24/01/2026
From Diagnosis to Decision – Rob’s Next Steps
After sharing Rob’s prostate cancer diagnosis and encouraging men to get checked, I wanted to post a short update for anyone else going through something similar.
One of the first steps was a full body bone scan to check if the cancer had spread. It sounds daunting, but it was completely painless. The scanner does come quite close to your face, which feels odd, but it’s harmless and over quickly.
The best news: the cancer has not spread to Rob’s bones.
Next came the flow test – which involves drinking lots of water until your bladder is very full, then being asked to “perform” into a machine. Not glamorous! The result showed Rob’s flow was too slow for brachytherapy to be suitable.
Rob’s PSA is 18. Anything over 20 can indicate more serious disease, and active surveillance was ruled out, leaving two options:
• Radiotherapy (with 2–3 months of hormone treatment first, then daily treatment for four weeks), or
• Robotic surgery to remove the prostate.
Radiotherapy would carry side effects such as fatigue, hormone-related weight gain and breast tenderness, and risks to bladder, bowel and erectile function.
Surgery will involve an overnight stay, a catheter for a few weeks and possible leakage while healing, which is daunting – especially when Rob doesn’t feel unwell at all right now.
After further consultant appointments at UHW and pre-op checks, Rob chose surgery, which is planned in the next few weeks.
We’re nervous, of course, but also incredibly grateful – that it was caught, that it hasn’t spread, and for the speed, efficiency and kindness of the NHS. Every member of staff we’ve met has been calm, supportive and happy to answer every question, no matter how small.
If you’re putting off seeing your GP, please don’t. Early checks really do matter.
And if you’re on this journey too – you’re not alone.
Mandy x
