Hello Lola and welcome from me too.
Coping with Active Surveillance is a personal thing.
My husband was on it for around a year before he had to decide which route he wanted to take as his PSA was rising but it was his choice.
My other half is now 75 so side effects from his treatment (seed implant brachytherapy) although fairly minimal compared to some, have still impacted on our lives a bit, especially the sexual side.
Now, at 75 and 67 that is no major issue for us but for youngsters like you two, treatment and POSSIBLE side effects from whatever route you choose, could be affecting you for years.
If you are adequately supervised with checkups and regular PSAs that has got to be better than rushing into treatment just to get rid of the cancer, which might not have a major impact in your lives for years yet.
There is a tremendous lot to get your heads round when you are first diagnosed and fear is the first stage.
Knowledge helps you cope with that fear and puts things into perspective.
Your husband is in the "lucky" group believe it or not. It looks like he has time to adjust and take it all in before he needs (if ever) to make a decision about what he wants to do.
If your consultant is reassuring you that it is all contained and only a small amount then go with that for now.
Talk talk talk!! Let him know that no matter what the future holds you are there and you are in this together.
Get as much information together as you can (The toolkit mentioned is excellent) but avoid surfing the web, unless it's recognised sites like this or Cancer research or Macmillan.
There are too many anecdotal stories out there that will just no be relevant to you so don't look for trouble before you need to.
If you've already been browsing this site you will know that we are a very supportive bunch, happy to give advice and a shoulder to lean on if it all gets too much.
Keep in touch and if the other half is willing to browse with you, or at least listen when you relate the stories on here, then you're halfway there with the talking.
All the best
Sandra
We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails |
User
Hi Lola
This is purely my own viewpoint having had surgery at 48 and now needing salvage treatment on top. If you are offered AS as a safe option for now then I would grab it. It seems to me that whatever route a person takes , they spend most of the rest of their life worrying about it one way or another. So if you can worry and not be impotent or incontinent maybe , then that is a good choice in my eyes.
Very best wishes
Chris
User
Lola,
I have been on active surveillance for 6 months now, i have appointment with consultant on tuesdayfor results of MRI scan and PSA. I know what your husband is going through. I know i am repeating what others have said but.. Definitely get the tool kit from the site, i found it invaluable and still look through it now. This site is fantastic for support and advice. I have found that the way i deal with it is try to forget about it and just carry on as normal and try not to link any other pain or illness with the cancer. I wish you and your husband good luck for the future and try not to worry.
User
Hi Lola,
My husband, 62, was diagnosed 11months ago, and like your husband, is on 'active surveillance'. It makes sense, as he's monitored regularly...and it may never be a problem in his life time. It was on our minds a lot at the beginning, but now he has worked through the knowledge that there is a very slow growing small cancer there...and feel well supported by urology consultant and CNS.
Good luck with the future, and best wishes,
Sue
User
I am another one on active surveillance. Now for over 3 years. Gleason score 6. Im 63.
Regular PSA tests and scans have been given and 2 rectal biopsies and a template biopsy.
With the reassurance of the tests, scans and biopsies and the support of the hospital team and the nurses at prostate cancer uk, it makes it easier to cope with and get on with life. (not forgetting family support).
best regards for the future.