Prostate Cancer Support Group

Had 2nd 14 core biopsy last week after being on AS for 6 mths. Initial biopsy result was 1 core active with a Gleason score of 3+3. Just been informed that latest one was positive in 4 core and score of 3+4.

My PSA is down to 2.9 from 5.9, so I was hoping for a better result. Only way to describe my feelings now is NUMB!

Will post further after my MRI and bone scans...

Clive

Clive,

Sorry to hear news. Biopsy cores could have come from different areas than

first biopsy. Accurate mapping is still unreliable. Going for pelvic and

bone scans sounds very wise.

Keep us up to date about results.

Don't know just how to say this, but the positive cores could have been

there all along. This biopsy most likely took samples from different areas.

What was grading ( % ) in cores?

kapm

Clive

Sorry to hear you didn't get the results you were hoping for. However, I do hope that the window for curing your PC has not closed. IF so AS did what it's supposed to do, allow you time not to treat, until it is time you must treat your PC.

The results you received are telling you the time for AS has passed and now it's time to treat your PC.

Being numb, feeling overwhelmed, and a dash of fear and anxiety, are all unwelcome guests as you cope with this news and decide how to treat your PC.

Keep posting, get all the support and info you need to make the best decision for your diagnosis and with quality of life issues.

Rick

Clive,

I'm sorry that AS gave you only months instead of years of not having to undergo treatment and its side effects. Still, if the Gleason pattern 4 was there all along (and the first biopsy didn't catch it), it's better to know sooner rather than later.

Best wishes for the next steps you'll be taking on this journey. Remember, we'll be walking with you every step of the way.

Doug

Post edited by: DVW, at: 06/21/2012 01:19 PM

Huge relief as scans showed nothing nasty. Met with my Uro to discuss next steps and options. I'm leaning toward RP, after doing my research and various discussions. Thank you all for your support, also, a special thanks to my wonderful partner Jen....Thank you!!

I realize I have a fair way to go through this journey, but feel confident of a good outcome.

Clive

Hi Peglegy, I know to come to a decision is the most difficult thing and once decided it one does not want to hear other options but I spoke to a friend who had localized PC and he got 'proton' radiation so could keep his prostrate gland intact and functioning. The only thing is that it is expensive but is also covered with insurance. Just a thought. The radiation is confined just to the tumor and does not effect the surrounding areas.

Pagankev,

Here's the thing about radiation. If all the cancer cells aren't killed, they begin reproducing again. Once they reproduce, they look for ways to escape the prostate and move toward the lymph system and bone. Additionally radiation has it's own quality of life issues that begin to show 2 years post radiation, so Radiologists tend to minimize the consequences of their treatment since they don't show up until years after you see them.

There are no easy decisions to make when it comes to treating prostate cancer. Keeping your prostate has both good and bad consequences. So does surgery.

Hi Rick, I am certainly not in favour of radiation, it was just that a friend who had this new 'proton' and NOT photon radiation told me about it and that it was very successful. He had also local PC. Seems like with me, when it is advanced and already out of the prostrate it needs also the photon to catch any wee buggers that might be already outside the tumors. I was just trying to give you alternative to radical surgery although I read that when confined to the prostrate it is the more sure way to 'CURE' it.

Good luck Rick and keep us posted. Hugs.

Pagankev,

You may have misunderstood my status. I don't need alternatives to surgery because I had my prostate removed last year in March. Cancer was confined to my prostate and my surgeon told me I was cured.

However I still deal with ED and urine leaks, but I have peace of mind and sleep well at night. For me surgery was the right option even though I paid a high price with the quality of living. That said, knowing everything I know today, I'd do the same thing. However surgery isn't for everyone. Many men have buyers remorse and come to conclude they made a big mistake. Every treatment option has down sides. If someone tells you other wise they are misrepresenting that option.

I wish you the best as you decide to fight your cancer using both traditional and non traditional methods.

RP with robotic surgery set for 13th August. Will be spending the next four weeks gaining some fitness, losing some weight and enjoying life with Jen.