Hello newbie here

User

Posted 16 Jan 2025 at 10:19

Hi,

Not sure if this is the correct forum, but anyway.

Diagnosed early December 2024. No symptoms, just a a meds review the GP said you haven't had a PSA test for a while. Result came back as an 8, he said I have to put you on the urgent pathway as anything over 6 (or 6.5, I can't remember) has to be investigated. Don't worry, he says, as I've sent people with a score of 30 and nothing was found.

A couple of weeks later. after an MRI (that confirmed cancer, localised advanced I believe its called), nuclear scan, biopsy and PET scan all is confirmed with a Gleason score of 9.

I'm on Hormone implants and not had any real side effects other than a little tired and lacking a bit of oomph. I'm waiting on the results of the PET scan, but the plan is (depending on the PET scan) is four weeks of radiotherapy in March. Prostate Cancer have put me in touch, for a 1-2-1 with a volunteer who is great. The Hospital team have been very supportive, my GP surgery have offered support, but it's not specific what it is and they have a bad rep for actually getting to talk to someone.

I'm a lot better mentally than I was in March, but to be honest the bit that is freaking me out, a bit, is the side effects of the radiotherapy. I know everyone reacts differently, but am wondering how I prepare for all eventualities.

That's me anyway. Thanks for reading.

User

Posted 16 Jan 2025 at 11:34

Oh and evidently my prostate gland was very small (whatever that means). I've reassured my prostate gland that it shouldn't be offended by this description 🤭

User

Posted 16 Jan 2025 at 11:40

Hi Tom,

Sorry that you've had to join the club, but welcome to the forum, mate.

We're both 68 years old. Your PSA is relatively low.

Do you know your cancer staging, is it confined to the prostate?

I'm a Gleason 9 (4+5). Are you the same or a 9 (5+4)?

Edited by member 16 Jan 2025 at 11:46 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 16 Jan 2025 at 12:09

Hello Tom, Welcome to the club and sorry you've had to join!

I too was told I have a small prostate (20cc), I decided it's because its super efficient 🤣, size isn't everything right? However it unfortunately proved to be faulty!

Is it the short or long term issues with the radiotherapy? Both bother(ed) me, but you can only deal with what's happening to you today, try not to worry about the rest, I know easier said than done. I took each day as it came.

I completed 15 sessions of EBRT in Nov-Dec and a session of brachytherapy. It made me tired, but not so I couldn't function and definitely made me more windy along with a sort of mucus, nice! This has eased off now, maybe still a bit more windy than usual still.

I drove there and back to all my EBRT appointments, I'm at most 30mins from the hospital, again no issues.

Like you say everyone is different and fair differently. Some suggestions have been to take a spare change of clothes and also mentally note where available toilets are along your route. None of the chaps I spoke to needed any of these emergency plans though. I avoided spicy food and as someone on here will attest too broccoli was their nemesis, sorry can't remember of the top of my head who it was! You should get a some guidance about diet nearer the time anyway about do's and dont's

All the best for your treatment

John

User

Posted 16 Jan 2025 at 12:44

Hi,

No they haven't mentioned stage, I did ask earlier but they said they didn't have all the results but I forgot last time I spoke to the nurse - thanks for the reminder.

I'm 5+4.

It's both long and short term with the radiotherapy

I've never been a fan of broccoli so looks like I have a legitimate reason to avoid it!

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