancer killers such as pancreatic, lung or brain tumours. Prostate cancer is a relatively slow growing cancer. You can gauge the aggressiveness from the Gleason score and in this case is 4+3 so not a top end 9 or 10. I don't think waiting a few months would have made much difference but given how fast your dad deteriorated it is understandable you wanted the op asap.
As for the radiotherapy route, it is a matter of your choice wherever possible. Just for balance my PSA was 38, Gleason 9 (5+4) and spread outside into the seminal vesicles so Stage 3. I was told there was no choice, it had to be radiotherapy. If I had no treatment I was told I had possibly 18 months to live. From seeing my GP to starting radiotherapy was 5 months. That was 7 years ago and I could have the op today, technology having moved on massively. There are downsides to both treatments so do your research thoroughly before making your life changing decision.
Similar experience here, PSA 38 in Dec 2018, just spread into seminal vesicles, Gleason 4+3, no option offered other than Hormone Therapy and Radiotherapy. Seems to have been successful as still returning PSA of undetectable now. Hormone therapy side effects were grim but I got through it, I struggled mentally with them but McMillan Cancer folks were brilliant at organising help. Only side effects I have left are occasional urgency to empty bowels, but it's a small price to pay IMHO. I appreciate each of us is different but I am happy enough with my outcome. I only wish my best to everyone affected by this disease For anyone reading this, it should be remembered that prostate cancer is not in the top league of fast acting cancer killers such as pancreatic, lung or brain tumours. Prostate cancer is a relatively slow growing cancer. You can gauge the aggressiveness from the Gleason score and in this case is 4+3 so not a top end 9 or 10. I don't think waiting a few months would have made much difference but given how fast your dad deteriorated it is understandable you wanted the op asap.
As for the radiotherapy route, it is a matter of your choice wherever possible. Just for balance my PSA was 38, Gleason 9 (5+4) and spread outside into the seminal vesicles so Stage 3. I was told there was no choice, it had to be radiotherapy. If I had no treatment I was told I had possibly 18 months to live. From seeing my GP to starting radiotherapy was 5 months. That was 7 years ago and I could have the op today, technology having moved on massively. There are downsides to both treatments so do your research thoroughly before making your life changing decision.
Interesting / funny podcast on men with cancer in general, prostate cancer specifically, John Holmes Says The C Word. On BBC Sounds. See this on BBC Breakfast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0kDTU9u054
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0kDTU9u054
ninepoint2 said:
Viper201 said:
You have been very fortunate in many ways. Your mates for getting you on the road. No spread outside the prostate. The means to go private. And your good wife looking after you. I'm sure your next PSA test will confirm all is well.
For anyone reading this, it should be remembered that prostate cancer is not in the top league of fast acting cancer killers such as pancreatic, lung or brain tumours. Prostate cancer is a relatively slow growing cancer. You can gauge the aggressiveness from the Gleason score and in this case is 4+3 so not a top end 9 or 10. I don't think waiting a few months would have made much difference but given how fast your dad deteriorated it is understandable you wanted the op asap.
As for the radiotherapy route, it is a matter of your choice wherever possible. Just for balance my PSA was 38, Gleason 9 (5+4) and spread outside into the seminal vesicles so Stage 3. I was told there was no choice, it had to be radiotherapy. If I had no treatment I was told I had possibly 18 months to live. From seeing my GP to starting radiotherapy was 5 months. That was 7 years ago and I could have the op today, technology having moved on massively. There are downsides to both treatments so do your research thoroughly before making your life changing decision.
Similar experience here, PSA 38 in Dec 2018, just spread into seminal vesicles, Gleason 4+3, no option offered other than Hormone Therapy and Radiotherapy. Seems to have been successful as still returning PSA of undetectable now. Hormone therapy side effects were grim but I got through it, I struggled mentally with them but McMillan Cancer folks were brilliant at organising help. Only side effects I have left are occasional urgency to empty bowels, but it's a small price to pay IMHO. I appreciate each of us is different but I am happy enough with my outcome. I only wish my best to everyone affected by this disease For anyone reading this, it should be remembered that prostate cancer is not in the top league of fast acting cancer killers such as pancreatic, lung or brain tumours. Prostate cancer is a relatively slow growing cancer. You can gauge the aggressiveness from the Gleason score and in this case is 4+3 so not a top end 9 or 10. I don't think waiting a few months would have made much difference but given how fast your dad deteriorated it is understandable you wanted the op asap.
