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Brutal increase in PSA level in 3 months

User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 10:58

Hello  i get my last control psa result and is 35.80 mg/ml!!.


30/05/2022: 4.14 ng/ml
25/09/2023: 5.33 ng/ml
12/06/2024: 5.85 ng/ml


27/09/2024: 35.80 ng/ml


I am in Shock. To say that at the beginning of August for 2 weeks I had somewhat dark semen and I feel some slight discomfort in the perineal area. At the beginning of August my semen was somewhat dark for 2 weeks and then it returned to normal and for a few days now the semen has had a somewhat yellowish color. :(


What do you think of this sharp increase in the PSA level in just 3 months and diagnosed with Gleason 6 (3+3) on active surveillance?


Possibly this is a rare mutation or could it be something else?


Quite scared and distressed until the appointment with my urologist arrives :(


Thank u

User
Posted 11 Nov 2024 at 09:00

My understanding is that there is strong evidence that Gleason 6 hardly ever (and possibly never) becomes metastatic.


The main problem is that, although tests and MRIs are getting more accurate, it remains the case that it is not possible to be certain that a Gleason 6 diagnosis is accurate - the only way to verify this is with a post-prostatectomy pathology which obviously defeats the object of AS. Another problem is that there is nothing to stop a man with a Gleason 6 from subsequently developing another more aggressive cancer.


That is why it is so important to remain vigilant when on AS (e.g. with regular PSA tests and MRIs) so that you are ready to act if there are signs that the cancer is progressing.


My hope is that in the future men will not face such a dilemma because the diagnostics will become more and more accurate at identifying the dangerous cancers.

User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 12:16

Well, it definitely needs raising quickly with urology.


Did you have a biopsy during this period?


It might be prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), and the discomfort might also suggest this. PSA results are invalid if you have prostatitis.

User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 13:18

Hi mate.


I'm not medically trained but like Andy says it's unlikely to be cancer related, more like another prostate condition. It should be picked up by urology if you're on AS, but you might have to have to nudge them.


Years ago I had the snotty coloured semen, again it was nothing to do with cancer.


Best of luck buddy.


 

Edited by member 04 Oct 2024 at 14:01  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 08 Nov 2024 at 10:18

Hello again mate.


I've reread your first conversation.


https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t29873-completely-terrified-and-distraught#post289783


Am I right that your biopsy a year ago revealed Gleason 6 (3+3), T2 disease that was close to the capsule wall, and at that time your PSA was 5.85 and you selected active surveillance?


Your big rise in PSA has been drastically reduced by antibiotics, which obviously indicates much of it was caused by a non cancerous condition. However, during your AS, prior to the big increase, your PSA levels had shown a gradual rise. 


I understand your anxiety in the PSA  not returning to its former levels and it seems very wise to have a follow MRI and possible biopsy to check if there has been any disease progression.


I wish your the best of luck with your results.


 


 


 

User
Posted 09 Nov 2024 at 03:09

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Well, actually, at the time of diagnosis the PSA was 5.33 and 8 months later it was 5.85.


In outright terms that's not a startling PSA level and the difference between 5.33 and 5.85 isn't huge, though there's definitely a slow upward trend. PSAs can commonly get up to 40+ and sometimes even go past the 1,000 mark, so a 5.85 isn't extreme.


Jules


 


 

User
Posted 09 Nov 2024 at 20:52

Hi Murdock,


I'm not medically qualified, but could it be that, although you've finished the antibiotics, and there is now no evidence of current infection, that it might take some time for that to be registered in the PSA level returning to previous levels?  There has already been a dramatic fall in your PSA levels after one month of treatment, so there could be room for a further, more gradual decline in PSA levels.


Just my two-penny-worth.


Best wishes,


JedSee.

User
Posted 09 Nov 2024 at 23:00

Hi,


The hospital I use told me they don't do tests less than 6 weeks apart.  It's always worrying but I'd think it's got further to drop and might take time.

User
Posted 10 Nov 2024 at 20:20
Murdock, I suspect the urologist put you straight on antibiotics because s/he knew that a sixfold increase in PSA over 3 months was due to something other than cancer and most likely an infection. As a benchmark, doubling in 3 months would be an extremely fast growing cancer.

I don't know how long it takes for inflammation of the prostate to die down completely, but a threefold decrease in just 3 weeks strongly suggests that was the main cause. I don't think you have too much to worry in waiting another few months to see if it returns all the eway to baseline.

I sympathise with your anxiety over treatment, but you may one day have to recognise it will be necessary and you will have to decide what of the suggested options to accept. Let's hope that day is still a very long way away.
User
Posted 11 Nov 2024 at 13:30

This forum is a place where people with bad stories come. There are the 1 in 1000 events.  There are or were around 12,000 ops done every year and many more having other treatments. So the numbers on here aren't that big.


