Hi all
Finally got off my backside and registered, you all seem to be so supportive!
Got diagnosed last year, a big shock I never imagined it would happen. Aged 58, PSA 52, biopsy 9/10 (having the biopsy was so unpleasant, I had not realised), Gleason 3+4. Originally they staged it 3a but MRI showed contained within capsule except for one dubious lymph node. Subsequently PET scan indicated lymph node probably OK as did follow up MRI and they reclassified it 2b. Bone scan negative
Started me on Zoladex, and then, and this was unerving, even with giving me all the advice possible at the end it was my call what treatment to pursue. I found this odd and I had to do a lot of homework. It was clear that they were reluctant to do surgery with the high PSA and that the cancer had spread to most of the prostate. I think they were not certain it was totally contained. Insurers paid for a second opinion which gave contrary advice. I finally went for radiotherapy (Tomotherapy). I guess one can never know what is right, different people/websites all seem to have different opinions on different treatments
The Tomotherapy is treating adjacent lymph nodes, just in case, as well as the prostate. 35 sessions and I am mostly through. Minor diarrhea, tired and beginning some skin burns but relatively painless
Undoubtedly my main need is for emotional support. I am in a foreign country in Asia (believe me the medicine here is excellent, that is not an issue) and not a thing I would discuss with work colleagues with a couple of exceptions who are very supportive. It is has taken me this long to share on this forum and I am still nervous about it. Do not have family here and this clearly has ups and downs. I guess I am over the worst but know there will be more to be thrown at me.
Hope this is not too long
Thanks for reading