As for the radiotherapy route, it is a matter of your choice wherever possible. Just for balance my PSA was 38, Gleason 9 (5+4) and spread outside into the seminal vesicles so Stage 3. I was told there was no choice, it had to be radiotherapy. If I had no treatment I was told I had possibly 18 months to live. From seeing my GP to starting radiotherapy was 5 months. That was 7 years ago and I could have the op today, technology having moved on massively. There are downsides to both treatments so do your research thoroughly before making your life changing decision.
It sounds like the new ultrasound treatment might become the best option if some experts are to be believed.
I managed to shave off the horrid, itchy, beard yesterday evening and feel much better for it! Had more hours asleep last night than of late too. May even manage a lap of the garden today
JeremyH5 said:
Good to hear you are both well after your experiences. Interesting how quickly treatments are changing.
It sounds like the new ultrasound treatment might become the best option if some experts are to be believed.
I managed to shave off the horrid, itchy, beard yesterday evening and feel much better for it! Had more hours asleep last night than of late too. May even manage a lap of the garden today
A beard and stockings is quite the look! It sounds like the new ultrasound treatment might become the best option if some experts are to be believed.
I managed to shave off the horrid, itchy, beard yesterday evening and feel much better for it! Had more hours asleep last night than of late too. May even manage a lap of the garden today
Glad all went well, and fingers crossed that the follow-up tests prove it and put your mind completely at rest.
ninepoint2 said:
Viper201 said:
You have been very fortunate in many ways. Your mates for getting you on the road. No spread outside the prostate. The means to go private. And your good wife looking after you. I'm sure your next PSA test will confirm all is well.
For anyone reading this, it should be remembered that prostate cancer is not in the top league of fast acting cancer killers such as pancreatic, lung or brain tumours. Prostate cancer is a relatively slow growing cancer. You can gauge the aggressiveness from the Gleason score and in this case is 4+3 so not a top end 9 or 10. I don't think waiting a few months would have made much difference but given how fast your dad deteriorated it is understandable you wanted the op asap.
As for the radiotherapy route, it is a matter of your choice wherever possible. Just for balance my PSA was 38, Gleason 9 (5+4) and spread outside into the seminal vesicles so Stage 3. I was told there was no choice, it had to be radiotherapy. If I had no treatment I was told I had possibly 18 months to live. From seeing my GP to starting radiotherapy was 5 months. That was 7 years ago and I could have the op today, technology having moved on massively. There are downsides to both treatments so do your research thoroughly before making your life changing decision.
Similar experience here, PSA 38 in Dec 2018, just spread into seminal vesicles, Gleason 4+3, no option offered other than Hormone Therapy and Radiotherapy. Seems to have been successful as still returning PSA of undetectable now. Hormone therapy side effects were grim but I got through it, I struggled mentally with them but McMillan Cancer folks were brilliant at organising help. Only side effects I have left are occasional urgency to empty bowels, but it's a small price to pay IMHO. I appreciate each of us is different but I am happy enough with my outcome. I only wish my best to everyone affected by this disease For anyone reading this, it should be remembered that prostate cancer is not in the top league of fast acting cancer killers such as pancreatic, lung or brain tumours. Prostate cancer is a relatively slow growing cancer. You can gauge the aggressiveness from the Gleason score and in this case is 4+3 so not a top end 9 or 10. I don't think waiting a few months would have made much difference but given how fast your dad deteriorated it is understandable you wanted the op asap.