I think your doctor did your psa test early to check the tablets were having an effect.  They are so that's good. If he'd waited until when he thought your psa would be right down you might have waited until December when it might have been too late. Your estimate of 6.5ish sounds about right.


I was 67 when I had the op and was worried, I can understand that it's more worrying if you're younger. I thought that at 67 I'd put up with any side effects the priority being to remain curable. 


As my lesion was said to be near the edge and gleason 4+4 I was very keen to get the op done. I think the nurses must have thought me odd as I was over the moon to get onto the table and they dashed over as I leapt aboard. I had visions of multiple possible delays including the surgeon being ill or a road accident so being there and sleeping for 2hrs to wake up likely cured was job done whatever side effects may occur. I didn't feel a thing and left hospital after 2 nights. It would have been one night but my pelvic drain seemed to be draining more than I thought good and asked to stay. Not everyone has such a drain I believe.


6.5 isn't that high but I wonder if you've a point when you think you'll decide.  The MRI might make it clearer.


 

User
Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 12:50

 Fantastic news! I'm in the pub. I'll have a celebratory drink with you, mate.👍

User
Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 21:21
Good news. While PSA is above "normal", it is pretty much unchanged over the past year - once an infection controlled. AS seems to have been the right option.

Best wishes for the New Year!
User
Posted 17 Sep 2025 at 10:02

Hello again, mate.


I'm not medically trained but would think this last rise is more likely to be prostatitis than PCa. During the periods between prostatitis your PSA seems to have remained relatively stable.


You do appear to have a slightly over anxious disposition, which is not ideal for AS. However, whatever treatment you have, PSA anxiety will always have to be dealt with. In fact, me and many others on here, felt PSA testing was easier to cope with on AS than it was following further treatment. The fear of BCR can be worse than the fear of being diagnosised with the disease.


You're nearly two years on since your first MRI biopsy, so you are due follow ups. The results will dictate whether you stay on AS. I suspect that you will.  Anyway, whatever the results, by being on AS, you've at least avoided the risk of any possible further treatment side effects for the last couple of years.


Good luck with the follow up procedures and please keep us updated. 👍

User
Posted 07 Feb 2026 at 08:04

Hello Murdock


You mentioned Nanoknife in one of your posts ...  is this still an option?  You will still have the catheter aspect to deal with -  but the surgery aspects are minimal...


 


Courage


Crispin

User
Posted 07 Feb 2026 at 10:03

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
I definitely need psychological help, as I've only just begun this journey, and aside from the panic, I feel completely exhausted. I'm on disability leave from work. I can't sleep well; my mind is constantly racing with post-surgery pain, the catheter, incontinence, ED, biochemical recurrences, radiation, more toxicity, and more long-term effects.


Hi again, mate.


I'm so sorry that you are really struggling. You are worrying about every possible bad outcome. No wonder you can't sleep.


There are a few younger blokes on here, who've recently had surgery. They are making very speedy recoveries, no pain, and minimal side effects. 


Perhaps they'll join the conversation to reassure you.


As Crispin has pointed out there may be other treatment options open to you. This video, is London based, but it gives you an idea of these treatments and their possible side effects. 


https://youtu.be/zYTU94-8pTc?si=1Z29_l8rbTwF6DHl


 

User
Posted 07 Feb 2026 at 22:37
Hi Murdock
Sorry you’re in this situation and feeling so anxious.
Maybe once you have treatment you might find yourself in a better place, as instead of the constant anxiety AS is causing you, you’ll actually be treating the problem.
I hope it might help you to know my husband decided AS wasn’t for him, and chose RT.

He followed a low residue diet for a week before and throughout treatment, and found the RT to be fine, the worst part was finding a parking space at the busy hospital.

Sometimes doing something is better than doing nothing.

Good luck whatever route you decide. Please consider seeking help and support for your anxiety.
User
Posted 25 Mar 2026 at 16:04
Yes elevated psa not is only by cancer
Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 12:16

Well, it definitely needs raising quickly with urology.


Did you have a biopsy during this period?


It might be prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), and the discomfort might also suggest this. PSA results are invalid if you have prostatitis.

User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 12:21

hello mate, i dont have biopsy in the last time. The last biopsy is a year ago.


so u think is some infection/inflammation? 


The truth is that apart from being scared, I am quite confused...
I was always informed that prostate cancer is a gradual disease...
even in cases of more aggressive tumors.
I didn't think that a Gleason 6 tumor classified as low risk
was going to increase the PSA value sixfold in just over 3 months...
User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 13:18

Hi mate.


I'm not medically trained but like Andy says it's unlikely to be cancer related, more like another prostate condition. It should be picked up by urology if you're on AS, but you might have to have to nudge them.


