Prostate cancer
Discussion
Yes, its a curious situation with PSA tests. It is only a guide to what may be happening and on its own is not regarded as particularly meaningful. In my case it was done after the finger test by the GP. It points to further tests, the lovely biopsy and scans.
Yet after treatment for prostate cancer it is the only test done following a prostatectomy or radiotherapy or hormone therapy. For example after the op to remove the prostate, the maximum acceptable limit for a PSA test is under 0.2 and hopefully well under 0.1 where it should remain. Above this and it is suspected cancer calls remain.
Following radiotherapy and hormone therapy, where it has not been possible to have the prostate removed due to cancer cells in neighbouring tissue, the only test done is a PSA one at regular intervals. Since my radiotherapy in 2016 with hormone therapy ending in October 2017, I have only ever been offered a PSA test. Throughout this time the PSA test has hovered between 0.6 and 0.8 which I am told every 6 months is good news.
Before a confirmed diagnosis we are told a PSA test is not in itself conclusive but mainly a guide. Yet after treatment it is the only test method given. Curious.
Yet after treatment for prostate cancer it is the only test done following a prostatectomy or radiotherapy or hormone therapy. For example after the op to remove the prostate, the maximum acceptable limit for a PSA test is under 0.2 and hopefully well under 0.1 where it should remain. Above this and it is suspected cancer calls remain.
Following radiotherapy and hormone therapy, where it has not been possible to have the prostate removed due to cancer cells in neighbouring tissue, the only test done is a PSA one at regular intervals. Since my radiotherapy in 2016 with hormone therapy ending in October 2017, I have only ever been offered a PSA test. Throughout this time the PSA test has hovered between 0.6 and 0.8 which I am told every 6 months is good news.
Before a confirmed diagnosis we are told a PSA test is not in itself conclusive but mainly a guide. Yet after treatment it is the only test method given. Curious.
Edited by N7GTX on Sunday 7th November 17:18
don'tbesilly said:
Looking for some advice/guidance if at all possible as sadly the treatment (hormone therapy/radiotherapy) I received back in 2012 has failed & the cancer is back with traces in both my prostate & seminal vesicle (one).
I've had a bone scan/MRI & PET scan and luckily there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the prostate.
The Urologist has now booked me in for a template biopsy which will ascertain the grade of cancer which will lead to a treatment plan, however, he has stated that a radical prostatectomy is the best way forward regardless of the results from the biopsy.
I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has had any of the above treatments, especially anyone who has had a prostatectomy following previous treatment (radiotherapy) that failed.
The Urologist has suggested that the implications/consequences following the OP for a patient are potentially worse than those who had the OP without having had radiotherapy.
I have yet to see an Oncologist (unfortunately) and I'm hoping a different view/opinion will be forthcoming from that received from the Urologist
Thanks in advance
A quick update on the above.I've had a bone scan/MRI & PET scan and luckily there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the prostate.
The Urologist has now booked me in for a template biopsy which will ascertain the grade of cancer which will lead to a treatment plan, however, he has stated that a radical prostatectomy is the best way forward regardless of the results from the biopsy.
I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has had any of the above treatments, especially anyone who has had a prostatectomy following previous treatment (radiotherapy) that failed.
The Urologist has suggested that the implications/consequences following the OP for a patient are potentially worse than those who had the OP without having had radiotherapy.
I have yet to see an Oncologist (unfortunately) and I'm hoping a different view/opinion will be forthcoming from that received from the Urologist
Thanks in advance
After a flurry of scans/biopsies over the last couple of months, it's been confirmed that the cancer in my prostate is benign, however, there are signs of cancer in both seminal vesicles, but no sign of spread outside those immediate areas.
So both seminal vesicles are being removed by keyhole surgery next week (Wed), and the signs are I should then be cancer-free and will just need regular blood/PSA tests.
The risks associated with a full prostatectomy are no longer a concern and I should be able to return to a normal life, things are looking brighter, yay.
don'tbesilly said:
A quick update on the above.
After a flurry of scans/biopsies over the last couple of months, it's been confirmed that the cancer in my prostate is benign, however, there are signs of cancer in both seminal vesicles, but no sign of spread outside those immediate areas.
So both seminal vesicles are being removed by keyhole surgery next week (Wed), and the signs are I should then be cancer-free and will just need regular blood/PSA tests.
The risks associated with a full prostatectomy are no longer a concern and I should be able to return to a normal life, things are looking brighter, yay.
Great news and many congratulations After a flurry of scans/biopsies over the last couple of months, it's been confirmed that the cancer in my prostate is benign, however, there are signs of cancer in both seminal vesicles, but no sign of spread outside those immediate areas.
