A repeat performance ?

User

Posted 13 Jun 2022 at 08:30

I am aged 75 & underwent an initial sequence of tests to look at the possibility of Prostate Cancer in May / June 2020 following a long period of generally higher than normal PSA peaking at 11.5. After an MRI, CT Scan & TP Biopsy I was relieved that there were no signs of cancer. I have subsequently had a PSA at 6 monthly intervals this being recently shortened to 3 months following my last test where my PSA increased, sharply, to 16.8. I have another test today. My consultant has asked that I be referred back to himself in the event of two tests >15 - I am feeling alarmed, to put it mildly.

My wife & I are hoping to move from the Cotswolds to East Anglia so that we are closer to our two children such that they are better able to provide us with support if & when necessary. I am concerned that our potential relocation could clash with any further test or treatment of my prostate condition that may be required. Any thoughts as to the practicalities of moving at this time would be appreciated. I feel that my life has almost to be lived with no more that a 3 month 'horizon' - will the next PSA be the one that pushes me over the edge, so to speak.

User

Posted 13 Jun 2022 at 10:11

Grafton, do you have more details of your previous PSA results, it may help give an better picture.

Added, just noticed you were on Finasteride is that still the case ?

Thanks Chris

Edited by member 13 Jun 2022 at 10:22 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 13 Jun 2022 at 11:06

Chris - Thanks for your quick response - I am not sure that my computer skills are up to 'clicking & pasting' I am afraid ! I have been on both Finasteride & Tamsulosin for several years - I have just checked my results & find that my PSA was in fact 11.0 on 05.03.20. My MRI confirmed that I have an enlarged prostate at 96cc with Likert 4 / Pi-Rad 5 confined to the prostate gland left peripheral zone. I had a biopsy on 03.06.20 which came back completely clear with no evidence of prostate cancer but some signs of chronic patchy inflammation. I now take an anti-inflammatory for 3+ days before a PSA.

My concerns are two-fold - what is the process if my PSA continues to rise ? AND - is it practicable for consider relocating, perhaps 150 miles, whilst my prostate remains a possible problem

User

Posted 14 Jun 2022 at 00:13

Prostate Cancer (PCa), is generally a slow developing disease and should radical treatment be advised at some point I would think that timing would not be so critical that it could not be delayed enough for you to complete your move first. (Only radiotherapy requires regular treatment over a protracted period). .Addenbrookes is one of the UK's leading hospitals in Cambridge and you could investigate your case being taken on by them, although there are of course other very good hospitals not far from your general proposed location. What might be more of a problem is your being accepted by a local surgery and you should check this out as GPs have a pivotal role with you and your hospital. Also, ascertain whether you could be accepted by a local dental practice, as this is a problem in some parts.

Barry

User

Posted 14 Jun 2022 at 07:49

Thanks for your response. I will do a little research on the prostate cancer related facilities that are available in East Anglia - we are minded not to live too far from a 'major' hospital but I suppose that doesn't mean that they all offer the treatments that I might need. I must admit that I hadn't considered the possibility of problems in being accepted by a GP Practice - as for dentistry, there is little where we live at this time & we gave up trying to find a suitable one years ago.

User

Posted 14 Jun 2022 at 11:01

I would just add that Addenbrookes where I was treated for my prostate cancer treats cases in East Anglia and Lincolnshire and has an excellent reputation for treating prostate cancer. Its treatments, surgery and RT, are at the cutting edge and its before and after care services are top notch.

Ivan

User

Posted 26 Sep 2022 at 14:00

I have now been having a regular PSA Tests at 3 monthly intervals for a year. After having 'fallen'' from 16.8 in March 2022 to 15.4 in June 2022 my latest test result has climbed again to 19.2. I understand that Finasteride has the effect of halving the PSA result - so in reality we are talking about 38.4. I have had a telephone consultation with a specialist nurse today & am now to go through the diagnosis cycle of MRI - Consultant Meeting - Biopsy once again with an 'outcome' just in time for Christmas ! My wife & I feel that we are living our lives in '3 monthly segments' as dictated by PSA testing - I am starting to think that a positive diagnosis may be preferable in that it would remove some of the uncertainty. Any suggestions as to how I should deal with this please.

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