I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error

about to meet with oncologist

User
Posted 15 Feb 2018 at 19:55

My husband has been diagnosed with stage 3 PC. His PSA is 197 and his Gleason is 8

There is no spread of the cancer although I think it has broken through the wall. Bone scans , CT and MRI show only the usual 79 year old wear and tear.

On Tuesday we go to the Cancer Clinic for the first time to meet with staff and oncologist. The urologist said  that he would probably be treated with hormones and radiation

We have done some research and have determined that we will do our best to manage whatever comes our way but I  am really anxious he is the rock of our family.

Any help and reassurance would be helpful

Are we going to make it? 

User
Posted 15 Feb 2018 at 23:00
Hi Canadian

Just to reassure you that your post is on the site now but initially and new thread takes a bit of time to appear as it has to go through a moderation process.

Before you see the oncologist it might be a good idea to have a look at the Toolkit on this site which will allow you to read information concerning all aspects of PCa and the treatments used and will help in drawing up a list of questions you might want to ask about.

The PSA reading is high but there are guys on this site with much higher PSA readings who are doing well.

I have to say that I am happy with how things are going for me but I am hesitant to offer advice to others as there are many people on this site with a far greater knowledge and understanding of PCA than myself. I can tell you that you will feel more confident about everything the more you talk things through with your team as there are lots of treatments out there but you need to be aware that all treatments can have side effects which you need to discuss.

I am sure that others will be along to offer you advice and information but I didn't want you to think you being ignored.

Try not to worry,

Kevan

User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 01:03

Hi Helen,

I think it unusual that with the information you have provided that scans only showed 'wear and tear'. I would seek further clarification of this when you meet with the oncologist. If the cancer has in reality spread HT can help restrain it and the RT kill (over time) tumours within the Prostate.

' Are we going to make it ?' is too vague a question to answer without knowing what you are really asking. If you mean will this eradicate his cancer, I believe not. If you mean will the likely HT/RT extent his life beyond what he would have without treatment, I believe he would have a good chance of this providing he has no others problems that would conflict with HT/RT. Just how long extra the treatment would give him would depend on a number of factors which include how resistant his type of PCa is resistant to the treatment, the type of HT/RT he is given and how good an well directed the RT is. There are various side effects with HT and RT which individuals have to a greater or lesser extent. The aforementioned 'Toolkit' will detail what these are and provide a lot of useful information . Much of what is said applies to PCa generally but there may be minor differences between the way it is treated in the UK and Canada. Furthermore, treatments are continually improving and protocols changing following lessons learnt through trials. More and evolving treatments are leading to overall life expectations being increased so be positive.

Barry
User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 01:13

Barry, they are offering RT/HT so there must be a possibility of remission here? Perhaps the PSA is just really high and the diagnosis is correct?

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 03:38

Lyn

We are asked a vague question to which we are not able to give a definitive answer even if we have correctly assumed what was intended. The cancer was said to be believed to have gone through cancer wall, be Gleason 4+4=8, (but group three although Gleason 8 is now newly classified as group 4 not 3 http://pathology.jhu.edu/ProstateCancer/NewGradingSystem.pdf aggressive and PSA is high. Perhaps it would have been better if I had said that with these stats he would be very lucky indeed for the treatment to eradicate the cancer and for it not to return. This is what I was told was the prediction in cases like mine with HT/RT where in similar situation was checked in Partin Tables, the cancer had breached the wall but in my case with a Gleason of 3+4=7 and PSA of 17, ie, even lower than the patient here. But nothing is impossible!

RT is given with the hope that it will provide a cure but not necessarily with the expectation that it will, hence so many failures including me. 

Edited by member 16 Feb 2018 at 04:12  | Reason: Not specified

Barry
User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 09:29

Barry, I see your point.

Canadian, it would be helpful to know whether you are in the UK or Canada.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 13:01

Thank you Kevin

Being at the beginning of a journey is always fraught with uncertainties and quite frankly I am a bit of a worry wart

Hubby is much more accepting . He says we will play with the cards we are dealt. I off course would like to change the cards and the game

Glad to know there is someone out there

H

User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 13:13

Barry

Thank you for your reply

The wear and tear that is evident in MRI and Ct is due to Hubby an x jock  having moderate to severe osteoarthritis in hips and knees

I recognize there is a difference between treatments but I have looked at other online communities and I found the information provided here was easy to understand . In addition the people who replied to the questions and concerns were very supportive

Are we going to make it really asks can we manage this journey whatever is thrown at us? guess it really is a rhetorical question  or maybe just a plea for the strength and courage you have all shown

H

User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 13:17

Arthur

My thanks for your reply

I wish you continued wellness

H

User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 13:19

I am in Ottawa Canada

 

User
Posted 16 Feb 2018 at 15:29

Arthur, I sincerely hope you continue to do well notwithstanding your PSA beginning to rise. Unfortunately, we have had men on this forum with low PSA after HT/RT for ten years or longer who had apparently beaten this rotten decease, then only to find their PSA had began to rise at an increasing rate and need to resume HT and other treatment. To the best of my recollection Barry Barrington (Topgun) was one of them and sadly we lost this well loved member, So be positive but don't take anything for granted.

As I said previously, I also wish our member in Canada well. HT/RT can restrain the cancer for many years and for some provide a 'cure' or sufficiently control it until they die of something else, although sometimes further down the line treatment(s) can be required. I took it that we were being asked would the proposed HT/RT treatment eradicate the cancer and I answered based on what I was told as stated. I now understand the OP meant something slightly different. Particularly when it comes to HT, men are affected to varying and greater or lesser extent. Some suffer some or all of the typical effects such as premature tiredness, muscle aches, hot flushes., sensitive nipples and increase in breast size and even personality changes. One of the most common effects is lack of libido but we did have one member who told as this was not a problem in his case. RT can add to side effects of HT although most men tolerate it well. In the UK it is now quite usual to continue with HT after RT for anything up to 3 years and beyond that if PSA so indicates. A man with PCa is on a journey with a road that can be tough at times for some whilst others cope better. There are now many ways to treat which can extend the life of a man albeit with other side effects. Trying to keep fit helps with coping.

Barry
 
Forum Jump  
©2024 Prostate Cancer UK