Steve’s Journey Part 2
With a PSA level of 4.4 and a Gleason score of 6, I was clearly a candidate for Active Surveillance, and this had been suggested as an appropriate way to progress. We looked at the various radiotherapy and hormonal treatments and realised these were all ways of suppressing the Cancer, but not a cure. Marie and I spent many hours reading clinical reports, and looking at feedback from Cancer patients who had already made their choice, and would be able to give us an accurate account of their experience and the resulting outcome.
I eventually came to my decision based on the following factors:
1.) At the age of 58, and being generally fit, I would like to think I had at least 20 years of quality life to look forward to.
2.) Had I been in my 70s then Active Surveillance may have been the correct path to take.
3.) My Father had died of cancer at the age of 64 and my Mother had survived breast cancer, so the genetic link was there.
4.) Treatment is more likely to be successful when the disease is at its early stages and contained within the prostate.
I did not feel comfortable with the random selection of the Biopsy locations, and the lack of evidence that a PSA level correlates to disease progression. This uncertainty would be ever present, should the Active Surveillance route be taken, and I realised this was something I could not live with on a day to day basis.
I wanted to “Attack the Cancer” whilst I was strong, and it was weak and was referred to Addenbrookes Urology Department for further review.
During my next consultation at Addenbrookes Hospital on 28th September (when I was informed that my PSA had elevated to 5.6) I confirmed with the consultant that I would like to have my Prostate removed. I signed the consent form and an appointment for surgery was given for two weeks later for Friday 13th October, when I would attend The Specialist Robotic Centre and undergo the procedure Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy.
To follow…..