Help with making a decision

User

Posted 13 Mar 2021 at 15:10

Hi apologies first time post.

My details. Age 75, Gleason 3+3, cancer on left side only. Biopsy taken 5 each side. Right side clear, left side 3 of 5 showed cancer. It was Put at Gp1. But urologist felt on digital examination so though would be Stage 2. Bone scan just come back clear. My PSA is 6.7. My Urologist says my prostate is very small, more like a 20 year old, whatever that means. Complication is I am stuck in Spain, combination of COVID and Brexit issues. I am hoping to get back to UK in early April.

Been very impressed with the quality of information, and supportive nature of that support. Been impressed particularly with Burghboy posts, and all your advice/ support.

My urologist a German, splits practice between Bavaria and here. Saw him last week and he gave me the 4 basic options available. I am now thinking these through for further discussion in 10 days time. Am meeting with an fried who had complete removal of prostate 6 years ago when he was 63 years of age.

Excuse my nervous waffle, but thought background important. The more I read from you guys the more I believe that UK is place to be with this Cancer. So I will continue to read the excellent information posted in this Community and hope it helps me make the right decision.

Thanks your patience,

Langer ( David Langridge)

User

Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 09:26

Please accept my sincere apologies, Dave, Barry and John. Have trying to get documents legalised to allow drive through Spain to Santander to catch boat. Apologies.
Had an updated PSA yesterday of 5.71 down from 6.7 in December. Dealing with each point raised:-
Yes 4 options are as you know, Radical Prostatectomy ( 3 options), Radiotherapy or Brachytherapy, HiFu, or Active Surveillance. What made me think of AS, was my overall profile is quite good, also when I enter my scores on NHS Predict, life expectancy is within a coupe of percent of having one of the procedures. Yes I would be fit to have a procedure albeit 75.
Yes Barry I have got ALL documents translated and certified. Have boat booked for 10th April, the quarantine. Then to see my GP, just South of Chichester. Generally so impressed hearing you guys enjoying an integrated approach to your treatments. Here, privately it’s a lone experience.
John, thanks invite to see your journey. Have a friend here who had that in State system, he never seems to see same person twice, and the hormone injections seem to effect his fatigue levels quite dramatically.
So again my apologies for delay in coming back, but I am inching forward to make a decision, seeing my Urologist next Tuesday. But in truth my experience when I get to the UK is most likely to influence my decision, when all aspects can considered.
Thank you all,
David

User

Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 10:20

Hi David, I can imagine the bureaucracy of getting back here is a nightmare.

Just reading your first post, it wasn't too clear, but that is because auto complete missed a letter off one of your words.

I think Gp1 means Gleason grade group 1 which equates to Gleason score 3+3=6. The introduction of groups instead of scores was supposed to make things easier, but now everyone confuses them so it makes things harder.

The stage is preceded with the letter T so as you say the cancer showed up on a DRE so you are at least stage 2. But an MRI may show it has gone further, you may be stage 3 or 4. So officially no one knows what stage you are other than its greater than T1. BTW with a lowish PSA I really don't think you will be T4.

Hope that helps you understand what your diagnosis is so far.

Dave

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User

Posted 14 Mar 2021 at 00:43

Hi David, welcome. What are the four options you're being offered? Is active surveillance being offered? It might be a bit risky, but it doesn't have any side effects. Are you fit enough for surgery if you did choose that one?

Dave

User

Posted 14 Mar 2021 at 01:59

It is not clear whether you wish to have your treatment in Spain or UK. If the latter, in view of your coming to the UK next month, I suggest you get copies of your histology (translated into English if possible) and scans and diagnosis and make aarrangements via your UK GP for a referral to an appropriate UK hospital. It's possible that the UK hospital may want to do some checks again, particularly scans. Not all hospitals offer all forms of treatment, so you need to find out the options your German Consultant suggests so if you have a preference you can ensure the Hospital you are being referred to administers it.

Barry

User

Posted 14 Mar 2021 at 12:05

Hi David,

I can't tell what the best option is but with 3+3 =6 your numbers are pretty good. I had PSA 2.19 Gleason 3+4=7 with 5 out 20 cores positive at the age of 70 with the choice of robotic removal or Brachytherapy .

I had Brachytherpy in September 2016 and was signed off by my specialist in January 2021 if you click on my avatar you can see my journey so far.

Good luck John.

User

Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 09:26

User

Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 10:20

Hi David, I can imagine the bureaucracy of getting back here is a nightmare.

Just reading your first post, it wasn't too clear, but that is because auto complete missed a letter off one of your words.

Hope that helps you understand what your diagnosis is so far.

Dave

User

Posted 17 Mar 2021 at 11:22

Hi Dave,

Yes getting there on documentation.

I was confused about the GP-1 ( TNM 8 Ed). I assumed, but should not do that, that my Urologist had not said he felt problem on left side. As myself thought should be 2 if that was case. Am seeing Urologist on Tuesday so will ask.
Thanks for bringing it up.

David

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