Personal thoughts

User

Posted 17 Oct 2026 at 07:58

I have recently been diagnosed with Prostate cancer after biopsies taken from my TURP operation can back cancerous. A MRI scan has shown the cancer is contained within the Prostate at this time. So I will be monitored with 3 monthly PSA blood test. Although the the scan and recent PSA tests re encouraging I am really struggling with the constant thought that I have cancer in my body. How do you deal with this. Iam happy to discuss my diagnosis and I do with anyone that asks how I am, its just those time alone that I struggle with the thought of cancer.

Tony J

User

Posted 17 Oct 2026 at 09:39

Hello, Tony.

I'm sorry that you've had to join the club that no-one wants to join, but welcome to the forum, mate.

If you don't mind, could you give details of your Gleason score and PSA levels.

I presume, as your on active surveillance, that you're Gleason 6(3+3) or Gleason 7(3+4)? I suspect, as you've had TURP, that you have an enlarged prostate (BPH) which probably means that your PSA levels will be higher than normal.

I believe about 40% of men aged sixty and above have some prostate cancer cells, this percentage increases with age.

I was on active surveillance for two years. Unfortunately my disease progressed and I ended up needing surgery. However, some men stay on active surveillance for years and never need any further treatment. It does take time to adjust your mindset to cope with knowing that you've got cancer but you're happy to have it monitored.

I'm a fan of AS, it's becoming more common for men who have prostate confined, low volume, low grade disease.

https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/prostate-cancer-active-surveillance-increasing

Generally PCa is slow growing. My only advice is, ensure that your surveillance is active. Have regular PSA checks and follow up MRIs.

This place is a great help. Folk who've gone through the same as you, and have experienced the same concerns and fears, will always be here to support and advise you.

Please keep us updated, and good luck, mate.👍

Edited by member 18 Oct 2026 at 09:32 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 17 Oct 2026 at 11:21

Hi Tony,

Sorry to hear about your situation. I was diagnosed with a psa of over 4000, 5 years ago. It felt like a very lonely place. I realised that life is uncertain and that no-one knows how their health will be in a year, a month, or even a day. We all live under threat whether we realise it or not. If you're well today, enjoy it. This is true for cancer patients and everyone else. I hope this helps.

Best wishes Mac

User

Posted 17 Oct 2026 at 15:03

Some men find it difficult to come to terms with the knowledge of having cancer grow inside them and base having surgery on this rather than alternatives. However, the majority of men who live into their seventies and beyond will have Prostate Cancer and die of something else without even knowing they had it. So except where it is advisable to have treatment it is more of mental attitude.

Barry

User

Posted 17 Oct 2026 at 16:37

Hi Tony J,

Let me start by recommending Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, CBT. I had this therapy five months after having the removal of my prostate. It helped me deal not only with the cancer diagnosis, but also the various outcomes of the operation including incontinence, and permanent ED. I was lucky enough to get this on the NHS and the ED part was conducted with my wife also involved. I know the NHS waiting list for CBT is very long, but if you want it then get a referral from your GP. It is possible to have a do-it-yourself CBT via online courses and if you want to try that then search 'Unassisted CBT for Prostate Cancer'. I can testify that CBT really helped me and continues to help going forward as my PSA post-op has started to creep up.

As you will find if you search my posts - I am living a daily wonderful life since my recovery and I start each day determined to make every minute as magical as I can. That is the key to how I deal with my ongoing PSA rises, that might mean I still have cancer in my body, and the original cancer diagnosis. It has taken two years to really free myself from the darkness of cancer, so don't be hard on yourself for struggling. I also follow the mantra given to me by my wife, 'you know you had cancer and that the NHS are watching you closely; most other people might have cancer and no one is watching them, so you are in the better place!'

I so hope this helps you and I wish you a quick recovery and an end to the struggles.

User

Posted 17 Oct 2026 at 17:18

Hi Tony,

I understand the worry about the cancer you may have in your prostate but the good news is it is contained at this time. i don't know your numbers.In my case at diagnosis in 2016 my main aim was to beat it and continue my retirement and tour Europe in my motorhome with or without it during treatment.

I had PSA 2.19 Gleason 3+4=7 T2 no mo 5 cores out of 20 positive and had the choice of robotic surgery of Brachytherapy .

I was 70 at the time and went for Brachytherapy .If you click on my avatar you can see my journey so far.

I am 10 years on being signed off about 2022 and just have yearly psa blood tests.

I am happy to answer any questions that may help at any time. The only thing i would say is if you go for AS don't stay on it for to long as a few members on here have regretted.

Regards John.

User

Posted 17 Oct 2026 at 17:42

Gents

Thanks for the positive reply and clearly there is plenty of support and advise out there. I have found its good to talk about things at my early stage of diagnosis.

My gleeson score was 3-3 and will now have 3 monthly PSA test.

Good wishes to all.

Tony J

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