Years ago I had the snotty coloured semen, again it was nothing to do with cancer.


Best of luck buddy.


 

Edited by member 04 Oct 2024 at 14:01  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 08 Nov 2024 at 08:20

Hello again i have update news with last test.


30/05/2022: 4.14 ng/ml
25/09/2023: 5.33 ng/ml
12/06/2024: 5.85 ng/ml
27/09/2024: 35.80 ng/ml
31/10/2024: 11.70 ng/ml


Well, after the value of 35.80 ng/ml, the urologist prescribed me to take ciprofloxacin antibiotics
for 14 days and permixon for 1 month and do some urine and semen cultures.
The PSA has dropped from 35.80 ng/ml to 11.70 ng/ml in 1 month
and now the cultures have all come back negative.
Yesterday I had a consultation with the urologist and he prescribed a Multiparametric MRI
and very possibly a new biopsy later since it will be a year since the diagnosis.
Now I am quite distressed and very stressed because I expected at least the PSA
to return to a value similar to the control on 12/06/2024.
The uncertainty now is much greater because we do not know
what amount of PSA is attributable to probable tumor progression
or what amount is attributable to inflammation.


Tonight I barely managed to sleep with tremendous worry. :(

Edited by member 08 Nov 2024 at 09:47  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 08 Nov 2024 at 10:18

Hello again mate.


I've reread your first conversation.


https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t29873-completely-terrified-and-distraught#post289783


Am I right that your biopsy a year ago revealed Gleason 6 (3+3), T2 disease that was close to the capsule wall, and at that time your PSA was 5.85 and you selected active surveillance?


Your big rise in PSA has been drastically reduced by antibiotics, which obviously indicates much of it was caused by a non cancerous condition. However, during your AS, prior to the big increase, your PSA levels had shown a gradual rise. 


I understand your anxiety in the PSA  not returning to its former levels and it seems very wise to have a follow MRI and possible biopsy to check if there has been any disease progression.


I wish your the best of luck with your results.


 


 


 

User
Posted 08 Nov 2024 at 11:40

"Am I right that your biopsy a year ago revealed Gleason 6 (3+3), T2 disease that was close to the capsule wall, and at that time your PSA was 5.85 and you selected active surveillance?"


Well, actually, at the time of diagnosis the PSA was 5.33 and 8 months later it was 5.85.

Edited by member 08 Nov 2024 at 11:41  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 09 Nov 2024 at 03:09

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Well, actually, at the time of diagnosis the PSA was 5.33 and 8 months later it was 5.85.


In outright terms that's not a startling PSA level and the difference between 5.33 and 5.85 isn't huge, though there's definitely a slow upward trend. PSAs can commonly get up to 40+ and sometimes even go past the 1,000 mark, so a 5.85 isn't extreme.


Jules


 


 

User
Posted 09 Nov 2024 at 11:16
I expected the PSA value to be around 6 or 6.5 following that slow upward trend,
but after the antibiotics it has dropped from 35.80 to 11.70, which still seems quite high to me.
I have a horrible fear that something catastrophic is happening inside my prostate.

B.R.
User
Posted 09 Nov 2024 at 20:52

Hi Murdock,


I'm not medically qualified, but could it be that, although you've finished the antibiotics, and there is now no evidence of current infection, that it might take some time for that to be registered in the PSA level returning to previous levels?  There has already been a dramatic fall in your PSA levels after one month of treatment, so there could be room for a further, more gradual decline in PSA levels.


Just my two-penny-worth.


Best wishes,


JedSee.

User
Posted 09 Nov 2024 at 23:00

Hi,


The hospital I use told me they don't do tests less than 6 weeks apart.  It's always worrying but I'd think it's got further to drop and might take time.

User
Posted 10 Nov 2024 at 09:09
Thank you very much for your opinion, which helps calm my tremendous anxiety a little.

The antibiotic treatment was for 14 days and the PSA test was performed
10 days after finishing the antibiotic treatment.

I expected the urologist to culture bacteria from semen and urine before prescribing antibiotics,
but I don't understand why he did it the other way around.
Now we do not know if the possible inflammation was due to an infection or not :(

I am tremendously anxious and very afraid that something aggressive has appeared
again in my prostate and I will have to leave AS.
I am truly terrified of surgery and its unpleasant side effects since I am still very young.

B.R.
User
Posted 10 Nov 2024 at 20:20
Murdock, I suspect the urologist put you straight on antibiotics because s/he knew that a sixfold increase in PSA over 3 months was due to something other than cancer and most likely an infection. As a benchmark, doubling in 3 months would be an extremely fast growing cancer.

I don't know how long it takes for inflammation of the prostate to die down completely, but a threefold decrease in just 3 weeks strongly suggests that was the main cause. I don't think you have too much to worry in waiting another few months to see if it returns all the eway to baseline.

