newly diagnosed 47

Hi everyone.  Found this forum both very informative and very comforting over the last few weeks and plucked up the courage, finally, to post. Strangely never had any symptoms apart from fatigue which could have been related to work. The Urologist wasn't convinced it was down to the PC. After having a raised PSA May2023 had a MRI which showed a pirads 2 and was given the all clear oct 23. About 6 months later was asked to go back for a blood test and PSA raised to 7.43. At that point decided to go private as I fortunately had healthcare. Another bloodtest showed PSA of about 8.3 and was sent for another MRI. Pirad 4 (borderline 3/4) but was told it didnt look like PC and was likely an infection but they weren't taking chances and went for a biopsy. Then got hit with the diagnosis in September. T3aN0M0 with gleason 8 with some cribiform architecture which was later upgraded to Gleason 9. Surgeon advised again RP in favour of multi modality approach. So 2 years of hormone therapy (currently on Abiraterone and Zoladex after 28 days of Biculatamide) with HD brachytherapy and EBRT to follow in a couple of months. From having no symptoms I have a background pain which i'm sure is from the biopsy and finding occasionally have what seems like a uti but seems to clear itself up.  Many changes including strength and tiredness. Generally in good spirits but had a real low a few days ago. I assume this is all part of the treatment?  With having a young family I wont lie i'm very scared. Good news is after 2 months PSA is down to 3.7 and guess we will just have to see how the radiotherpay is. Sending much love to everyone out there.

SP

Welcome to the group, although it is the club nobody wants to join.

I am just waiting the results of my NHS biopsy after a PIRADS of 4 and psa of 4.84

You are a few steps ahead of me in the process and I will shortly be finding out my immediate future, good news or bad, so I'm on pins.

The forum has definitely helped me and my wife, being able to open up and chat about things frankly is the way I prefer to deal with things so it works for me. I understand some people are more private or prefer the ignorance is bliss approach. 

I also hope that the more experiences are shared on here, better help and understanding can be given to the next folk to drop in looking for information that mirrors their situation. 

Share as much detail as you are comfortable giving, if you feel it's something you can do.

The very best of luck with your chosen treatment path. We are all here to offer support when you need it.

Mick. 

Thanks John, I hope and pray for good news for you. I'm not one who generally shares issues and tend to deal with things on my own. Being strong for the family (especially the kids) isn't always easy. I guess that's what drove me to come on and you are totally correct. thank you for the support and as i said earlier genuinely hope for good news for you.

SP

Just re read your post re emotions and down days. You're bound to feel low because all of this sucks and you worry about yourself and how it's affecting your family, especially your children.

It doesn't help that the HT can also play havoc with how you feel along with all it's other side effects. Some people seem to fair better than others with this and there seems to be no logic as to who gets bad side effects and other get off fairly lightly.

Like I said radiotherapy hasn't been too bad, in fact its been nice to talk to others in the waiting room, you get to recognise faces and also spot those drinking cups of water to fill bladders before the treatment!

The brachytherapy looks kinda similar to the biopsy, though I've been told it'll be done under general anesthetic.