56 years old new PC diagnosis
I am healthy 56 recently diagnosed with Gleason 6 T1 PC. 4 out of 12 cores 10% -20% malignancy. Just starting this journey of decision making. I feel like waiting a couple years to see if it progresses but I dont want to make the wrong choice.
I also question quality of life going forward, do I really want to live 20 years with side effects from radiation or surgery or do I just want to let it run its course and live my best life?
A new PCa diagnosis has a way of getting your attention. I am not an MD and cannot offer medical advice. The "so called good news"is a Gleason 6 is most likely not to spread. That said cancer is cancer and no one can 100% predict an accurate future. We have different bodies and we also react differently.
Understand that active surveillance is not ignoring the presence of your cancer. Rather it is a form of treatment similar in many ways to surgery or radiation . If I were in your situation I would keep an eye on it and make a decision if you see changes. Some men in your situation are ok for years and others just decide it is time to have it treated. It is always about individual choice. Personally I would not be anxious to be treated given where you are at this point. The key is do not ignore it. Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
Thank you for the feedback, it runs along the same as my thoughts. My Dr said a MRI isnt necessary, my thought are is is very necessary. Any experience on that subject. You think with active surveillance you would want and now photo of the tumor to compare later for growth.
Did your MD say why he felt it was unnecessary at this time? Since prostate cancer is very slow growing it may not be timely to do so. Given he has seen your record and is aware of your situation why put yourself through something if it is not needed.
You can always ask for a second opinion or feel comfortable knowing you and your MD are actively watching for any new developments
