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Prostate harder on one side.

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User
Posted 20 Sep 2018 at 05:02
Shame you didn’t have a template biopsy like me where 42 cores were sampled to get a more accurate picture of your situation. I was G4+3=7 and was told in no uncertain terms that AS would not be advisable.

However, my friend is G3+4=7, in his early seventies and he has seen five consultants on two continents. Two advised surgery, two advised AS and one radiotherapy. He has been on AS for some years and is fine. He has an annual MRI and of course regular PSA tests. He pays privately.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Cheers John.

User
Posted 03 Oct 2018 at 19:06
And was offered a cancellation to see the specialist next Tuesday for follow up appt. Lucky me, would have been a much longer wait. Preparing my list of questions! All suggestions gratefully received.
User
Posted 07 Oct 2018 at 08:50
I've asked this on another site, but - is a G = 3+4=7 group grade 2 intermediate favourable etc suitable for active surveillance? Two out of 7 rhs cores were positive. Just a general enquiry as I'm thinking about my appt on Tuesday. Or wait and see!
User
Posted 07 Oct 2018 at 10:25
Many hospitals would only suggest AS as an option for G6 but there have been a couple of men on here recently with G3+4 where it seemed to have been an option.

Much would depend on

- what % of the cores was 4 rather than 3

- what % of the cores was actually cancerous

- whether the positive cores had found the cancer well contained in the centre of the gland or whether cells had been evident either towards the outer edge or inwards to the urethra

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 07 Oct 2018 at 12:38

If you are considering active surveillance then you really ought to request a template biopsy. I just read that around 20% - 30% of TRUS biopsies result in a subsequent template biopsy.

Edited by member 07 Oct 2018 at 12:42  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 07 Oct 2018 at 12:43
Assuming Dunniz can afford the template biopsy privately in NZ :-/
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 07 Oct 2018 at 14:29

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Assuming Dunniz can afford the template biopsy privately in NZ :-/

"Hospital and specialist care in New Zealand is totally covered by the government if the patient is referred by a general or family practitioner and this is funded from government expenditure".

User
Posted 07 Oct 2018 at 14:52

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Dr phoned me! And said no MRI but a biopsy on 3 September. Have to go to public hospital as private is $NZ900. It would have been done by now privately, but now I'll try and enjoy August. 

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 07 Oct 2018 at 15:25
NZ $900 = £442.

I believe NZ has a public / private healthcare system where many citizens pay a bit extra for health insurance, like a lot of people here.

Anyway, the words: “the TRUS biopsy is as bad as we thought it was” and “Don’t let them palm you off with a TRUS biopsy” and “20% of TRUS biopsies result in subsequent template biopsies” keep ringing in my ears whenever I hear it mentioned.

In fact my tumour would have been detected with a TRUS. And I would still have cancer.

Cheers, John.

User
Posted 07 Oct 2018 at 18:43
Yes I did have health insurance for many years but the premiums shot up as I got older. I kept paying them when I was in England and couldn't use it anyway but now I'm an ailing pensioner ... I'll mention the template biopsy tomorrow. Thanks all. It's good to know that you're 'there.'
User
Posted 14 Oct 2018 at 22:46
And he will refer me to an Oncolgy radiographer I think it is, for a discussion about what to do next, if anything. There is a 12 week wait here with about 130 men on the list, but as mine is just a consultation I shouldn't have to wait that long. So I was told last week. We shall see! Trying to put it at the back of my mind. The good news is that the 5 year all clear for my bowel cancer is now under a month away, with no concerning colonoscopies, blood tests or checks so far. Best wishes to all. John.
User
Posted 01 Nov 2018 at 18:59
And now a lump on my right testicle! Dr says it's probably an epididdymal cyst I believe, but a scan in 4 hours to make sure. Then on 10 Nov the face to face talk with the oncology radiologist for the prostate cancer. It's all go. The good news is 15 days until the 5 year all clear for bowel cancer. Almost too afraid to have the final blood test, which I can do any time now. Maybe next week....
User
Posted 06 Nov 2018 at 08:29
Yes it was a unilateral epididymal cyst which is benign. And the CEA blood test for bowel cancer was normal. So, roll on Saturday ...
User
Posted 06 Nov 2018 at 11:38
Great news - 2 down, one to go.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 15 Nov 2018 at 21:02

Radiation! Starting 5 December and 20 zaps. Happy Christmas. 

User
Posted 06 Dec 2018 at 18:55
Radiation put off to January at my request as I developed shingles! Also my last appt with colorectal nurse put off to January for the same reason. Happy New Year then! Sigh...
User
Posted 07 Dec 2018 at 17:03
Dunniz, how I sympathize! I recall getting shingles in my first year at university and being stuck in unsuitable digs with a landlady who really didn't want to be a nurse. It was at Christmas, too! I can't remember the treatment, but do recall being bedridden for a couple of weeks. It was in the early sixties, so I hope your experience reflects some progress in the intervening half century!

AC

User
Posted 07 Dec 2018 at 19:51
I think things may be a bit better now! I escaped the tingling then burning feeling but the rash is still there after two weeks. More of an ache which is worse at night. 35 large tablets over a week. Funny, nobody wants to look at the rash when I ask. I've taken photos though so might put it on Facebook.

Hope you have a good December and enjoy Christmas. I much prefer the cold dark ones I had when living in England. Who wants to eat a Christmas feast on the beach anyway? Cheers.

User
Posted 12 Jan 2019 at 23:04
Update time. Have had five out of twenty radiotherapy sessions so far with no noticeable side effects. Yet. Maybe there won't be any?60 Gy in 20 fractions external beam radiation. The only problem is getting my bladder full or empty enough for the zapping. The shingles rash has just about disappeared and I see my colorectal nurse tomorrow for the last appt now I've passed the 5 year mark for the bowel cancer. Quite a day coming up. Such fun.
User
Posted 13 Jan 2019 at 17:45

The bladder filling is challenging but getting it in the zone will make the treatment more effective and reduce side effects. Best wishes for the rest of the treatment.

 

 

Ido4

 
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