Hi! I'm actually a therapy radiographer so I treat patients with radiotherapy. In my personal experience, PSA can vary greatly and it isn't a reliable indicator of prostate cancer stage or aggression. Some patients I've treated have had PSA over 100 but been early stage and treated well. I'm afraid until a biopsy and scans takes place, it isn't possible to get a good idea of what exactly is happening. Many patients find their PSA drops dramatically after starting hormone therapy, but your consultant would be able to discuss this with you in greater detail.

Wishing you all the best! 

Mathew,

Also sorry to hear about your results. You can battle through it with support and take each step at a time, it's a huge shock for you and family but there is support out there. One thing i've found is that i've not tried to hide it from anyone (work colleagues , friends etc) and without exception all have been sympatheyic and supportive - it feels like some of the load is shared.That may not be for everyone but however you handle it i wish you well,

Simon

Thanks Simon, I would have been thrilled to have been diagnosed at an earlier stage like you. Wishing you and your family the speediest of full recoveries from surgery.

Hello all - I needed 24 hours to get my head and heart in order and support my wife, kids and extended family who are all, like me, shell shocked. Some are angry, some are being brave, others are asking for miracles but all are just sad.

I saw the consultant yesterday evening for the first time (the diagnosis was delivered by a nurse the day before who was very unfamiliar with my file, treatments etc.) so it was good to sit down with him. Alll is confirmed - Stage 4 G9 with three sites in my spine, pubic bone and right hip bone. An average prognosis he said was 5-6 years, could be more or less etc. We all respond to treatment differently of course. That was not a shock and part of me was worried he would say less than that given the spread. I plan to follow your encouraging suggestions here and push hard to extend my life (and quality of life) for longer than the "average"...Just hope I am up to the challenge ahead.

Today I start HT (tablets for 2 weeks), in a fortnight Chemotherapy starts, followed by Radiation Therapy, and probably the same cycle repeats. I will know more when I meet with my new clinical lead, the Oncologist.

The biggest thing for me now is worrying about financial security for my wife and family once I am gone (and during the treatments). This is a major source of pain and anxiety for many of us who are too young to have fully contributed to a pension etc. My wife is and has always been a stay at home mum so I need to get my skates on to get my businesses ready for sale and downsize my home of 18 years. I do have a Serious Illness Cover Policy with Vitality that I believe/hope  (having just started the claim process) will pay out for Stage 4 cancer but I worry, as i have no symptoms as yet, they may resist paying out. 

Has anyone any advice in terms of Serious or Critical Illness insurance claims?

I wanted to thank you, each of you, for taking the time to extend the hand of friendship and care. I would like to do the same going forward. This is a wonderful stage where the very best of human nature is displayed.

And one more thing [@Jellies]‍  Rory, thinking of you buddy...how did the biopsies appointment go, hope you're bearing up mate? 

Matthew

Just a quick note for you,i was given 5 years max over 6 years ago, and im still managing ok my last PSA was 0.16 i have blood test every month, still having my univited guest hanging around but getting usto it, strange what you can get usto.

Think positive helps take care .

Billy

Just a quick note for you,i was given 5 years max over 6 years ago, and im still managing ok my last PSA was 0.16 i have blood test every month, still having my univited guest hanging around but getting usto it, strange what you can get usto.

Think positive helps take care .

Billy