So both seminal vesicles are being removed by keyhole surgery next week (Wed), and the signs are I should then be cancer-free and will just need regular blood/PSA tests.
The risks associated with a full prostatectomy are no longer a concern and I should be able to return to a normal life, things are looking brighter, yay.
Many thanks all.
We are planning a big family bash towards the end of the month to celebrate the end (hopefully) of what has been quite a long journey, the original PCa diagnosis was made back in Dec 2010.
Big thanks are due to the oncology/urology teams at East Surrey Hospital and Royal Surrey County Hospital Guildford who have been fantastic through the last 20 odd months, a real testament to just how great the NHS can be.
Pre-op assessment tomorrow/Covid test on Sunday/ OP on Wed, and I'm hoping the Bicalutamide can be binned on Thursday!
We are planning a big family bash towards the end of the month to celebrate the end (hopefully) of what has been quite a long journey, the original PCa diagnosis was made back in Dec 2010.
Big thanks are due to the oncology/urology teams at East Surrey Hospital and Royal Surrey County Hospital Guildford who have been fantastic through the last 20 odd months, a real testament to just how great the NHS can be.
Pre-op assessment tomorrow/Covid test on Sunday/ OP on Wed, and I'm hoping the Bicalutamide can be binned on Thursday!
I've just got the results of my prostate biopsey. It wasn't what I'd hoped for. There's something really depressing about being told 'oncology will contact you'.
It seems I'll have a full MRI to 'check' that things haven't wandered, but I'll be put on hormone therapy almost immediately, and before oncology sees me.
The urology chap refused to be drawn of likelihoods, but suggested that there are a number of options. I've got problems with full sedation, so the more drastic ones are probably out of reach, and I'm not that disappointed. My dog didn't take to it at all.
It's come at an awkward time for me, with family problems, but I suppose there's never a good time.
I'm off to buy a frock.
It's a problem knowing what to ask the oncology person. I'm not sure I want to know everything.
It seems I'll have a full MRI to 'check' that things haven't wandered, but I'll be put on hormone therapy almost immediately, and before oncology sees me.
The urology chap refused to be drawn of likelihoods, but suggested that there are a number of options. I've got problems with full sedation, so the more drastic ones are probably out of reach, and I'm not that disappointed. My dog didn't take to it at all.
It's come at an awkward time for me, with family problems, but I suppose there's never a good time.
I'm off to buy a frock.
It's a problem knowing what to ask the oncology person. I'm not sure I want to know everything.
Derek Smith said:
I've just got the results of my prostate biopsey. It wasn't what I'd hoped for. There's something really depressing about being told 'oncology will contact you'.
It seems I'll have a full MRI to 'check' that things haven't wandered, but I'll be put on hormone therapy almost immediately, and before oncology sees me.
The urology chap refused to be drawn of likelihoods, but suggested that there are a number of options. I've got problems with full sedation, so the more drastic ones are probably out of reach, and I'm not that disappointed. My dog didn't take to it at all.
It's come at an awkward time for me, with family problems, but I suppose there's never a good time.
I'm off to buy a frock.
It's a problem knowing what to ask the oncology person. I'm not sure I want to know everything.
Really sorry to hear this Derek , try and stay positive. It seems I'll have a full MRI to 'check' that things haven't wandered, but I'll be put on hormone therapy almost immediately, and before oncology sees me.
The urology chap refused to be drawn of likelihoods, but suggested that there are a number of options. I've got problems with full sedation, so the more drastic ones are probably out of reach, and I'm not that disappointed. My dog didn't take to it at all.
It's come at an awkward time for me, with family problems, but I suppose there's never a good time.
I'm off to buy a frock.
It's a problem knowing what to ask the oncology person. I'm not sure I want to know everything.
Easy to say I know.
GT3Manthey said:
Derek Smith said:
I've just got the results of my prostate biopsey. It wasn't what I'd hoped for. There's something really depressing about being told 'oncology will contact you'.
It seems I'll have a full MRI to 'check' that things haven't wandered, but I'll be put on hormone therapy almost immediately, and before oncology sees me.
The urology chap refused to be drawn of likelihoods, but suggested that there are a number of options. I've got problems with full sedation, so the more drastic ones are probably out of reach, and I'm not that disappointed. My dog didn't take to it at all.
It's come at an awkward time for me, with family problems, but I suppose there's never a good time.
I'm off to buy a frock.
It's a problem knowing what to ask the oncology person. I'm not sure I want to know everything.
Really sorry to hear this Derek , try and stay positive. It seems I'll have a full MRI to 'check' that things haven't wandered, but I'll be put on hormone therapy almost immediately, and before oncology sees me.
The urology chap refused to be drawn of likelihoods, but suggested that there are a number of options. I've got problems with full sedation, so the more drastic ones are probably out of reach, and I'm not that disappointed. My dog didn't take to it at all.
