i have just been diagnosed with this and havnt a clue whats going on they just told me that i have it and they will see me in six months and im too old for treatment so what do i do a second opinion?
Dont let cancer ruin your life. It's very difficult to live with for the first few months, but a positive attitude and a realisation that PC isn't like some other cancers, it can be really slow growing.
You're never too old for treatment. If they don't want to see you for 6 months, that's great news. It sounds like yours is very slow growing. Prostate cancer has many different versions. Some are very aggressive, others you die with rather than from. The two scales you need to know are PSA, and Gleason score. The first can go from 1-2, all the way up to thousands. Usually anything above 7 needs investigation, it doesn't mean you've got Cancer, only that you might have. A biopsy will then reveal with some luck what type you've got. Although the Gleason scale goes from 1-10, if you've got Cancer it starts at 6. This is the sum of two scores. Not too aggressive is 6 or 7, through to aggressive at 9-10. I was diagnosed 3.5 years ago with a PSA of 600 (really high) and a Gleason of 7. I've responded really well on the Stampede trial, taking Aberaterone and Zoladex. My PSA has been less than 0.1 throughout this time.
It sounds like you've got a very slo growing cancer, and they are 'watchful waiting' until it needs treatment.
There's a tremendous amount of research going on - 80% of men eventually get Prostate cancer - and immunology is making giant steps. Prostvac is a new vaccine that looks promising for certain types of PC.
It's a massive worry at first, most men instantly go for surgery which isn't always the best bet, it can cause incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction.
You need discussions with both your Oncologist and urologist, make a list of question you want answering, it can be a bit overwhelming and you'll forget what you want answering!
Good luck for the future, and there's a great forum on the Macmillans site too.
Hi Bryan, Prostate cancer is treated in many differing ways. Depending on the stage the cancer is when diagnosed. How aggressive. How well and age of the paitient. As tommy Tv say many die of old age with prostate cancer but not from it.
It sounds to me that you need more information to understand the what and whys of the reasoning behind the decisions made in your case.Your G.P or the hospital prostate team may be able to assist.
A second opinion I believe is your right and would put a different view on the matter which might be useful to you.
Hearing the word cancer is scary and it can be difficult to take things in at the time. Many people have questions when they return home, you are not alone. Good idea to take a note book, a list of questions and a friend for a second pair of ears!
Getting answers to your questions could put your mind to rest.
Most areas have support groups for prostate cancer, and can offten put you in touch with other with a similar prognosis.
