I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error

Understanding Treatment Plan

Email this conversation Print this conversation
User
Posted 08 Jan 2026 at 17:34

Hi All,

Firstly, really pleased to find this group, when first diagnosed you think it's only happening to you. So reading the comments on here have been a comfort to me on understanding this disease. A bit about me, I'm 80, and have kept myself fit all my adult life. I was a very active runner, and was still racing 10k’s until I was 65. I’m now an active cyclists doing about 150 miles a week. In Oct 2025 my GP rang me with the bombshell that my PSA was 18.11 and he was arranging an appointment with the Urology Dept. This really knocked the wind out of my sails as until then I had gone all my life without having any serious medical problems.

For clarity I’ve copied my Diagnostic Pathway below, I’m  currently waiting for a CT scan and bone scan. A Urology appointment to be arranged shortly after Scan results to update outcomes and arrange commencement of Hormone treatment. I’m told it then depends on results of scans to recommend what treatment going forward. Two options suggested by urology.

  1. If the disease is only very locally advanced , curative treatment in the form of hormone therapy and Radiotherapy. Hormones for at least a couple of years and then come off this scenario .

  2. If the disease is very advanced the use of hormone therapy / radiotherapy which can control the disease long term over many years even with a metastatic diagnosis.

I have no symptoms, other than than slight urinary problems, and I’m still keeping active both cycling and walking.

I’d be grateful for any advice on what questions I should be asking and information on treatment plans.

Thanks

Tony

My Diagnostic Pathway From Oct 2025

 

04/11/25 DRE at Urology Clinic. After PSA 18.11

Findings: Abnormalities identified in prostate gland - Bilaterally Hard T2

 

16/11/25 MRI Multiparametric prostate.

Results: MRI Abnormal area within gland.-  A PI-RADS score of 5

 

27/11/25 Transperinal prostate Biopsies at Urology Clinic.

Results: Biopsies taken from left side of prostate, which MRI indicated as highly suspicious area: The biopsy Gleason score was 3+3=6, However the MDT radiology and histology reports indicated further biopsy required on right side as as biopsies not reflective of PSA and MRI findings. No extra prostatic extension.

 

19/12/25 Biopsy done on right side of prostateResults. 06/01/2026  Prostate MRI staging T3a. Prostate biopsy right side Gleason score 4+5=9; 5 cores, max tumour length in single core 15mm, No extra prostatic extension. Identification of some higher grade disease Gleason 9 which requires staging with a CT scan and bone scan.

 

 

User
Posted 08 Jan 2026 at 20:57

Hi, Tony.

I'm sorry to see that you've had to join the club, but welcome to be forum, mate.

When I was 66 years old, I was diagnosed Gleason 9 (4+5) T3a, my PSA was only 6.6. After clear CT and bone scans, I had robotic surgery. That was almost 3 years ago, and touch wood, up to now my PSA has remained undetectable.

On your summary there is mention of an MRI staging of T3a, yet there is also mention of no extraprostatic extension. To me, it looks like the the disease is prostate confined, and is a T2 staging. Hopefully your CT scan and bone scan an will confirm that there has been no capsular breach.

Although you are a fit 80 year old, its likely that your age may still be a consideration when looking at treatment options.

The possible treatments planned for you seem reasonable. I have no experience on HT and radiotherapy but there are lots on here who have. I'm sure they'll help out on what questions you need to be asking.

My dad was diagnosed with PCa in his late seventies. He was deemed unsuitable for surgery or radiotherapy and was just treated with hormone treatment. His disease was metastatic. He lived for almost a decade. His quality of life was not too badly affected.

Best of luck with your scans, and please keep us updated, mate.👍

Edited by member 08 Jan 2026 at 22:26  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 09 Jan 2026 at 10:10
Hi Adrian, Thanks for your reply and helpful knowledge. I'm actually handling the mental bits quite well, it really makes you appreciate life and family and friends even more. I've got my 80th birthday party coming up in the village pub, Loads of old friends coming. I've got CT scan on 20th Jan, followed by bone scan.

Thanks once more, Tony

User
Posted 09 Jan 2026 at 10:13

Hi Tony,

Thanks for sharing and fingers crossed for the scan results.  The treatment options choices will depend a lot on these results. There will be a lot of information to take in at the first few appointments with Urology / Oncology so make sure you have a way of taking notes. 

Some general questions that I asked - I was in the worse scenario of metastatic cancer - were:

 

1. What treatments would you recommend in terms of: 1) hormone injections; 2) hormone tablets; 3) chemotherapy; 4) radiotherapy to the prostate gland.

 

2. What do the CT/MRI and bone scans show? Please could I have a print out of the radiologists reports.

 

3. What is my probability of survival at 12 months and at 5 years?

 

4. Are there any research trials that I might be eligible to enroll in?

 

5. What types of physical activity would you recommend I can do or should avoid?

 

6. Who is the best contact if I have questions after this appointment or in an emergency

Hope a few of these are helpful.

 

User
Posted 09 Jan 2026 at 12:59
Hi Willh108,

Many thanks for the information, I will find it useful at my first oncology meeting in a few weeks.

Hope your treatment is going OK.

Thanks once again

Tony

User
Posted 09 Jan 2026 at 18:59

Hi there Tony

I'm a bit younger than you, 76 now but 74 when diagnosed, and the one additional thing you can start doing any time is pelvic floor exercises. incontinence is always a possibility and building them up before treatment won't do any harm at all. There's plenty of advice about the exercise(kegels) on line.

I was running before a prostatectomy last year and I'm still running now, mainly 10ks and Parkruns. I walk over 1000 miles/year so it hasn't stopped me and it won't you either. I still go out on my bike without any issues, even if not at your distances.

You sound very positive, best wishes.

User
Posted 09 Jan 2026 at 20:52

Hi, thanks for the info, I’ll give it a go, I’m fortunate enough to have built up an indoor exercise area with indoor equipment, running machine and indoor cycling stuff, a GP friend is already telling me about the benefits of good fitness levels in helping with various treatments . Hope your treatment is going well. Regards Tony

 
Forum Jump  
Email this conversation Print this conversation

Join the online community now.

Click through to become a member and gain access to support, information and real time replies.




MenuTop ▲
©2026 Prostate Cancer UK