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BRONZE

Brian Saunders and Susan live in County Tyrone, UK. He was 58 when he was diagnosed on January 25, 2009. His initial PSA was 6.1 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Active surveillance. Here is his story.

Had a PSA done in the summer 2008, it was 3.9 and the GP said it was ok and she would review it in 6 months. Checked again in December '08, PSA now 6.1. We were told this was almost definitely not cancer but it would do no harm to be checked my a urologist. GP checked PSA again Jan 2nd - 7.2

Saw urologist Jan 5th '09, told only an 18% chance of cancer but advised to have a biopsy. PSA and free PSA done.

Jan 14th Biopsy

Jan 28th Biopsy results - 2 of the 14 biopsies were positive for cancer, the consultant who did the biopsy was so convinced it wouldn't be cancer he had written on notes to refer to a LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) clinic for BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) assessment. We were told it was low grade low volume and given the choice of surveillance, surgery or radiotherapy. We think, as the cancer is probably small at the moment, we will stick with monitoring for now and see what happens in the next few months, the referral to the LUTS clinic has still been made to hopefully relieve BPH symptoms. If PSA keeps rising we will probably re-evaluate.

We were not told Gleason, stage, PSA/free PSA results from Jan 5th or any other relevant information and have been trying to contact the specialist nurse ever since.

Feb 2nd Waiting for nurse to call back to get relevant information.

Feb 2nd 16:45 Finally get to speak to the nurse with information.

Gleason 3+3
Stage T1c
PSA from Jan 5 '09 6.7 - WooHoo down slightly from the 2nd Jan Free PSA 2.9 (43%) Prostate volume 73cc Finally out of 14 biopsies 2 were positive and of those 2 30% of each core showed cancer.

 

UPDATED

April 2009

 

 

Had my first 3 monthly PSA done April 7th and it is down to 5.6, have an appointment with the urology nurse on Friday (17th).

 

UPDATED

July 2009

 

 

Most recent PSA was on June 25th, down to 2.5, have to remember the Proscar can halve PSA so it's probably still around 5 but that's still good.

The Proscar seems to be working for the BPH, my flow is improving and residual urine left in my bladder is down from 250 ml to 10 ml.

Saw the urology nurse she is very happy with things and is suggesting 6 monthly visits with me getting a PSA test in between so we can contact her if anything goes awry.

So everything is looking good, thank You God, will report back in another 3 months.

Take care everyone.

Brian and Susan.

 

UPDATED

November 2010

 

 

Well we are still here and still the same, three monthly blood tests are all showing no increase in PSA and I feel fit and well.

I have been advised I am due a repeat biopsy as it is now 2 years since diagnosis, doesn't feel like 2 minutes, never mind 2 years. Something to look forward to, I think not, but hopefully with my prostate size decreased due to the Proscar it won't need 14 samples at biopsy.

So, apart from getting engaged, nothing really to report. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you think I can help you in any way.

 

UPDATED

November 2011

 

Hi,

I had a repeat biopsy in January 2011, usual side effect (for me anyway), excruciating itching, relieved slightly by Germaloid suppositories (Thanks Susan). Results of biopsy, nothing found.

Whilst I realise that doesn't mean the cancer has gone I am optimistic as I have been told it almost certainly means it isn't growing, especially as my prostate has decreased from its original size of a grapefruit to a more normal size. (Think about trying to find a 2 pence coin in a grapefruit with a thin knitting needle and repeating the exercise this time with a kiwi fruit.)That's enough about fruit for now.

Active surveillance continues, I am due to have my PSA done in another couple of weeks and I will try to remember to update here when I have it done.

Many thanks to Terry for continuing this invaluable service, I am afraid I was not one of the 5% who transferred to the other site although I did register I just couldn't get round to doing all this again.

Brian's e-mail address is: bsaunders@talktalk.net