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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Still feeling fine, check ups are cut to 6 monthly with PSA done at the same time. Almost 3 and a half years since diagnosis and I feel very lucky to not have any symptoms, in fact the BPH causes more problems, finasteride has reduced the size somewhat but I still get up occasionally in the night.

Life is good, planning a wedding to my wonderful fiancee who is studying for ordination (slowly but surely), I had forgotten how mad it can get even planning something small and quiet. Have a new granddaughter to add to my other grandson and graddaughter, how lucky am I? Troy, Yasmin and Ava, I don't see them as much as I would like but it is so lovely to see new life and my family growing.

We were at Stormont a couple of weeks ago at the Queen's Jubilee Garden Party, saw her Majesty briefly and it was a great day out.

Life is good and I am busy getting on with it, I hope anyone who reads this is doing the same, even without cancer life is way to short to waste a second of it. God bless.

Had my second repeat biopsy recently, 4 years after diagnosis, the result was similar to my last biopsy with very small anounts of low grade cancer found.

Following discussion with the consultant the urology nurse advised they were placing me on a PSA monitoring programme for the next 2 years, this will mean checking my PSA at regular intervals and also means no hospital visits unless my PSA does something strange.

I am happy with this as my PCa has done nothing for the last 4 years. I know I am very lucky being able to say this.

My only side effects are short term after biopsy when I get severe itching, relieved by Germoloid suppositories, and diarrhoea caused by the antibiotics. As I say both are short term and worth the hassle for the peace of mind gained from the biopsy results.

You may have noticed some time ago I announced my engagement...well I am now pleased to announce I am marrying my partner on June 11th 2013. She has been so strong supporting me throughout this ordeal and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together.

Hi,

Still symptom free and having active surveillance. I was very relieved at my last check up when I was told the current guidelines no longer recommend biannual biopsies but instead just a finger examination will suffice. Such a relief I suffered badly with itching and some infection post biopsy.

My prostate has decreased slightly in size since diagnosis but not significantly so, it is now 63cc down from 75cc. I have been on finasteride for 5 years now and was hoping for more relief by now, but never mind it could be so much worse. I get up occasionally in the night but not as much as I used to.

Good luck on your own journey,

God bless,

Brian

Still here, thank goodness new guidelines have recommended examination over repeat biopsy. What can I tell you? I know I'm one of the lucky ones, so far, where the cancer sits in the prostate and does nothing, a good reason to take things slowly after diagnosis and to make informed decisions.

Nothing much else to say, just getting on with life and love with my wife after we celebrated our second anniversary in June this year.

Still here, ten years after diagnosis, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Still being checked by the uro-oncology nurses twice a year. Loving life and getting on with it

Still here, still so lucky that the cancer is doing nothing. Just had my 70th birthday and looking forward to many more.

Still here and still doing well.

Still here, still taking finasteride for enlarged prostate. Generally doing OK, I'm just getting older, which I guess is better than the alternative.

Still here. I had a partial knee replacement last month and I'm recovering well. My prostate is still enlarged so still on the finasteride but other than that I'm doing good.

Brian's e-mail address is: susan.doogan AT btinternet.com (replace "AT" with "@")