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David Mansfield lives in Great Britain . He was 62 when he was diagnosed in January 2010. His initial PSA was 6.1 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 3+4=7 and although he does not know his staging, it is very likely he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to his choice of treatment. Here is his story.


My story really starts back in 2003 when during a routine health check, the doctor indicated that my PSA was a little high at 2.9 and suggested that I keep an eye on it which I did not - I was then aged 55.

Following another medical in 2007, my PSA had risen to 4.1 and my GP being on the ball referred me to a urologist who examined my prostate and said it was normal and that as my PSA was not that high to keep an eye on it. Also said that as I was approaching 60, the PSA was OK for my age.

I next had a PSA test in 2008-9 when my PSA was found to be 6.2 so a biopsy was called for which found cancer on the Gleason scale of 3+3 present in some of the samples and some 3+4 present in one small area. The urologist, being a surgeon suggested that the prostate be removed to reduce the risk going forward.

Having heard of the side effects, I looked around at alternatives which included both Brachy and HIFU. In communication with one of your mentors - I am looking at HIFU - will send full blog in due course.

David Mansfield.

 

UPDATED

September 2010

 

 

I established that the best HIFU practitioner in the UK was Mr (now Prof.) Mark Emberton so approached him and straight away he put me at my ease. Following further MRI scans he confirmed that the area giving the high reading - the 3+4 was confined to the front left lobe so focal HIFU on that area would solve the issue.

I am having HIFU treatment that this coming Friday [ September 10, 2010] - scary....!

 

UPDATED

June 2011

 

 

The operation was carried out at 6pm following which I recovered with little pain at 7.30 pm had a three course meal at 8.30 pm and went home at 10.00 pm. The only sign that I had an operation was the suprapubic catheter which remained in place for three days and was then removed by the district nurse.

My subsequent MRI confirmed that the area had been correctly zapped by the HIFU and my three month PSA was 0.90 and six monthly 0.70. I have absolutely no side effects from the operation and lead a normal life playing golf and hill walking. I therefore feel blessed that I made the right choice.

In the UK, HIFU is still classed as experimental so only available privately so need to have private health insurance as the overall cost is some £20,000. Following my recent review by Prof Emberton he wrote to my GP stating that the results were "fantastic" and whilst not saying that I was cured, he nevertheless indicated that I should not have problems in the foreseeable future but will still keep an eye on me.

Against the background of my prostate cancer last year, my wife sadly, and out of the blue, developed bladder cancer and despite valiant attempts to save her, she sadly died in March this year.

So, therefore mixed blessings.

David Mansfield

David's e-mail address is: d.mansfield@btinternet.com