Just diagnosed with prostate cancer

Hi,

I've just been diagnosed with prostate cancer aged 55 after a consultation that included a PSA test "just to rule things out". PSA 3.8

Most of the time I feel fit and well, but obviously have some issues that took me to the GP.

The latest scores are mainly Gleason 3+4 but 4+4 in one biopsy core. Probably T2 but close to the capsule.

I've been recommended surgery, which I have scheduled for a few weeks time.

This has all been something of a whirlwind experience as each appointment brought a letter with a new area of concern.

I'm aware of the normal side-effects of the surgery and have arranged for a few weeks off work to recuperate.

Are there any other things that I should be looking for now? Any other questions that I should be asking?

  • Good morning.  I’m in a similar situation having just been diagnosed with prostate cancer.  May I ask why you chose surgery over radio-therapy?

    I’m weighing up options at the moment and your thought process would be most welcome,

  • Offline in reply to RWK

    Hi,

    Mainly recommendation of the consultant (urology surgeon) who said that I was a "round peg in a round hole" and ideal for surgery considering age, fitness and progress of the disease.
    We discussed radio therapy, and I was reassured that I had been discussed in their multi-disciplinary cases and surgery proposed. Otherwise I was a little concerned that a surgeon would recommend only surgery.

    The advantage that was offered to me is that it should be a treatment that removes the unhealthy tissue entirely.

    The disadvantages are in the possible side effects: I concentrated mostly on the erectile difficulties (the pills didn't work for my late father I'm told). But the continence was also discussed and I was told these are usually transitory, but can also be brought about by other therapies.

     Also considering the issue that originally took me to the GP, I was told that radio therapy is less helpful.

    Are you getting any advice from your clinicians?