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User
Posted 22 Jan 2025 at 12:43

I am 61 years of age, I was referred to Urology through NHS Scotland back in August, after a DRE confirmed I had an enlarged prostate and a PSA of 66.

In September I had an MRI, bone scan and further PSA test. My PSA had increased to 69. The Bone Scan was clear however the MRI scan was classed as PIRADS5 which I understand suggests a high risk of prostate cancer. I have not been invited for any discussions with the Urology consultant however my GP advised the MRI reported a T3N0M0 classification, with tumours coming outsidethe prostate at two locations.

I had a further blood test in December which showed an  increased PSA value of 81.

I was supposed to get targetted biopises taken in December however the procedure wasn't carried out due to my blood pressure.

The targetted biopises were rescheduled for January 8th however the Artemis Fusion equipment was not functioning and had biopsies taken using the TRUS procesure. I have been told my results will take 3 to 4 weeks.  I am a bit concerned with the time it has taken since my referral back in  August and wondered if the scans which were carried out back in September would still be valid given there is a high risk of spread with the tumours being exposed to adjacent organs. The whole process to reach my diagnosis which is anticipated in February will be close to 6months which is extremely worrying. Is this normal?

I have private medical insurance and wondered if there would be any advantage switching at this late stage?

Any comments or advice on any of the above would be very much appreciated.

Edited by member 22 Jan 2025 at 13:00  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 22 Jan 2025 at 13:15

Hi Thomas

Welcome to the forum. Nobody really wants to have to join our group, but it is very useful and supportive.

I wouldn't worry about the 6 month wait. It sounds a long time, but in the grand scheme of things it is unlikely to have any adverse effect. Prostate cancer is relatively slow growing. Wait for the biopsy result, weigh up the treatment options on offer, then decide how to proceed.

Regarding the question of going private, I did exactly that when I opted for surgery, purely to speed things up. I had my initial consultation with the private surgeon on June 24th, and surgery 3 weeks later. In my view, if you pay for private health cover, you may as well get the benefits of it.

Good luck with your results, and keep us updated on here. There are always people on here who will be able to help you.

Ian.

Edited by member 22 Jan 2025 at 13:16  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 22 Jan 2025 at 13:35

Hi. Do you mind if I call you Tom for short? 🙂

Of course any delays aren't ideal and invariably increase anxiety. However, they are very common and rarely lead to detrimental outcomes. 

As for going private, I would also suggest that you wait for your biopsy results. Once you've got a clear picture of your condition, you can then compare what treatment options and timescales are offered by the NHS and privately.

Good luck with your biopsy results, mate, and please keep us informed. 👍

Edited by member 22 Jan 2025 at 13:56  | Reason: Additional text

User
Posted 22 Jan 2025 at 13:47

Of course Adrian and thanks for you reply. I was struggling to get a username that nobody had used before....

User
Posted 22 Jan 2025 at 13:50

Thanks for your info Ian, I will keep that in mind regarding the private route.

Regards 

Tom

User
Posted 22 Jan 2025 at 14:39

Hello Tom, the waiting is absolutely dreadful, my wait from raised PSA to biopsy result was only a month so I completely feel for you, however as other have said PCa moves slowly, sometime very slowly and for the majority of us at the beginning of the journey there's time for diagnosis and treatment decisions. The biopsy result is the key, as soon as you have that you're in the driving seat. I got mine today and like you I've got private cover (it's all been NHS so far) which I'll use to get a 2nd opinion on treatment options. Good luck and try not to worry too much

User
Posted 22 Jan 2025 at 15:09

Thanks for your reply and particularly sharing your thoughts on the private  route for a 2nd opinion..

Regards 

 

Tom

 
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