Husband newly diagnosed, PSA 24.7

Hi kazzy.

My 2nd biopsy results were similar. T3a, 20 out of 24 cores, Gleason 8 (4+4), PSA only 6.6.

I had robotic surgery 4 months later. The post op histology confirmed T3a, capsule just breached. The Gleason score was increased to 9 (4+5). During the op they removed 9 lymph nodes, seminal vesicles and some surrounding tissue. Which came back clear and I had negative margins.

18 months later my PSA is undetectable but apparently I am still at high risk of recurrence.

Initially there was some debate as to my suitability for surgery. During the 2 months prior to the op, because of the uncertainty of what radicaI treatment I'd be having, I was given some HT, Bical tabs, but this isn't usually done before surgery. However, I believe HT is usually given prior to RT.

Edited by member 05 Sep 2024 at 08:09  | Reason: Typo

Hi Kazzy60,

Here are some answers…there’s people much more knowledgeable than me on here that can maybe answer some of them.

1. Sorry don’t know, you could call the Specialist nurses on here

2. I think there are some on here who have had some form of HT before surgery when there’s perhaps been a delay in getting their surgery. Maybe Bicalutamide which is administered in tablet form and seems to have less side effects.

3. Funny a non NHS person(acupuncturist) told me that as well. I asked the question of the NHS and nobody knew about this. However, I believe some cancer centres are offering 5 doses of much higher radiation which doesn’t require HT….in my opinion that’s a big step forward. I know from my point of view, HT was an essential part of my treatment helping to shrink the cancer before RT and helping mop up after RT, but I wouldn’t like to stay on HT any longer than absolutely necessary!

4. There are many on here with a fairly similar diagnosis. I know it’s difficult but things will get easier when the MDT has met and decided what options are open to your husband.

I hope you’re both doing ok and managing to have some fun times together.

Derek

Hi Kazzy

I’m sorry to hear about your husband I can totally empathise how you feel/ 

My husband was diagnosed with Gleeson 9 in April this year! His initial biopsy was T2b but after surgery he was T2c 

He did not have Hormones before surgery and I believe it can make it more difficult to have the Radical Prostectomy. 

He has recovered well from surgery he had right side nerve sparing. He has some continence issues but the surgeon thinks it’s early days and he’s doing well! 
He is aware because of Gleeson 9 he has a fair chance of needing further treatment in years to come but surgeon was very positive about his overall survival being very good. 

The Diagnosis stage was by far the hardest to cope with and we have already settled down back to normal life. Things will get easier. 

Take care 

M 

Hi Kazzy. 

My second diagnosis in Sept 2022 showed that the disease had progressed extensively. T3a, extraprostic extension and Gleason 8 (4+4), later upgraded to Gleason 9 (4+5).

I saw the surgeon a couple of weeks later, and he put me on a waiting list for robotic surgery. I was told I may have to wait three months for the operation.

I was thrilled, when a couple of weeks later, they informed that they had managed to fit me in to for the op in Nov 2022. I went to the hospital that morning and was told the op had to be cancelled due to a lack of beds. My wife and I were gutted.

The op was rescheduled for Dec 2022. I went to the hospital was all gowned up and ready for surgery when at the last minute the anaesthetist had concerns regarding my suitability for surgery due to blocked heart arteries and the op was cancelled. My wife and I were absolutely devastated. That is when I started HT, to tide me over whilst cardiology and urology made a decision on whether it was too risky for me to be operated on.

Eventually I had the op in Feb 2023.

I sailed through the op, but unfortunately had a minor hear attack less than 5 weeks later. I ended up in hospital for three weeks where they drilled out the blockages and fitted stents. It was an awful time. It was very difficult, recovering from the prostatectomy and dealing with the discomfort and incontinence, whilst also having to deal with the the heart problem. I'm fine now.

As I stated, 18 months on from the prostatectomy, despite a very high risk of recurrence, my PSA is still undetectable. My heart condition has vastly improved and I'm now able to play footy with my 10 year old grandson.

Life's good now. I'm fully continent and I'm dealing with ED by using Invicorp injections.

At this time, I feel I'm a very lucky lad. However, despite trying as hard as I can not to,  I still fear the possibility of recurrence.

Edited by member 06 Sep 2024 at 09:49  | Reason: Additional text