I sympathise with your anxiety over treatment, but you may one day have to recognise it will be necessary and you will have to decide what of the suggested options to accept. Let's hope that day is still a very long way away.
User
Posted 11 Nov 2024 at 08:45
Hello amd thank you very much for yours comments.

I am scheduled for an MRI on December 17th and then discuss the results on December 27th.

I hope this gleason 6 tumor has not suffered a mutation of such magnitude.

I am aware that in medicine 0% and 100% do not exist, but there are several cases
in this forum of members with an initial Gleason 6 tumor that progressed
to much more aggressive forms in not much time, unfortunately.
All of this contrasts with the large number of articles in the literature
in which some go so far as to state that Gleason 6 is indolent/harmless.

B.R.
User
Posted 11 Nov 2024 at 09:00

My understanding is that there is strong evidence that Gleason 6 hardly ever (and possibly never) becomes metastatic.


The main problem is that, although tests and MRIs are getting more accurate, it remains the case that it is not possible to be certain that a Gleason 6 diagnosis is accurate - the only way to verify this is with a post-prostatectomy pathology which obviously defeats the object of AS. Another problem is that there is nothing to stop a man with a Gleason 6 from subsequently developing another more aggressive cancer.


That is why it is so important to remain vigilant when on AS (e.g. with regular PSA tests and MRIs) so that you are ready to act if there are signs that the cancer is progressing.


My hope is that in the future men will not face such a dilemma because the diagnostics will become more and more accurate at identifying the dangerous cancers.

User
Posted 11 Nov 2024 at 13:30

This forum is a place where people with bad stories come. There are the 1 in 1000 events.  There are or were around 12,000 ops done every year and many more having other treatments. So the numbers on here aren't that big.


I think your doctor did your psa test early to check the tablets were having an effect.  They are so that's good. If he'd waited until when he thought your psa would be right down you might have waited until December when it might have been too late. Your estimate of 6.5ish sounds about right.


I was 67 when I had the op and was worried, I can understand that it's more worrying if you're younger. I thought that at 67 I'd put up with any side effects the priority being to remain curable. 


As my lesion was said to be near the edge and gleason 4+4 I was very keen to get the op done. I think the nurses must have thought me odd as I was over the moon to get onto the table and they dashed over as I leapt aboard. I had visions of multiple possible delays including the surgeon being ill or a road accident so being there and sleeping for 2hrs to wake up likely cured was job done whatever side effects may occur. I didn't feel a thing and left hospital after 2 nights. It would have been one night but my pelvic drain seemed to be draining more than I thought good and asked to stay. Not everyone has such a drain I believe.


6.5 isn't that high but I wonder if you've a point when you think you'll decide.  The MRI might make it clearer.


 

User
Posted 11 Nov 2024 at 13:46
I hoped that the day of making the decision on what treatment to choose would be still far away,
suffering from a relatively small tumor (10x11 mm) and Gleason 6
but observing the upward trend of my PSA (regardless of this rise and fall
so abrupt that I even think that There is no infection as such but rather
the tumor itself may be irritating my prostate) makes me think that something
is happening faster than expected.

B.R.
User
Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 12:19

Hi friends.. Update News 27/12/2024


MRImp. PSA total: 5.59 ng/ml


Clinical indication:
Prostate carcinoma under active surveillance.

Findings:
A pelvic and multipara prostate study was performed according to the usual protocol, including
perfusion sequences after the administration of intravenous iodinated contrast.
Prostate of approximately 48 x 37 x 27 mm, diameters that correspond to a volume of
24.9cc.
Adenomatous changes in the transitional zone.
No alterations are seen in the right peripheral lobe.
An area of ​​T2 hyposignal persists in the inferolateral margin of the left peripheral lobe.
ill-defined contour with discrete diffusion restriction, which corresponds to the lesion
described in the previous study, not appreciating significant changes.
There are no alterations in the prostate contour, with good delimitation of the bands.
neurovascular.
There are no bone signal alterations suggestive of secondary lesions or
lymphadenopathy of relevant size.

Conclusion:
Exploration without significant changes compared to previous.
No new lesions are seen.

B.R.
User
Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 12:50

 Fantastic news! I'm in the pub. I'll have a celebratory drink with you, mate.👍

User
Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 12:59

Yeah, drink for me!! 😀

User
Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 13:01

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


 Fantastic news! I'm in the pub. I'll have a celebratory drink with you, mate.👍



It is confirmed that the sudden increase in PSA to 35.80

and subsequent drop to 11.70 and now to 5.59 was due to something

non-cancerous such as prostatitis

Edited by member 27 Dec 2024 at 13:04  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 27 Dec 2024 at 21:21
Good news. While PSA is above "normal", it is pretty much unchanged over the past year - once an infection controlled. AS seems to have been the right option.

