Worried about results so far and finding the waiting hard

You can take some comfort from the slow progress of the NHS it is just inertia, but sometimes a test produces such bad results they bring an appointment forward, which they have not done in this case.

At 58 you've probably got cancer, but most men your age have. The important thing is how fast or slow it is, with prostate cancer it is almost always slow or very slow.

Don't put your life on hold. Because the disease is slow, the NHS is slow, you will always be waiting for either tests, test results, or treatment. You need to be getting on with living not letting the sands of time run through your fingers.

The waiting really is the worst part. Really try not to put your life on hold but I know that is so much easier said than done.

I think regardless of the results you will still feel a little bit better than you do now (hopefully a lot better with good news). If it does confirm cancer you will be able to get a plan in place and you’ll have more facts instead of your mind racing and thinking the absolute worst (if you’re anything like me).

Lots of support on here, or prostate cancer uk, Maggie’s, Macmillan and maybe local support groups also. Can be really helpful if you’re finding it difficult to talk with family and friends.

Best of luck with your results. 

Elaine

Hello 

I echo Derek’s comments…we are just a few weeks ahead of you on this journey with my husband being diagnosed last Thursday.  Initially we kept everything between ourselves but at the biopsy stage told our son (didn’t tell our two daughters at this stage as like you didn’t want them worrying, especially as one pregnant with first baby).  It was a relief to discuss with our son and he is very level headed (obviously we also wanted to raise the potential issue for his own future health).

we told our daughters once it was a definite diagnosis, and just in process of telling close friends and I can say, definitely feels better being able to talk about things no matter who you choose and I really hope you have a partner or people close to you to be able to do this.

distraction during the waiting definitely helps! We had visitors due to stay with us for a week and we toyed with cancelling them but so pleased we didn’t, that week flew by so quickly and really took our minds off the waiting…. So as Derek said, possibly take a few days away or immerse and indulge yourself in something you love doing.

keep us updated and we hope for the best outcome for you

Debbie

Thanks for all the advice. We are now planning a week away before the results. I am going to try not to keep going over things in my mind and enjoy the break with the family.

A good plan, more or less what we did whilst waiting for the biopsy results. As others have said, the waiting is the most difficult part and each consultation seems to start another wait for another scan etc etc. I'm now waiting for my post-op follow up in 4 weeks time. As others have said, try to keep occupied and avoid too much Dr Google. Good luck 👍 

Edited by member 01 Aug 2023 at 22:15  | Reason: Because... phones! ;-)

That is a pretty good result. G6 is not likely to go anywhere fast, and over 50% off men your age have got that, but most of them don't know it and will never be troubled by it.

You do need to make sure AS is done properly. I have a friend who has to chase up all his appointments, because his consultant is a surgeon and he is only really interested in getting his knife out, rather than managing boring MRI scans and PSA tests.

As long as you can resist the desire to go against the MDT you can look forward to many more years of continence and erections.