Received diagnosis at 48 years old - Prostate cancer treatment, surgery or active surveillance,,

Sorry you find yourself here particularly at such a 'young' age.

I was 54 when diagnosed so clearly not an old mans disease.

First thing I would say is download the Toolkit from the PCUK website, you can find it under publications. This gives you info on all the available treatments.

May also be worthwhile downloading the NICE guidelines for treatment of Prostate Cancer.

It certainly sounds like they've caught it early and that you are in the cureable camp. There is emphasis on active surveillance ie not having any treatment as the PCa may not go anywhere for many years.

Obviously there are a range of radical treatments available but careful consideration needs to be given to these as they do come with side effects. I have had it removed followed by radiotherapy, my side effect is ED although that is slowly improving.

Every man is different and there are approx 26 different variations of PCa so I would do your research and ask questions of your medical team. Also ask questions in here as I am sure you have picked up there are men at al different stages

One thing for sure, you are not alone

Bri

Sorry you're in the club, but finding it early is the key. Unfortunately, it's only removal that will inform you whether you have a pussy cat or a tiger. All treatments have side effects. Read Kennt's thread re Brachytherapy - very informative.

At 61, I went for Robotic RP. It seemed the surest way to me of getting rid of the cancer early. Continence is now improving, but no sign of life down under as we approach 13 weeks post op.

In the end it's your decision, it sounds like you have a bit of time, so garner as much info as you can.

And remember, to put it bluntly - you can't have an erection when you're dead. The thought of 20 years more life (40 or more for you!) rather than 4 or 5 is a good trade off n matter which treatment you choose.

Paul

Early diagnosis is key to success.

The side effects that you read about are all potential, including life.

You may suffer ED, you may suffer some incontinence,you may not and if you do, you may make a quick recovery, or it may take some time.

This is possibly the most difficult time in the process, deciding what to do, as there are no guarantees and no two men are the same despite the similarities in the plumbing.

Whatever you decide to do good luck.

dave

Sorry you find yourself here. I too am one of the 'young ones' diagnosed a month ago. Gleason Grade 6. Like you, I followed the NHS route, they were fantastic. After a 3 month wait in between PSA tests, things moved very quickly & efficiently.

I visited the surgeon & radiographer to discuss options & have chosen the surgery route. I'm in for a pre op on the 24th of this month, then I've arranged for the LRP on the 15th August through BUPA when I come back from Holiday.

I'm aware of the possible side affects but ready to take the challenge and get on with it. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity of a possible cure & live a full life in whatever form that is.

The ED side of things was my biggest worry (at 44) but once I'd thought it through for a few hours, I kicked myself up the bum & made the decision.

I'm a bit nervous about the op as I've never been in hospital or under anaesthetic before so don't know what to expect but I'm going to enjoy my hols, run a last marathon in Bath at the end of the month & bite the bullet.

I hope to be back running marathons in October or November & spreading the word amongst my mates and everyone I bump into about the importance of getting tested if they show any symptoms. I have them all, back pain, agony passing water, up maybe 6 or 7 times for a wee at night & a sit down dribble of a pee that's pathetic. I crave a good sleep but can't rest for long enough. I no sooner get in bed, than I'm up again. I often fall sleep on the loo, still dribbling.

I've been going to the docs with these symptoms for a long time & was fed up with courses of antibiotics for a 'water infection'. Had I known what a PSA test was, I'd have been more persistent. In the end, I just lived with it until I had a random PSA test as part of my diabetes care. The nurse may well have saved my life.

Good luck mate, whichever route you take.

Carlos

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Hi Carlos,

Thanks for you reply. Sorry you also find yourself on this site particularly at such a young age.

Like you, I consider myself to be lucky that it appears I have been diagnosed early.  However, I think I am still in shock from the orginal diagnoses and like people have said on here, the waiting is perhaps one of the worst parts.  Thankfully I have my next appointment Tue 15th July, so only a week to go and I should know the staging.  Hopefully I will be given news that will allow me time to think about treatment options etc.

Did your consultant recommend surgery over other options?  I have done a reasonable degree of research into the different treatments.  I can't help thinking that the only way to be sure is to opt for surgery (assuming I am told it is confined to the prostate).  I lost my maternal grandfather last year at age 93, kind of want to at least match his achievement.  I have little knowlege regarding my fathers side of the family so can not be sure if there is any history of agressive PC.  Like you I am worried about the possible side affects including ED but then this is a small price to pay for a cure.

I like your positivity and planning.  Hope you do well in the marathon and enjoy your holiday.  I have a holiday booked in late September and all being well I am planning to start any treatment after this.

Good luck to you! 

Jamie