Best wishes for the New Year!
User
Posted 11 Jan 2025 at 15:49

hello friends


The dilemma now is whether to continue monitoring

or apply focal therapy (nanoknife) to prevent the known tumor

from taking me to the operating room one day. 

Does anyone know if focal therapy is advisable for G6 tumors?
Do you advise me to continue monitoring or destroy it with focal therapy?
User
Posted 27 Mar 2025 at 19:54

hello... well next week must be make new PSA control...

After my last MRI scan three months ago, which showed a stable Gleason 6 tumor and no new lesions, The PSA value 5.59 too 3 months ago.
I'm once again panicking and experiencing very high anxiety about the possible PSA results.


Edited by member 27 Mar 2025 at 19:56  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 02 Apr 2025 at 21:41
Well today i have check PSA control, here my history

30/05/2022: 4.14 ng/ml
25/09/2023: 5.33 ng/ml
12/06/2024: 5.85 ng/ml
27/09/2024: 35.80 ng/ml (prostatitis)
30/10/2024: 11.70 ng/ml (prostatitis)
13/12/2024: 5.59 ng/ml
28/03/2025: 4.80 ng/ml

Keep AS.... Thanks.
User
Posted 17 Sep 2025 at 00:04
Well back again with nightmares... last psa check 9.54 ng/ml

30/05/2022: 4.14 ng/ml

25/09/2023: 5.33 ng/ml

12/06/2024: 5.85 ng/ml

27/09/2024: 35.80 ng/ml (prostatitis)

30/10/2024: 11.70 ng/ml (prostatitis)

13/12/2024: 5.59 ng/ml

28/03/2025: 4.80 ng/ml

10/09/2025: 9.54 ng/ml

Plan: Permixon 2 capsules a day until repeat PSA in 3 months and new MRI and securely new biopsy.
tremendously anxious!!
User
Posted 17 Sep 2025 at 10:02

Hello again, mate.


I'm not medically trained but would think this last rise is more likely to be prostatitis than PCa. During the periods between prostatitis your PSA seems to have remained relatively stable.


You do appear to have a slightly over anxious disposition, which is not ideal for AS. However, whatever treatment you have, PSA anxiety will always have to be dealt with. In fact, me and many others on here, felt PSA testing was easier to cope with on AS than it was following further treatment. The fear of BCR can be worse than the fear of being diagnosised with the disease.


You're nearly two years on since your first MRI biopsy, so you are due follow ups. The results will dictate whether you stay on AS. I suspect that you will.  Anyway, whatever the results, by being on AS, you've at least avoided the risk of any possible further treatment side effects for the last couple of years.


Good luck with the follow up procedures and please keep us updated. 👍

User
Posted 30 Dec 2025 at 20:26

Hello friends merry xmas. Update MRI AS.


i think radiologic progression. Bad news, big sh*t


Multiparametric MRI – December 2025


 



  • Prostate volume: 29.55 cc.

  • Lesion: nodular lesion of approximately 13 mm in the inferior third of the left peripheral lobe, hypointense on T2 with significant diffusion restriction, fulfilling criteria for PI-RADS 4, described as the same lesion already seen in previous studies.

  • Small bands of nonspecific fibrosis in the right peripheral lobe.

  • Adenomatous changes in the transition zone with a slightly enlarged median lobe.

  • No capsular irregularity or signs of extracapsular extension, neurovascular bundles well preserved.

  • Seminal vesicles with normal morphology and signal.

  • No bladder wall lesions.

  • No suspicious bone lesions in the field of view and no pelvic/inguinal lymphadenopathy of significant size.

  • Rectum and perineal region without relevant findings.


 


 


Conclusion (Dec 2025 MRI):


Single 13 mm PI-RADS 4 nodular lesion in the inferior margin of the left peripheral lobe, corresponding to the known tumor focus, still confined to the prostate, without radiological evidence of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, lymph node involvement or bone metastasis.


 


 

User
Posted 31 Dec 2025 at 10:31

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
i think radiologic progression. Bad news, big sh*t


Hi again, mate.


There seems to be little change since your initial MRI, two years ago, which was:


11x10 mm pseudonodular lesion with discrete T2 hyposignal with poorly defined contour and diffusion restriction located in the posterolateral segment of the lower third of the left peripheral lobe that meets PIRADS 4 criteria.


What have the consultants advised? Have they suggested a further follow up biopsy?  Or suggested radical treatment? Or deemed active surveillance is still appropriate?

Edited by member 31 Dec 2025 at 10:55  | Reason: Additional text

User
Posted 31 Dec 2025 at 15:42

hi mate merry Xmas.


nexr step is new TP biopsy 23 january.


now lession is more nodular and more 2-3 mm size but the most concerning is from discrete diffusion restriction to significant. Maybe now not is gleason 6.!!


