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

Notification

Error

Post op histology showed cancer in 1 of 6 lymph nodes

Email this conversation Print this conversation
User
Posted 27 Nov 2023 at 12:37

Hi, after being originally categorised as T3A N0 (no expectation that cancer had spread to lymph nodes) I was shocked to hear in my post op appt that cancer was found in one of half a dozen or so lymph nodes removed. The good news is that psa is less than 0.1%. Ongoing plan is 3 monthly psa tests. 
The specialist nurse who gave me the news thought unlikely that any cancerous lymph nodes left behind but couldn’t guarantee or really explain why that was his thinking.  I’m not due to have follow up with consultant until mid January at the earliest! 
Following the appt, where I was expecting to have quite positive news, this has knocked me for 6 where it seems I am going to be constantly living in fear that there could be a rogue lymph node working away. 
anyone on this forum who has been in a similiar situation? 

User
Posted 27 Nov 2023 at 13:13

I can only say that your post op PSA was good news and that the affected lymph node was removed and so a strong chance that you will have a full recovery. Like me, you are on 3 month PSA tests and that will determine when/if any further action is needed and again, my consultant doesn't want to see me until early next year. So they aren't panicking :)

User
Posted 27 Nov 2023 at 14:34
Google University can open up a whole can of worms - most of it not applicable. However there are some decent scientific papers available that can help a little. To quote one

" Finding node-positive prostate cancer after a radical prostatectomy often leads to high postoperative prostate-specific antigen levels and is overall a poor prognostic factor. However, this does not necessarily translate into poor survival for all men. Management can be tailored to the severity of disease and options include observation, androgen deprivation therapy, and/or radiotherapy."

Note the first sentence - often leads to high PSA after the operation. That's why I said that your first PSA was good news.

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 27 Nov 2023 at 13:13

I can only say that your post op PSA was good news and that the affected lymph node was removed and so a strong chance that you will have a full recovery. Like me, you are on 3 month PSA tests and that will determine when/if any further action is needed and again, my consultant doesn't want to see me until early next year. So they aren't panicking :)

User
Posted 27 Nov 2023 at 13:34

Thanks Steve that’s reassuring. It was just a shock to hear about lymph node and if you Google it paints a really bad picture. I know one should be wary of consulting dr Google but it’s so hard to get hold of anyone in nhs outside official appointments and prostate cancer uk are good but don’t have your medical notes 

User
Posted 27 Nov 2023 at 14:34
Google University can open up a whole can of worms - most of it not applicable. However there are some decent scientific papers available that can help a little. To quote one

" Finding node-positive prostate cancer after a radical prostatectomy often leads to high postoperative prostate-specific antigen levels and is overall a poor prognostic factor. However, this does not necessarily translate into poor survival for all men. Management can be tailored to the severity of disease and options include observation, androgen deprivation therapy, and/or radiotherapy."

Note the first sentence - often leads to high PSA after the operation. That's why I said that your first PSA was good news.

User
Posted 27 Nov 2023 at 14:46
That’s pepped me up - thanks. I did read one that said something along the lines that if there is residual very low levels of cancer left behind, the body’s natural defences keep it in check without the need of external treatment
 
Forum Jump  
Email this conversation Print this conversation

Join the online community now.

Click through to become a member and gain access to support, information and real time replies.




MenuTop ▲
©2024 Prostate Cancer UK