It's come at an awkward time for me, with family problems, but I suppose there's never a good time.
I'm off to buy a frock.
It's a problem knowing what to ask the oncology person. I'm not sure I want to know everything.
Easy to say I know.
N7GTX said:
GT3Manthey said:
Derek Smith said:
I've just got the results of my prostate biopsey. It wasn't what I'd hoped for. There's something really depressing about being told 'oncology will contact you'.
It seems I'll have a full MRI to 'check' that things haven't wandered, but I'll be put on hormone therapy almost immediately, and before oncology sees me.
The urology chap refused to be drawn of likelihoods, but suggested that there are a number of options. I've got problems with full sedation, so the more drastic ones are probably out of reach, and I'm not that disappointed. My dog didn't take to it at all.
It's come at an awkward time for me, with family problems, but I suppose there's never a good time.
I'm off to buy a frock.
It's a problem knowing what to ask the oncology person. I'm not sure I want to know everything.
Really sorry to hear this Derek , try and stay positive. It seems I'll have a full MRI to 'check' that things haven't wandered, but I'll be put on hormone therapy almost immediately, and before oncology sees me.
The urology chap refused to be drawn of likelihoods, but suggested that there are a number of options. I've got problems with full sedation, so the more drastic ones are probably out of reach, and I'm not that disappointed. My dog didn't take to it at all.
It's come at an awkward time for me, with family problems, but I suppose there's never a good time.
I'm off to buy a frock.
It's a problem knowing what to ask the oncology person. I'm not sure I want to know everything.
Easy to say I know.
I've seen the odds. It seems I might have caught it early. I'll know sooner or laer.
Thanks again. A bit of a knock, but I've had a cup of coffee and I'm feeling better.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Thanks.This year, and especially the last four months, has been something of a series of events which has kept us under pressure. My wife had peritonitis, and being in a serious condition from it. Then she got Covid. Before that, and continuing until now, there's been medical problems with a grandchild. The baby's going for tests tomorrow, which has got us on edge. And now this. Last thing my family needed.
I've done a bit of reading and much appears, as you said, to depend on how soon it is identified. Lockdowns and Covid reduced the speed of investigation. I'm struggling to think of anything else, so unlike me.
I might use N,P&E to let off a bit of steam. I'm sure I'll feel better afterwards.
I received a phone call from a MacMillan nurse this morning.
Her anger at me being given the result of the biopsy over the phone was apparent and she apologised more than once.
Lots of positive info and also corrections of what I was told by the surgeon.
I'm level T2b, all but lowest, which means it is all contained, for the moment, within my prostate, and the aggression level is 7 on the Gleason scale, which, while it's not the lowest, has a significant influence on treatment.
They are going for a cure, which is a relief. Six months of hormone treatment followed by four to six weeks of radiotherapy, that's a blast five days a week. It’s only 10-miutes of treatment, so about an hour plus travelling time, taken up each day.
I was a bit down. I was told, by three different people, that the surgeon would not give negative feedback over the phone as for cancer diagnoses, there’s always an appointment immediately afterwards with a MacMillan nurse. I’d convinced myself I was in the clear and the diagnosis came as quite a shock. These things happen. I got the feeling that someone would get an earful from the nurse.
It’s a real positive. I’ve been under a bit of pressure, with close family members experiencing serious medical problems with children, which were thankfully spared me. My wife’s been ill, critically at one time, and with her recuperation taking time, we feel unable to do our part. So guilt as well.
Good news of a type, for a change.
Her anger at me being given the result of the biopsy over the phone was apparent and she apologised more than once.
Lots of positive info and also corrections of what I was told by the surgeon.
I'm level T2b, all but lowest, which means it is all contained, for the moment, within my prostate, and the aggression level is 7 on the Gleason scale, which, while it's not the lowest, has a significant influence on treatment.
They are going for a cure, which is a relief. Six months of hormone treatment followed by four to six weeks of radiotherapy, that's a blast five days a week. It’s only 10-miutes of treatment, so about an hour plus travelling time, taken up each day.
I was a bit down. I was told, by three different people, that the surgeon would not give negative feedback over the phone as for cancer diagnoses, there’s always an appointment immediately afterwards with a MacMillan nurse. I’d convinced myself I was in the clear and the diagnosis came as quite a shock. These things happen. I got the feeling that someone would get an earful from the nurse.
It’s a real positive. I’ve been under a bit of pressure, with close family members experiencing serious medical problems with children, which were thankfully spared me. My wife’s been ill, critically at one time, and with her recuperation taking time, we feel unable to do our part. So guilt as well.
Good news of a type, for a change.