Again, I'm experiencing a lot of anxiety and sharp pains in my chest. I'm terrified of RALP and incontinence.



Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
i think radiologic progression. Bad news, big sh*t


Hi again, mate.


There seems to be little change since your initial MRI, two years ago, which was:


11x10 mm pseudonodular lesion with discrete T2 hyposignal with poorly defined contour and diffusion restriction located in the posterolateral segment of the lower third of the left peripheral lobe that meets PIRADS 4 criteria.


What have the consultants advised? Have they suggested a further follow up biopsy?  Or suggested radical treatment? Or deemed active surveillance is still appropriate?


User
Posted 01 Jan 2026 at 20:44

I'm new to this thread but read it up. Firstly , whatever you have appears still confined to the prostate which is what you want - even if requires treatment. Secondly Gleeson 6 does not "mutate" into a 7 or higher. It is always possible that another area of your prostate has an inherently higher score that may have been missed on the first biopsy  but that is what the new biopsy is meant to find out . It is also  possible it is all still Gleeson 6.


Even if they found higher spots , as I said, confined to the prostate you will usually have more than one  option other than full radical surgical removal . We all know this period is a worrying time but wait for the next step and their recommendations, you will have plenty of time to decide once you have the facts .

User
Posted 01 Jan 2026 at 20:57

Hello mate thank u very much


MRI only showed one focus 13mm (10x11 mm at diagnosis two years ago). Psa at diagnosis 5.33 PSA last year


dec 2024: 5.59
apr 2025: 4.80


Sept 2025: 9.54


dec 2025: 7.87


I'd also heard from some specialists that Gleason 6 Isup 1 doesn't mutate, but I've read about many upgrade cases on this same forum, perhaps due to undersampling in the initial biopsy. What worries me most right now is the 2-3 mm growth since diagnosis and, above all, the increase in diffusion restriction. I'm very apprehensive and experiencing a lot of anxiety because I suspect RALP is too close.

User
Posted 23 Jan 2026 at 18:01

I am 53 years old. After being diagnosed with gleason 6 (3+3) just over 2 years ago (Oct. 2023) pirads 4 10x11 mm apical. Psa 5.33 at diagnosis and now 7.87. Pseudonodular lesion in active surveillance.


Today 2 years later where in the last MRI it is reported as 13 mm of nodular size lesion and also pirads 4 they have done a new biopsy and I am quite upset.


I've been living badly for 2 years and I've cried a lot. It is affecting me a lot psychologically and with great fear of the operating room and going through an RALP with no guarantees of avoiding sequelae. I am very afraid that now an aggressive biology will come out and we will have to try and get out of surveillance.

Edited by member 23 Jan 2026 at 20:53  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 23 Jan 2026 at 20:01

Hi Murdock


My husband is currently on ADT waiting for the RT to start later in the year. 


You sound very depressed as I'm sure you know. Your PSA still sounds low. I'm no expert but I think you need reassurance more than anything. I think you've been so depressed for such a long time it's a hard one to shake off. But you will. I've had experience of being ill with anxiety.  It's horrible 


Yes you are right to feel worried, right to be concerned what will be the very best treatment for you, no one can down play that. But that's different from being ill with anxiety and depression.  


Do ask someone for help and guidance. You do need some solid support around you. Perhaps try ringing the Prostate cancer nurses from the number on this website . I'm wishing you the best 


 

User
Posted 23 Jan 2026 at 20:50

Hello thank u very much


I am very sorry for ur husband but i think he will be OK.


u are very right and i agree need help for my mind. I will do asap. The best whished  for u and ur husband

User
Posted 23 Jan 2026 at 22:12

Hi Murdock


We actually feel OK


His father had Prostate cancer in1990 and lived till 2021, passing away at 93. RT was bit cruder then but he did extremely well. 


We have just confirmed a holiday for June, and looking forward to taking granddaughters out. He is fit and active, in every sense of the word. Being able to go walking a lot straight from our house into the countryside, we feel is very lucky. He has a supportive GP. We are glad it's being treated, and that we live a fairly close ride to hospital. 


Sex is still great and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to keep it like that as I have always had a very high sexdrive, and so has he. I am working on making our diet healthier , cutting out red meat, processed food, and going organic.


We have an allotment we like to both work on so he dug up some leeks today for leek and potato soup. 


I think the important thing is to try to gain a kind of control so you feel less of a victim. That does help to lift some of the anxiety. 


Unfortunately you are still in the worst place,  waiting. Once you know what's going on, and have a plan I do feel your mood will improve. Stay as calm as you can, and just time pass  

User
Posted 23 Jan 2026 at 23:53

Murdock you are a living example of what active surveillance can do to your mental health, the thought of having an untreated cancer inside you can be debilitating. Ultimately, it's your body and your choice to treat or ignore, at 53 and with a history of prostatitis a RALP could be a way to fix your prostate and mental health long term.


