Dealing with anxiety

User

Posted 07 Dec 2024 at 16:15

Hi folks,

I was initially diagnosed with early stage, low grade prostate cancer in 2016. Since then was on active surveillance until this year when they finally performed a prostatectomy. The surgery was sucessful and both the pre and post surgery biopsies suggested that the cancer was still contained within the prostate. Unfortunately my PSA readings now indicate that it has already metastasised. Two months after surgery my PSA was 0.3 and four months after it was 0.5. I've just had a scan and have an appoinment with my consultant on 19th December.

Frankly I'm really worried, particularly as I've started having aches in my pelvis. Even in the last few weeks it's gone from the occaisional little twinge to a constant dull ache.

It's consuming most of my waking hours and really interfering with my sleep. Friends and family keep telling me to be positive, but I've already convinced myself that I've got a very short time left and I'm having really dark thoughts. On a positive note, I'm in no way suicidal. Just really anxious.

I'm already meditating. I used to practice mediation frequently so it's not new to me. It helps a bit, but not much.

Has anybody got ideas on how to cope with the worry? Anything that has worked well for you?

BTW I'm 64 and other than the cancer I'm in very good health. I eat healthily and exercise at least 3 or 4 times a week.

User

Posted 07 Dec 2024 at 20:54

Hi Nic2459. Sorry to hear your prostatectomy was not entirely successful. From the limited information you have supplied it appears your situation is not unusual by any means and most likely very treatable with curative intent. I was in a similar situation following my prostatectomy. The PSA is probably coming from remnants in the prostate bed or at worst a pelvic lymph node. Both situations can be treated with salvage radiotherapy. If your aches and pains were a result of bone metastases then your PSA would likely be orders of magnitude higher. It is more likely pains resulting from your recovery from major surgery. I can't really tell how to cope with worrying other than telling you you have nothing to worry about. Chris

User

Posted 07 Dec 2024 at 21:23

Nic,I have been in your position several times,I concentrate on what's next. I am now 11 years since diagnosis 10 years since surgery 7 years since Salvage RT and I have had two pelvic lymph nodes treated in 2022 and 2023. I might now be heading for HT, PSMA scan next week appointment on the 19th as well. My PSA is now just over 6, we see what next week brings.

I learnt along time ago worrying does help, so I don't do it. As Chris indicated bone spread at such a low level is unlikely, I was told bone spread was unlikely below 20 ,but that's not set in stone.

Take care of yourself.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 07 Dec 2024 at 21:53

Hi Nic, sorry to hear of your current situation.

I do yoga and that obviously involves meditation. I find I can meditate at home but it's hard to clear my mind fully.

I attend a weekly class with a truly wonderful teacher. She is capable of guiding the class into a deep meditative state and uses sound to enhance the experience.

She records some of her guided meditation for use at home and that helps a lot.

I hope you can find some way to counter the terrible anxiety you must be feeling, stilling the mind is the main intent of yoga, not the physical exercise aspect. So that's the only path I could advise you of.

My very best regards, Mick.

User

Posted 07 Dec 2024 at 22:53

I guess I'm lucky in that I can look at an emotion like worry in a detached way. Worry is useful if you can do some action to change your circumstances. If you're a caveman and there are bears outside worrying is good, you can take action i.e. pickup a pointed stick. Similarly if you are worried about being late for work you can set an alarm clock.

If you are worried about cancer the only action you can take is see an oncologist, as you have done that, there is no point in worrying beyond that action that you have taken.

Dave

User

Posted 08 Dec 2024 at 00:35

Hi Nic.

I don't know if you've already read this, but it may help a bit.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/get-support/wellbeing-hub/mental-and-emotional-wellbeing#:~:text=Many%20men%20with%20prostate%20cancer,by%20events%2C%20thoughts%20and%20feelings.

User

Posted 08 Dec 2024 at 11:42

Just a supportive message to say anxiety is totally normal and going to dark places can happen. After a RALP I had to recently have salvage RT and now my PSA is right back down. The worst bit was waiting on the treatment. However it would appear that in all likelihood your path is still curative so you needn't worry about such extreme outcomes. Best of luck.

Edited by member 08 Dec 2024 at 11:46 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 08 Dec 2024 at 17:18

Thanks everybody for your messages of support. Good to see that a couple of you have said that my PSA is still quite low to be bone metastasis. Obviously with my pessimistic hat on, I'd say that I might be an exception. Lol

I'm going to work hard on dealing with my anxiety and in a couple of weeks I'll see my doctor. At least then I'll have some clarity and know the next steps.

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