Medical and moral questions-PSA rise

Just before we get on to morals. The law says you can not be discriminated against if you have or have had cancer, or as a consequence of treatment for cancer.

Now if you and someone else are doing an audition, and the two of you are identical then the only way they can choose between you is toss a coin. However if they know you have just a tiny possibility that you may inconvenience them (because of cancer) that coin is not going to come down in your favour. I would not disclose anything about cancer to your agent. I would have no moral qualms about this. You may have to disclose medical conditions later for insurance etc.but cross that bridge when you come to it. With your current rate of PSA rise it will hopefully be a long time before you get to that bridge.

Unrelated to the above. When I was young I worked short term contracts in admin and then IT. I found myself working with an actor who was 'resting' (Shakespeare was his thing). He was very friendly and at one point I asked about the financial implications of being an actor. He said "well this year my income has been really good. I haven't had a single acting job all year, so I'm doing these temp jobs and I'm able to pay the rent and buy food, for a change."

Hi Antony,

Many hospitals only test above 0.1 so you would not know about the rise yet.   So perhaps you're worrying too soon.   You have been given a warning that something is happening which I think is worth knowing.

My psa is rising very slowly too and has reached 0.11, doubling in just over 2 years.   I've been told the oncologist will do nothing before 0.2 when it's rising so slowly so there's no point seeing one, although I might contest that when it gets a bit higher.   It's highly unlikely any scan would find anything at that level.  So I'd have to insist they gave RT without knowing where it is and wouldn't want to do that.

The hospital says they wait until it reaches 0.5 to have an NHS psma scan.  But I think that's too late and would pay for a scan just above 0.2 if they won't give me one.   Some people have had earlier scans on the NHS so they might agree.

So in summary there's no rush unless you find it stressful or prefer to have RT without a scan, which is something that does happen.   I think there must be an increased risk of something worse as the psa gets higher but it seems to be one that is accepted..

On the moral question, it seems to me you could be waiting another couple of years before any treatment is started so there is no moral question unless it's a long running part and you might move on anyway.  Also the NHS will work round your timetable I'd think.  So if you work at night you can have the RT in the morning.   

I think the question is about whether you think working could be a detriment to your treatment.  Unless money is in the balance as well. 

In summary as you might not have any treatment for quite a while I don't think you need to tell anyone.  Even if you have treatment you should decide if work effects it rather than if it effects work, unless you think you are going to be unable to work when you might want to ask again when you know what treatment you're having, when and what your work situation is.  Hope that helps.

All the best, Peter