Prostate Cancer

[Martian]

Good to hear Malcolm

[Old Geezer]

Mike - had the same invite, informed that I was "pre-diabetic" and would benefit from their course.

Mine started earlier in the year, and I am now 2/3 the way through the course. The course has been very helpful in a number of ways, well worth the time spent.

[Mike Etheridge 1]

Thanks OG, presumably the course relates to exercise and diet and physical shape ?

[Linds.W]

I have been following this thread with interest. As just finished four weeks of radio therapy at the local hosp. Every day for four weeks was pretty intense. The after/side effects are not much fun best described as chronic jet-lag with gastro-enteritis. Can't muster the urge to go flying or play golf! Still I think I am getting better (I hope).

[Linds.W]

Oh I forgot my best wishes to all fellow flyers who are going down this path. Watched my Step-Father ignore the symptoms and not a pleasant way to go. As the sign in the Docs. says:- Get your "Walnut" checked.

[Martian]

Best wishes for your recovery Linds

[PatMc]

Posted by Mike Etheridge 1 on 09/06/2019 12:19:21:

Thanks OG, presumably the course relates to exercise and diet and physical shape ?

Is that the "Healthier You" programme ?

I had routine blood samples taken recently by our practice nurse, one submitted for the HbA1c test came up on the lowest figure within the prediabetes range. I was then offered the option of the "Healthier You" programme.
After talking it over with the nurse & reading their booklet I reckoned that I am lacking in regular physical activities but OK in the other respects. I decided not to join the programme at this time but will follow their advice on recommended activities.

[fly-navy]

Had my MRI two weeks ago, today received a letter asking me to attend for a prostrate biopsy on the 21st. Got me a bit concerned now, after seeing the consultant and having a DRE with him saying all appears fine with the prostrate nice and smooth!!

Of course as usual we go on holiday tomorrow so had to phone re he appointment. Changed it there and then for the 27th with go and enjoy your holiday and we will see you when you return.

Must say brilliant NHS service for us again.

[Phil Brooks]

It's almost exactly seven years since I started this thread. My PSA began to creep up four years ago, but a course of radiotherapy soon put a stop to it. I now have it checked every six months, due to get the result of the latest test tomorrow, but I'm still here and enjoying life. I've even started flying again! The moral is, get it diagnosed early. Don't die of embarrassment!

[Bruce Collinson]

Great original post PB, good to keep a sense of humour.

Plus ca change, n'est pas?

BTC

[Piers Bowlan]

fly-navy, it seems pretty routine to do the prostate biopsy after the MRI so I wouldn't assume that the MRI scan revealed anything untoward. I was told from the outset that I would get an MRI scan and biopsy - but all clear fortunately.

Enjoy your holiday.

[Phil Brooks]

Double joy! Went to hospital this morning for my latest PSA result. Undetectable, "see you next year" and we were in and out so quickly (<20mins.) we didn't have to pay for parking! Just can't help thinking it could have all been very different if not for catching it early. If you're in any doubt at all, GET IT TESTED.

[Richard Ashworth]

MRI and Biopsy. When I went for the prostate MRI at Leeds I was told that 50% or MRI scans were ‘inconclusive’ and needed a biopsy follow up. That was only a year ago and they recently said they were trialing a new MRI test, things keep changing and improving.

The MRI is less invasive so was the first choice course of action.

Glad that this thread is demystifying the prostate, over 60, make sure you are getting a regular PSA blood test!

[Mike Etheridge 1]

Met up with some old school friends last week. One had had a prostate removal and looked as fit as a fiddle having exercised regularly including time spent in the gym . My twin brother used to work with his oldest son in IT . However my friend's son got bored with IT and after three attempts got accepted top train as an airline pilot even though he was over 40. He appeared on the TV some months back in a series about training airline pilots , he was filmed doing his first landing. He passed the course and now flies short haul - great, I watched the programs but did not realise it was him !.

 

Edited By Mike Etheridge 1 on 15/06/2019 22:50:46

[Andy J]

Have my biopsy on Friday. Any recommendations as to full or spinal anaesthetic?

Must say the NHS work very quick on this problem. MRI last week and biopsy a week latter. 

Edited By Andy Joyce on 18/06/2019 19:22:28

[Bruce Collinson]

Of course the other common ailment we’re all at risk of is skin cancer in all its guises. Any appetite to compare notes on keratosis, Efudix and factor 50? Vitiligo?

BTC

[Malcolm Fisher]

Andy - go for either - they both work and probably spinal could be the better option as I believe you would be in and out more quickly and wouldn't have to go without food as for a general anaesthetic. I had biopsies on two occasions. The first was while under some sort of investigation in hospital. This was done without any anaesthetic and I found it very painful and nearly passed out. When it came to the second time I insisted on a general as I wasn't given the option of a spinal. It was done as a "day case" at St James in Leeds.

HTH Malcolm

[stu knowles]

On the other hand.... I just had a local anaesthetic and thought it a pretty painless process. In and out within the hour. No discomfort. Job done. You'll know better after the first sample is taken.

[Andy J]

Ended up with a general anaesthetic so never felt a thing. Only issue was a 6hr wait in the day surgery ward. Lots of bruising though.

[Andy J]

Not improving as have now contracted an infection according to the doctor I consulted this morning.

Had rated the day op ward with a gold star for looking after me, perhaps I was tadge too quick.

[fly-navy]

Went yesterday and had biopsy using trust method, dreading it as daughter said husband got home and was on the floor sobbing as pain had been excruciating. Doc went through procedure with me, any questions ,ok lie on your side please . What was I worrying about, nothing to it, slight discomfort but nothing to write home about. (Well I was in the RN 😀😀No after effects and felt quite normal ever since I have got home. Biggest downer no caffeine associated drinks for couple of days.

NHS bloody brilliant, just wait and see now. Get it tested chaps.

[fly-navy]

Of course it should read "Trus" method. Blooming puters why doesn't it appear what you write.

[Andy J]

Lucky man, I still have mild discomfort and was passing blood for 6 days!

Still I did get good service from the NHS with less than 2 weeks between the PSA test and the biopsy.

[Martian]

Good luck with your results Andy should be in the next week

[fly-navy]

Got back from Cosford saturday to find letter waiting for me to attend hospital yesterday to see specialist nurse,

Cut long story short she said biopsy had shown some low and medium aggression signs. Started me on hormone tablet for a month, hormone injection next Thursday, and because we are away in July and Sept after that will have 4 to 8 weeks radiotherapy sessions. It's strange it hasn't affected me the way I thought it would, I feel no different now mentally than I did the weekend, it's diagnosed, caught early and going to be treated.

My dear wife on the other hand, oh dear, she went to hospital convinced there was no problem and it really knocked her for six , I know where she is coming from though as she had cancer in the fallopian tubes many years ago and thankfully it was contained and cut out and binned, me I was a complete wreck, crying in the day, at night, in the night get up crying, and we are supposed to be strong.

So I'm up for it, lifestlye changes, not too bad as I don't smoke or drink, and I'm sure the way I feel has a lot to do with this thread and the support shown and experiences shared by all. Cheers guys. John