Struggling with recent Diagnosis

User

Posted 06 Jun 2025 at 15:05

Hi I am 56 and last week was diagnosed with prostate caner

I had a private PSA test which was 3.9 then a test from my GP 4.1 then a further test at the hospital 3.9.

Exam then MRI then biopsys found cell in 1 of 14 samples Gleason Score 3+4 = 7 ( 2 )

Still not 100% what all that means told its contained in prostate and advised to go on AS.

I am all over the place at the moment thought of not doing anything seems wrong but then they say lucky to have caught it early. I worry about the smallest things and think I am going to struggle mentally. Any advise for support or where to look would be appreciated not good on opening up which i know isnt good either. Only known for sure for a week i just cant believe how emotional I have become. Only told Kids and the people at work that need to know ... I cant even come to talk about it out loud. I booked for a support call but then couldnt take the call even thought I wanted the help and advice.

I know i am certainly not the only person with these issues and am in a much better position than some people I just need pointing inn the right direction for firstly support then practical advise would be good also.

Thanks for reading and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Phil

User

Posted 06 Jun 2025 at 16:44

Hi Phil,

Sorry you’ve joined the club no one wants to join. I would say at the start it’s Extremely scary, due to all the certainty around it. I know how scared I was with a young family and young kids, and it was hard for me to tell them too. For me it got much easier over the next few weeks as you learn more. Especially once my treatment was confirmed.There are many places to go and talk about this and personally I would advise this. I wish I’d used maggies ( in Manchester but there will be similar ) and the cancer nurses are usually amazing. So is this forum with many more experienced people than I. Keeping it all in ( my trait) really doesn’t help and found it made it harder trying to keep it all in. One I told everyone that was a relief but we are all different.

Looking at your diagnosis I would take the positives, low PSA, low Gleason, I assume low stage 2, only 1 core positive are all positives in your favour. I really wish you well and the best of luck on the journey. You’ve got this 👍.

Stuart

Edited by member 06 Jun 2025 at 16:47 | Reason: Additional info

User

Posted 07 Jun 2025 at 11:38

Hi Phil,

the initial diagnosis can be a real blow because all one can see is the big 'C' word, but as Stuart points out, there are some strong positives with your diagnosis. You're much younger than the average, and the cancer seems localised, which means you have a lot of treatment options available to you.

I would suggest having a good chat with your oncology consultant first about the options available to you, then ask for referral to MacMillan cancer support who can help with the support and advice you need.

All the best,

Craig

User

Posted 07 Jun 2025 at 16:49

Hi Phil

Welcome, you'll find the forum a great place for support. I'm 10 years older than you and was also diagnosed G3+4 (T2b) in January and told AS but all other options up to me. I was actually quite calm through the diagnosis journey as my dada had PCa and made it to 91 so I kind of knew it was coming but when I actually had to tell the kids the emotions took over and saying the 'C' word isn't easy. The first thing though is DONT PANIC the words 'contained in the prostate' mean a great deal and you've got time to think about what to do next. Talk to as many people as you can and research, research, research for yourself because the specialists will likely tell you that AS is a good call for you but if you want treatment they can potentially cure you. I found ChatGPT amazingly helpful and whilst there's the caveat that it's not always 100% accurate it sent me on further research which ultimately gave me the information I needed to decide what to do.

Good luck on the journey, you're with good company!

User

Posted 10 Jul 2025 at 17:56

Hi Phil,

Loads of good advice and perspective in the replies already.

Hold onto the positives, keep yourself well physically, set yourself some targets for the future and reach out for help when you feel you need it. (Apologies if that all sound really obvious).

I was diagnosed about a week ago - seems a whole lot longer - and it was a real knock. This forum is hugely useful resource.

Hope you find yourself in a good place soon,

Best wishes.

Notification

Join the online community now.