As for the radiotherapy route, it is a matter of your choice wherever possible. Just for balance my PSA was 38, Gleason 9 (5+4) and spread outside into the seminal vesicles so Stage 3. I was told there was no choice, it had to be radiotherapy. If I had no treatment I was told I had possibly 18 months to live. From seeing my GP to starting radiotherapy was 5 months. That was 7 years ago and I could have the op today, technology having moved on massively. There are downsides to both treatments so do your research thoroughly before making your life changing decision.
His PSA is creeping back up; they're trying to slow it down. He's had radiotherapy already so it's hormone & steroids treatment for now
d_a_n1979 said:
FWIW my Dad's on hormone treatment alongside steroids now for his prostate cancer (prostatectomy back in May 2019 but unfortunately the cancer has come back and metastasised to his abdomen and lungs) - he's had some horrible side affects as well, but they do seem to be calming off. Seems to blow hot & cold with them; some weeks he's fine, others he's not. One thing he is though is knackered and that's what annoys him the most
His PSA is creeping back up; they're trying to slow it down. He's had radiotherapy already so it's hormone & steroids treatment for now
I wish your dad all the luck in the world, his experience is what I feared and that is what prompted me to act as quickly as I could. His PSA is creeping back up; they're trying to slow it down. He's had radiotherapy already so it's hormone & steroids treatment for now
I live in hope that I’ve got it in time, reading back through all the test notes, MRI report and letters suggest that there was no pre surgery spread and the surgeon reports none seen. It all depends on what the PSA test says in a few weeks time.
JeremyH5 said:
d_a_n1979 said:
FWIW my Dad's on hormone treatment alongside steroids now for his prostate cancer (prostatectomy back in May 2019 but unfortunately the cancer has come back and metastasised to his abdomen and lungs) - he's had some horrible side affects as well, but they do seem to be calming off. Seems to blow hot & cold with them; some weeks he's fine, others he's not. One thing he is though is knackered and that's what annoys him the most
His PSA is creeping back up; they're trying to slow it down. He's had radiotherapy already so it's hormone & steroids treatment for now
I wish your dad all the luck in the world, his experience is what I feared and that is what prompted me to act as quickly as I could. His PSA is creeping back up; they're trying to slow it down. He's had radiotherapy already so it's hormone & steroids treatment for now
I live in hope that I’ve got it in time, reading back through all the test notes, MRI report and letters suggest that there was no pre surgery spread and the surgeon reports none seen. It all depends on what the PSA test says in a few weeks time.
I've had my own health issues which have scared me, but in no depth compared to what my Dad's been through
My older brother (52, I'm 46 in 2 weeks) get ourselves checked each year now on the back of this. Peace of mind etc
All the best for you; hope the results come back clear
JeremyH5 said:
d_a_n1979 said:
FWIW my Dad's on hormone treatment alongside steroids now for his prostate cancer (prostatectomy back in May 2019 but unfortunately the cancer has come back and metastasised to his abdomen and lungs) - he's had some horrible side affects as well, but they do seem to be calming off. Seems to blow hot & cold with them; some weeks he's fine, others he's not. One thing he is though is knackered and that's what annoys him the most
His PSA is creeping back up; they're trying to slow it down. He's had radiotherapy already so it's hormone & steroids treatment for now
I wish your dad all the luck in the world, his experience is what I feared and that is what prompted me to act as quickly as I could. His PSA is creeping back up; they're trying to slow it down. He's had radiotherapy already so it's hormone & steroids treatment for now
I live in hope that I’ve got it in time, reading back through all the test notes, MRI report and letters suggest that there was no pre surgery spread and the surgeon reports none seen. It all depends on what the PSA test says in a few weeks time.
If it is of any consolation, what my consultant told me was that whatever drug I was on would only prove effective for so long (could be decades, could be years, could be months). When it starts ceasing to work, they'd spot an upward trend in my PSA and would switch medication. There were six or seven that they could run through. Each were likely to be effective for a period. By the time I'd run through all of those, there'd be new drugs on the market and, if not, there'd be trials.
For reference, I have Stage 4 PC with a Gleeson of 10. Inoperable, so just radiotherapy and drugs/hormones.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff