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Post prostate ERT.

dj48
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Radical ERT and 2 years hormone treatment in July/Aug 2021. Six-monthly PSA tests until 12 months ago, all excellent. 

1st of now annual checks yesterday. Result 2.9, above the ideal 2.0 for ERT. Yet GPs comment "normal, NFA" ( I have viewed on online patient record). Discharge letter from Oncologist said would like to see me again if >2.0. 

Why would GP ignore this, other than if simply overlooked fact that I have had cancer treatment? I have other health stuff and this feels like nail in coffin. For first time I can recall, shaking like a leaf. I have phoned surgery and a GP will call me sometime next Tuesday. 

Don't see how I can get through next 6 days. 

Any comforting words......

Dave.

  • Hello Dave

    I'm sorry to hear that you find yourself in this difficult situation where the GP hasn't referred you back to the specialist despite the information in the discharge letter. It's perfectly understandable that you're feeling anxious about things at the moment. 

    Do make it clear to the GP on Tuesday that you're not happy about this and that you want to be re-referred to the specialists as per the discharge letter. If you feel that the GP isn't listening to your concerns, then you can always escalate things to the Practice Manager. 

    If you think it may help to talk things through with one of our nurses in the meantime, then you're welcome to call them. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Let us know how you get on Dave. Hopefully there will be some reassuring news soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thank you, Jenn. Yes, I shall express my concerns and press for what I consider necessary.

    Will up-date.

    Dave.

  • Offline in reply to dj48

    Update. When presented with cold facts of referral levels, GP immediately folded and confessed that yes my 2.9 had been measured against standard <6.5. Refer back to Oncology today. Let him know if no response by end of next week and he will chase.

    He'll see how alert flags can be made more obvious!

    Dave.

  • Offline in reply to dj48

    Update. Not entirely satisfactory and GPs incompetence continues but better thanif I'd not actually looked at the results.

    So, yesterday (17/7), I receive 2 letters from Surgery, 1 dated 9/7, 1 14/7. The former is a routine referral to Urology, I should phone hospital direct if no response by 3/9. The more recent a 2WW Referral to Urology, I should chase if no response by 16/7! Only the cycnical would imagine that the alteration triggered by my letter of complaint re whole shambles of PSA analysis.

    As advised I call Urology Referrals. As helpful and competent and friendly as always. They had considered and transferred to Oncology 4 days ago. "System" showed an appt already booked, 21/8. Advised me to call Oncology to confirm.

    Call Oncology. Again, just lovely! Yes, appt booked. I mentioned not 2WW. Well, been reviewed by specialist nurses and booked for earliest and most appropriate Clinic. Letter on way, appt as said by Urology. My offer to be put on short notice for cancellations was accepted.

    So, just wait.......doubt extra few weeks make any fundamental difference to outcome(s). Different matter if I had simply accepted "Normal, NFA".

    Might fill the time rattling the GPs' cage. 

    Moral of the tale? Take nothing at face value.

    Dave.

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