Extreme fatigue - awaiting biopsy results

Before a diagnosis is given to a patient, results of the various tests/scans are considered by an MDT (Multi Discipline Team). As regards timing, this largely depends on how many cases are awaiting determination and when an individual's case comes up. This means a diagnosis may take longer at some hospitals than others. The patient and a partner often find this wait stressful but don't consider a long or short wait means a bad or better result.

Many men who are diagnosed with PCa have no symptoms whatsoever and some men are found to have had PCa for years when they die of old age. So these men had no treatment. Then there are other men who have been diagnosed where it's believed that they are likely to benefit from treatment. If your husband was not experiencing extreme fatigue before he started having tests, it is likely that these tests, possibly causing concern and lack of sleep, may be responsible. PCa generally develops slowly over years.

You may be aware that if men live to an old age, most of them will have developed some Prostate Cancer, also that there are different types of PCa and individuals can respond to these very differently. For those who it is thought would benefit from treatment, should know that treatments have advanced greatly in recent years.

Difficult I know, but it means patiently awaiting results. Suggest you tell us diagnosis when given and as much histology as possible, so we can better understand your husband's case and make more meaningful responces should he be found to have PCa.

Hi Sandra, 

sorry you’re going through this, it’s so hard waiting- but this forum will a great for reading info while you wait. Unfortunately the waiting is inevitable until all the results are back and MDT have met to discuss your treatment plan. I won’t lie, it doesn’t get easier to start with. We got our diagnosis last Friday and now waiting for a PSMA Pet scan to see if it is still in the prostate or has escaped. I don’t know yet what it might mean if II has. 

but the good news is John is already taking Relugolix to stop the cancer while we wait for more information- a small comfort in that we are already fighting it. We have friends who have been so supportive since we’ve shared the news which makes you feel less alone, but the first week has been awful, I won’t lie …friends that have been and are now clear of various cancers assure us it’s normal. So just come on here and voice your fears, there’s always going to be someone who is feeling exactly the same.

Tracey xxx

Hi again, Sandra.

I'm sorry that your husband's result were positive. The great news is, it is prostrate confined and low grade. This means he is at low risk which is why active surveillance has been offered.

It would be helpful if you could give, his age, his PSA level, and his Gleason score, my guess is Gleason 6 (3+3) or 7 (3+4).

Active surveillance needs a certain mindset. It's quite difficult knowing that your have cancer in your body that may progress. However, there are quite a high percentage of men who need no further treatment for many years or ever.

I don't do much travelling and can't help you much about travel insurance, but I doubt it would be too high with such a low diagnosis.

All I can do is wish you both the best of luck and hope that you don't let the result affect your holiday.