p cancer
hi i have just been told i have prostate cancer gleesen score 4+4 =8 psa reading of 8.4 told not a good one fro surgery ?? i am 55 healty as a goat not to happy with way i was told quick and to point waiting now fro ct scans and mri how can i be told i cant have op if i am not staged yet or graded which ever one comes with scans my head in up in a heap and the family as well
Comments
Hi Jampots,
Welcome to the Club! I've a good idea of exactly where you are. I was diagnosed in Jan '08 (Gleason 4+4, PSA 9.4) and had an open RP in May '08, when I was 55 and exceptionally fit - that'll stand to you in a big way.
There isn't an easy way to tell someone that they have Cancer. Personally I prefer to get bad news clear and simple - not everyone does.
You're undoubtably going through the trauma of trying to get a grasp of the severity of the Cancer and what to do about it. In my (non-medical) experience, while you don't really want to be hanging around, the time (possibly several months) between now and your chosen treatment won't make any difference - Prostate Cancer isn't usually that malignant that this (seemingly endless) wait will make a difference. The MRI, bone scan etc are to see if the cancer has metastasised. They're things that have to be ticked off. They probably will come back clear.
In my experience, the guidance you will get as to what treatment to take will be very limited. You will be told of all the possible ones but it will be YOUR decision. You'll need to learn as much as you can about the treatments and side-effects. Many people don't want to take this approach, but I think its the best - know your enemy and what you're getting into. Beware though that there is plenty of crap on line - quick fixes/'magic bullets' - tried & tested is best.
14 months post RP and I'm doing fine. Been back running for the past 12 months.
This is a HUGE shock to you, particularly psychologically. You'll get through this, but it's rough going.
Take care. MM
Hello,
I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I can understand why you must be feeling overwhelmed. I'm also sorry to hear that you had a negative experience on being told the news. Sometimes additional scans are needed to determine what is the best treatment for you; there may be other options available to you besides surgery. If you or your family would like to talk to a nurse, please call us at freephone: 1800 380 380. We also have information booklets (available free of charge) which might be of help. Additionally, there is a support group available called Men Against Cancer (MAC), whereby we can put you in touch with another man who has been through prostate cancer.
I hope this is of help.