Antoinette, I was vegetarian for 30 years before my diagnosis, don't believe all the "Kellogg funded bulshit" about red meat. Sugar (including starch from whole grains and root vegetables) and oxidised seed oils are the enemy not red meat. If I enjoyed life without leafy greens and nuts I would be totally carnivore.

Edited by member 23 Jan 2026 at 23:54  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 24 Jan 2026 at 00:04

I did find a research document that had come to the conclusion that red meat and processed meat do not cause or contribute to developing (prostate) cancer, but an absence of these elements in the diet can be an environment that cancer cells find difficult to thrive in. I'm sure it's a minute difference, but if we're enjoying our diet, then why not! I'm afraid I didn't make a note of where I found this, but it sort of made sense to me. 


Anyway we enjoy salmon, fish, have a neighbour who is vegetarian, who cooks delicious meals. We eat a fair amount of chicken and do enjoy a pork roast too. Overall we have a reasonably varied diet. 


 

Edited by member 24 Jan 2026 at 09:13  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 24 Jan 2026 at 20:45
There is reasonable evolutionary evidence that humans thrive on a balanced diet. The fact we can't make our own ascorbic acid (what we call vitamin C) suggests plants have been part of our diet for a long time, and our inability to make certain amino acids and B vitamins suggests meat was equally crucial. "Survival of the fittest" required both in the diet of our ancestors.

However.... those evolutionary pressures were on the relatively young. There is evidence that grandparents were important contributors to family groups surviving and flourishing, and natural selection would have favoured them, but in those days that meant people in their forties. We may have evolved to be pretty resistant to cancer until we are around 50, but as most members here will attest there is increasing vulnerability after that. I don't think that means the balanced diet suddenly becomes unhealthy, but that as we get older we are at greater risk from most things.

A varied diet is good. The concern about processed food (where some components may be too easily absorbed compared with their unprocessed equivalents, especially sugars) does have something going for it though; I am not sure there is a specific cancer risk but for any of us undergoing treatment we ought to be minimising other health risks.
User
Posted 24 Jan 2026 at 23:30
AHH the vitamin C dilemma, well it turns out there is plenty of vitamin C in fresh meat, also the requirement for vitamin C is substantiality reduced when carbohydrates are not consumed. So guess why ancient mariners had a problem, they ate biscuits and no fresh meat.

Actually all the evolutionary evidence points to the opposite, we thrive on a carnivore diet and survive on a "varied" diet. 5000 years ago northern Europeans ate animal products and occasional seasonal berries.
User
Posted 24 Jan 2026 at 23:36

Hi J-B 


I agree. If we were living naturally, just eating natural foods, we certainly wouldn't be eating bacon, ham and sausages. These are 3 things I'm trying to just avoid, by not buying them. If we had a bacon breakfast once in a blue moon in a hotel,  I'm not going to be fussy about that.


We almost never eat a ready meal, or take away. 


I made a cottage pie last night, with a pork and beef mixture,  and lots of chopped vegetables. I've also really cut down on Bisto, replacing it with Kallo organic stock cubes and a bit of tomato puree. 


I don't want to be fanatical but just make a few changes for the better 

User
Posted 06 Feb 2026 at 05:23

Hello friends


Today is probably the saddest day of my life, which I fear is going to change for the worse.


after 2 years of active surveillance for a Gleason 6 tumor of 10x11 mm and currently of 13 mm and Gleason 7 (3+4).
3 positive Gleason cores (3+4) directed to the index lesion with 60% involvement. In the left lobe.


Another positive Gleason 6 nucleus also appeared with 20% involvement, also in the left lobe.


not perineural present


not  limphovascular present


nor EPE



Now I must decide between RALP or MRI Linac.


I am very afraid of the operating room, the anesthesia, the postoperative pain, and especially of incontinence and ED.

I'm crying like a baby as I write this message. Without a doubt, the worst day of my life.


My best wishes to all of you; any help, opinion, or suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Edited by member 06 Feb 2026 at 05:27  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 06 Feb 2026 at 06:23

This new information is obviously causing you distress have you talked this over with your medical team? 


Why do you think you must decide on a radical treatment? Surveillance with 3+4 is still a viable choice. Low core count, low percentage of pattern 4, PSA less than 10, T1-2 and no additional risk factors 3+4 has similar risk as 3+3. Even if PSA is less than 20 with T2 AS is suitable ie if in prognostic groups 1-3. 

The latest webinar from this organisation, 4th Feb, had content about the risks of choosing unnecessary treatment compared to the risks of staying on AS from the professor of urology. He seemed to me to be in favour AS unless it wasn’t possible. 

