Hi,
I’ve been a member the forum for quite a while now. Being able to read about everyone’s experiences has really helped. So a huge thank you to everyone.
I’m 56 now, but at 55 I requested some routine screenings from my GP. I was fit and healthy with no symptoms.
10/12/24 GP agreed to let me have a PSA test but recommended a DRE test first. She felt my prostate was mildly enlarged but nothing to worry about.
27/01/25 I had to wait six weeks after the DRE to take a PSA test. The result came back as 5.5 The GP suggested a second PSA test in six weeks’ time.
17/03/25 Second PSA test came back as 7.41 My GP referred me to my local Urology team.
10/04/25 MRI scan
29/04/25 Urology appointment for MRI results. The consultant performed another DRE test which appeared moderately enlarged and benign. The MRI scan showed T2 N0 M0 with an 8mm nodule on the left anterior transitional zone extreme apex. Volume 40 ccs with a Likert score of 3. Biopsy recommended.
23/05/25 Transperineal Biopsy with Transrectal Ultrasound. DRE test performed first. 15 cores taken, 9 from the left, 6 from the right.
16/06/25 Biopsy results, didn’t start well having an unexpected MacMillan nurse sat in with the consultant, it was an oh Sh1t moment. I was told that I had prostate cancer with a Gleason grade of 3+4 =7 and that the MDT had recommended radical treatment, my options were surgery or radiology. I went away 90% sure that I would choose surgery.
08/07/25 Meeting with the surgeon. This was a much more positive meeting, the MDT team (different hospital to the first) said they were happy to add active surveillance to my list of options. The nurse went through my biopsy results in more detail, of the 9 taken from the left side, 2 showed cancer with a Gleason 3+4=7 and 2 were 3+3=6, on the right side 2 from 6 showed cancer with a Gleason 3+3=6
24/07/25 Meeting with the Oncologist. Again, a much more positive experience than the initial consultation. Active surveillance was given as a reasonable option. Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy were also offered.
14/08/25 I requested another PSA test to help me decide the way forward. The result was lower than the previous one but still 5.51. Didn’t really help.
6/10/25 Appointment booked with a Private consultant to hopefully help me make a decision on how to move forward.
At the moment I’m seriously considering active surveillance. But obviously there’s risks associated with this. I also haven’t had a bone scan but maybe I should ask for one.
Cheers