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Recently diagnosed and terrified
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Hi my name is Peter, I’m 55 and recently diagnosed with Prostate cancer 3+4 intermediate. I am confused and terrified about what to do next. Even though I’ve spoken to many people, counselors, and been presented treatment options, I just don’t know what to do. I am tentatively booked in for a proctectomy for the 14th of October 2025 and it quite frankly scares the s*** out of me. I feel healthy, have no symptoms and am fit, so contemplating deliberately violating all that is just terrifying. I am devasted.
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Guys, it is terrifying. I’ve recently had Robotic Surgery, and now waiting on Radiation Therapy to start. Mine was found to be a Grade 5 (Extreme) and my prostate was 100% cancer. I was rushed to Brisbane 3 weeks after the diagnosis for surgery, and been told I have a 50% chance of lasting 15 years. Keep talking to your partner, talk to your mates, and keep on here. All of us here have questions, but not asking doesn’t help.
I’m a 3+4, 59yrs, also investigating radiation vs surgery. Someone mentioned Gleason 7 means its throughout the prostate, I don’t think that’s correct – I think Gleason score gives the aggressiveness. The extent/size and time its been growing is given by the staging numbers, eg mine is T2a, which means its confined within the prostate and is in less than 50% of one lobe of the prostate. Another thing I found is a test in relation to radiation treatment, called Prostox, which can help you chose whether you should go for the high-dose short duration radiation (eg 5 treatments of cyberknife) or the low-dose long duration (40 treatments). The test tells you which type of radiation might have the least toxic side effects for you. The two tests (one for eacy type of treatment) cost USD$900 and they can be couriered to you from the USA. They will send results direct to your nominated doctor. Another resource I found is https://www.pcri.org – lots of very good videos and printed material to supplement what PCFA has…
Hi Ham..270, I’m 64 and just diagnosed, with Gleason of 7, and also terrified and confused. Having trouble sleeping and now experiencing waves of anxiety. Its such a shock, and now trying to get a PET scan appointment to see if its spread…creating more unsettled feelings. I’m scared of a spiral into depression. I too am very fit and healthy active with cycling and hiking clubs. This is a real kick in the guts for me. I think i shall seek counseling. The only choices are Robotic assisted surgery or radiation, both similar side effects but that is as far as I’ve got. I’m annoyed at myself for not knowing about the family history( father…still alive) gives me 2-3 times the chance. Why is it not general knowledge? It was me who asked for routine bloods including PSA…which he forgot. Poor form from GPs. The AMA needs to look at the practice of GPs regarding prostate cancer…as 1 in 5 will get in a lifetime. Good luck!
Hi ๏ปฟ@Hamilton270๏ปฟ,
Sounds like a really tough time. While you wait for some other peer support here, you may also wish to be connected with some others who’ve faced the same problems.
There’s a couple of options- —
You might wish to connect with another man who has had surgery or radiotherapy via the MatesCONNECT service- https://www.pcfa.org.au/support/matesconnect-phone-based-peer-support/.
Or a call on of your local support group leaders- you can find you locla group here- https://www.pcfa.org.au/support/find-a-support-group/.
Beyond this you can call out Telenursing team on 1800 22 00 99, they’re available Monday- Friday to talk through any questions and concerns.
Kind regards
Bernie