User
Posted 06 Feb 2026 at 06:34

Murdock, I sailed through surgery, loved the whole general anesthetic experience. I was 99 percent dry 4 days after catheter removal. Okay I had ED but had fun finding a solution. The only pain I got post op was due to constipation. 


Post op they found the cancer at the edge of the prostate an subsequently it was found outside of the prostate and prostate bed. I was diagnosed when imaging was not as good sand I probably had cancer at least 12 years before diagnosis.I am now 12 years on from diagnosis now on HT and not planning on dying just yet.


Good luck with your choice, surgery and RT both have similar success rates. RT treatment is less traumatic than surgery, HT can be more debilitating than post op surgery,but you can always stop HT.


Thanks Chris 


 


 

User
Posted 06 Feb 2026 at 18:56
Murdock for those of us who have to deal with all this it can be pretty upsetting cant it, especially those who are particularly nervous/anxious/scared of what might be. As has been suggested there are people to talk to for reassurance, most who have had op say nowhere near as bad as expected. I cant really comment as I was on RT/HT route as slight spread and fortunately I'm one who wasnt really worried/scared. Find someone to talk to via your team/macmillan/maggies?
Peter
User
Posted 07 Feb 2026 at 03:47

Hello mate, all the doctors I consulted recommend radical treatment due to my age (54 years) and family history.

User
Posted 07 Feb 2026 at 03:53

Hi Cris, I really appreciate your words of encouragement, but only those of us who suffer from this truly know how awful it is; it turns your life upside down. On the other hand, I'm deeply sorry for your current situation, but I'm sure you'll be able to control this terrible disease.

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Murdock, I sailed through surgery, loved the whole general anesthetic experience. I was 99 percent dry 4 days after catheter removal. Okay I had ED but had fun finding a solution. The only pain I got post op was due to constipation. 


Post op they found the cancer at the edge of the prostate an subsequently it was found outside of the prostate and prostate bed. I was diagnosed when imaging was not as good sand I probably had cancer at least 12 years before diagnosis.I am now 12 years on from diagnosis now on HT and not planning on dying just yet.


Good luck with your choice, surgery and RT both have similar success rates. RT treatment is less traumatic than surgery, HT can be more debilitating than post op surgery,but you can always stop HT.


Thanks Chris 


 


 


User
Posted 07 Feb 2026 at 03:57

 


Hi Peter, thank you so much for your comforting words. I'm going to explore your recommendation and look for a support group because I'm really going through a tough time. I have insomnia and my mind is filled with negative thoughts. I wish you all the best.



Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Murdock for those of us who have to deal with all this it can be pretty upsetting cant it, especially those who are particularly nervous/anxious/scared of what might be. As has been suggested there are people to talk to for reassurance, most who have had op say nowhere near as bad as expected. I cant really comment as I was on RT/HT route as slight spread and fortunately I'm one who wasnt really worried/scared. Find someone to talk to via your team/macmillan/maggies?
Peter

User
Posted 07 Feb 2026 at 05:45

Hi, Murdock.


My heart goes out to you. I've followed your story from Oct 2023. I know how difficult you're finding dealing with this disease. 


We know how worried you are. To help reduce your stress, we've often suggested seeking face to face support or professional help. Please act on it. If you're now struggling to sleep, fatigue will only exacerbate your anxiety.


You'll feel much better knowing you've done something positive, it will help relieve those negative thoughts.


Good luck, mate. 


 

User
Posted 07 Feb 2026 at 05:59

Dear Adrian, since my initial diagnosis in 2023, you have been one of my main sources of support here, and I have a lot of appreciation for you. Reading your posts has brought me some relief during the toughest times. I definitely need psychological help, as I've only just begun this journey, and aside from the panic, I feel completely exhausted. I'm on disability leave from work. I can't sleep well; my mind is constantly racing with post-surgery pain, the catheter, incontinence, ED, biochemical recurrences, radiation, more toxicity, and more long-term effects. I'm trying my best to keep my 10-year-old daughter from seeing me cry or suffer. She's had nightmares for years about losing her parents someday, and when she sees me after surgery with the wounds in my abdomen and the catheter, she's going to suffer a lot, and that tears me apart. I hope you're doing well, and I would love to be able to talk to you calmly and privately. Best wishes.



Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Hi, Murdock.


My heart goes out to you. I've followed your story from Oct 2023. I know how difficult you're finding dealing with this disease. 


We know how worried you are. To help reduce your stress, we've often suggested seeking face to face support or professional help. Please act on it. If you're now struggling to sleep, fatigue will only exacerbate your anxiety.


You'll feel much better knowing you've done something positive, it will help relieve those negative thoughts.


Good luck, mate. 


 


 
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