Back in January I noticed that I was peeing more frequently and didn’t seem to be emptying my bladder, particularly at night. Off to the GP and had a PSA test, which came back at 4.7. As this was raised, I was referred to a urologist.
A further PSA test with the urologist and the result was 5.19. The urologist didn’t seem too worried and said it may just be an enlarged prostate, so I was booked in for an ultrasound and cystoscopy. I was not looking forward to the latter one bit and felt like running out of the hospital, but it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. A bit of discomfort as it passed my prostate due to it being enlarged and stings a bit when you pee afterwards. These tests showed my prostate was enlarged and I was hoping that would be the end of it.
However, the urologist thought we should do an MRI scan to make sure there wasn’t anything nasty present. What a machine that is, and what a noise it makes. This showed a slight abnormality on the prostate but the urologist didn’t think it was anything to worry about but booked me in for a TRUS biopsy.
Another procedure I wasn’t looking forward to, but again, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. The procedure was uncomfortable but there was no pain and I didn’t even feel the local anaesthetic. A bit sore later when that wore off but a couple of paracetamol took care of it.
A week or so later it was time to get the results. Two of the samples showed signs of cancer and even though I was prepared for the worst it was still a shock. The Gleeson score was 6 (3+3) and it was localised, so I suppose there was something to be pleased about.
The next step was deciding what to do. I was expecting to be told what I should do next but was told that there were several options and it was up to me. I suppose it is nice to have options but which one do I choose? I spoke to one of the nurses on this site, who was great and went through all the pros and cons, but ultimately it was my decision.
I’m 59 and reasonably fit and healthy so I though surgery would be the best option. Why not just get rid of it? Hopefully the side effects would not be permanent. With active surveillance, the cancer is still there and how do I know that the biopsy has not missed something?
Having made my mind up, I was referred to a urologist who carries out the robotic surgery and saw him last week. Having reviewed my notes he asked me why I wanted surgery. I gave him the same reason as above. He promptly told me that he wouldn’t operate on someone who has a low level of cancer, as shown in my results. What he did suggest was that I have a template biopsy, which is more accurate. If this confirms the previous results he suggested that I go on active surveillance. If the biopsy shows something more aggressive, surgery can be considered. To me this sounded like an excellent plan.
So the biopsy is taking place next month and I will see what that shows. I certainly feel more reassured by the expert telling me what he thinks I should do, rather than having to make up my own mind.
To be continued.