^^^^^
Reading your post Derek, and so far as your prostate cancer is concerned, for me you are the mirror image!! Same Gleason results. I have an appointment with my oncologist on 15/11/21, my urologist dropped me a heavy hint that radiotherapy will almost certainly be offered. Currently have just finished hormone reduction tab’s and due my second hormone jab 16/11/21.
My side effects this far are, and a poster did warn me earlier of this, some really weird dreams. Also thick head with some lightheaded giddy feeling when up and about, dry mouth.
Reading your post Derek, and so far as your prostate cancer is concerned, for me you are the mirror image!! Same Gleason results. I have an appointment with my oncologist on 15/11/21, my urologist dropped me a heavy hint that radiotherapy will almost certainly be offered. Currently have just finished hormone reduction tab’s and due my second hormone jab 16/11/21.
My side effects this far are, and a poster did warn me earlier of this, some really weird dreams. Also thick head with some lightheaded giddy feeling when up and about, dry mouth.
Derek Smith said:
They are going for a cure, which is a relief. Six months of hormone treatment followed by four to six weeks of radiotherapy, that's a blast five days a week. It’s only 10-miutes of treatment, so about an hour plus travelling time, taken up each day.
Have they told you about administering your enema before radiotherapy? Unless its changed or you have a different treatment regime, you need to arrive around an hour before your appointment. Then you go to the loo and self administer the enema. Usually within 20 - 30 minutes or so you'll have a bowel movement (that's hospital speak!) which empties the lower intestine. You will also need to drink at least 2 or 3 cups of water 20 minutes before the appointed time. This is all to ensure the prostate is in the same position before the radiotherapy is done for accurate results. I had 37 zaps and it does become tiring especially with the hormone treatment on top. These days 20 seems to be the norm.Good news they are going for a cure, that's what they told me T3b, Gleason 9. That's 5 years ago and so far the PSA 6 monthly tests are all at 0.6 - 0.8 which is very good news (needs to stay under 2.0).
Thanks for the good news, although not too happy about the enemas. One five times a week for 6 weeks will be a bigger strain than the x-rays.
My family has been great, with the kids phoning and giving support. They are obvioulsy upset and concerned, but there were options for the news which would have been considerably worse.
Earlier on, I was told to think positive, and I'm in a good frame of mind at the moment. Knowing that there's a course of treatment planned, with an excellent chance of curing it, settled me. I'm clamer than all my kids, and didn't have to act all brave.
I'll be following the progress of others on here and will update my situation. I might even start a blog on my website. Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to reply and show support. It does matter.
Derek
My family has been great, with the kids phoning and giving support. They are obvioulsy upset and concerned, but there were options for the news which would have been considerably worse.
Earlier on, I was told to think positive, and I'm in a good frame of mind at the moment. Knowing that there's a course of treatment planned, with an excellent chance of curing it, settled me. I'm clamer than all my kids, and didn't have to act all brave.
I'll be following the progress of others on here and will update my situation. I might even start a blog on my website. Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to reply and show support. It does matter.
Derek
don'tbesilly said:
Many thanks all.
We are planning a big family bash towards the end of the month to celebrate the end (hopefully) of what has been quite a long journey, the original PCa diagnosis was made back in Dec 2010.
Big thanks are due to the oncology/urology teams at East Surrey Hospital and Royal Surrey County Hospital Guildford who have been fantastic through the last 20 odd months, a real testament to just how great the NHS can be.
Pre-op assessment tomorrow/Covid test on Sunday/ OP on Wed, and I'm hoping the Bicalutamide can be binned on Thursday!
I would like to add my best wishes on your brilliant news, enjoy the party We are planning a big family bash towards the end of the month to celebrate the end (hopefully) of what has been quite a long journey, the original PCa diagnosis was made back in Dec 2010.
Big thanks are due to the oncology/urology teams at East Surrey Hospital and Royal Surrey County Hospital Guildford who have been fantastic through the last 20 odd months, a real testament to just how great the NHS can be.
Pre-op assessment tomorrow/Covid test on Sunday/ OP on Wed, and I'm hoping the Bicalutamide can be binned on Thursday!
Little update - hormone injections to be one on a three monthly cycle until advised otherwise.
I am being allocated radiotherapy at some point in either January or February. As others people have mentioned it will be a daily treatment visit Monday to Friday for four weeks (20 visits).
This will then be followed up by checks to see where we are on the cancer.
Feels good to have a plan slotting into place and I am of course grateful to our NHS.
I am being allocated radiotherapy at some point in either January or February. As others people have mentioned it will be a daily treatment visit Monday to Friday for four weeks (20 visits).
This will then be followed up by checks to see where we are on the cancer.
Feels good to have a plan slotting into place and I am of course grateful to our NHS.
But thanks for the heads up anyway 
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