Worried.

Hello Jack,

You've come to the right place. Sorry you are here but since you are here then Welcome !

We are all with you. We've all got PCa.

First of all I would recommend that you get THE TOOLKIT. It's free and will help you to understand more about your condition.

Go to the publications page.

Then to let you know that I was diagnosed with PCa in 2008 and I'm still around and since I am eighty eight I'm thinking I might die of old age first, so you are not in any immediate danger. I must warn that  tests diagnosis and chioce of appropriate treatment usually takes a long time. You just have to wait. Be patient.

Keep us up to date as things progress. It will help to share.

Ray

I am 65 and was diagnosed with aggressive cancer confined to my prostate and it was a shock to have the diagnosis confirmed but am at the stage of being on Hormone Therapy for 4 months now with RT in 2 months time after I have a TURP procedure next week to enable me to have a good flow of urine.

I am taking all information on board and looking at life with open eyes and an with outlook that says what will be will be but do not dwell on the grim side of life's bum deal. Be positive about what is happening and not negative as I am sure it will help you through this.

There are bound to be others on here that will give more advice and possibly better views than mine but you are at the start of treatment with loads of options and ways to go as well as statistics being on your side with PC being so treatable. Try to keep the emotions under control and think logically, even though HT does make you more emotional on occasions and tired, it will be a long road so no point in being down in the dumps.

Hope you feel better after this as it helps me to stay on top of things by being positive..

Regards Chris/woody.

Hi and sorry you find yourself here, this is the place for support we are a caring bunch. You will get replies and support from both men and women so don't be surprised when one of the ladies like me pops in to chat!

I agree with Chris that it is really unusual to get this diagnosis in a letter and really quite uncaring. The normal is to have a one to one with a consultant urologist or sometimes with a clinical nurse present too. They would normally suggest you bring a partner, wife, family member or friend with you. After all being told you have cancer is a shock no matter how good the outlook might be.

From the limited info you have given it sounds as though your diagnosis puts you in the "cure" camp.

You should have been given a Gleason score and staging something like 7 (3 +4) and T2N0MO as well as your initial or subsequent PSA readings. This info is helpful to share.

From what you have said you will get several options to consider and a reasonable amount of time to consider these thoroughly.

Ray has given you the steer to get the toolkit from here which everyone finds helpful and informative.

If you have a consult coming up try and take someone with you as they can make notes or ask questions on your behalf if you get a bit overwhelmed by it all.

You will get replies from men who are in a very similar situation to you who have found the waiting for results, decisions on treatment etc. Both frustrating and difficult. You can read their profiles by clicking on their avatar.

In the meantime until you know more avoid googling as the answers you get will be generic about all stages of PCa many of which will be irrelevant and quite frankly scary.

Best wishes

Xx

Mo

You are absolutely right I had not picked up that Jack resides in the outer islands sorry. I still would have thought a phone call might be a bit more empathetic than just a letter which gives no chance to ask questions at the time when you most need to.

Jack it would be interesting to hear how you get along and how your location affects your care.

Best wishes

Xx

Mo

Hello Jacko and welcome from me too.

We are a nice bunch of people and everyone helps everyone else.
There are no questions off limits, no matter how personal so feel free to ask.
All the best
Sandra

just a thought I know that Glasgw Hospitals will admit you the night

before your op due to your location.

Maybe worth while contacting them. Wishing you all the best for your op.

Carol.