[Misc] Prostate Cancer

[AmexRuislip]

For starters, this is a not look at me thread, but a genuine gentle warning to the gents on here.
I briefly mentioned on a thread that I had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer.
My story so far......

In Oct 2022, I went to my docs, as I had lost weight.
She sent me off to have a full blood test.
Results came back with a PSA level of 9.58.
MRI scan came back with a 10mm area that couldn't be explained in my prostrate.
After having 20 biopsies taken from prostrate, I was diagnosed with PC.
I was given 2 choices of procedures, either a radical prostatectomy or radio therapy.
I opted for the latter, where in Dec 22nd, 2022, I had my prostrate removed at Charing Cross hospital.
I go back there later next month, to hear the histology of the alien that they taken out of me and the latest PSA reading I have from another blood test.
If reading 0 or 0.01, then the cancer has been removed.
Anything above, then I'm on radio therapy, for a certain amount of time.
PSA levels will be checked every 3 months, going forward.

I'm not looking at preaching to tell you all what to do, just my attitude to this has been to take all that comes at me in a positive view.
As there are no definitive symptoms to show that one has got PC, I do urge all to get checked out, if you feel you have the slightest issue with weight or wee issues.
If I hadn't pursued this, I'd probably be on an RIP thread sooner rather than later

Mrs AR has been great in supporting me, as I don't know where I'd be otherwise.

Prostate Cancer UK

We want to stop prostate cancer being a killer. We fund groundbreaking research, drive improvements in treatment, and fight injustice in care.

prostatecanceruk.org

Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK's leading cancer care charity

Macmillan Cancer Support is here to listen, support you through treatment, and help with money. We fundraise so we can do whatever it takes.

www.macmillan.org.uk

 

[BNthree]

Fingers crossed for a PSA reading of 0..

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Fingers crossed for a PSA reading of 0..

All best @AmexRuislip , channel your inner Chelsea Potter and get that big fat 0.

 

[Guinness Boy]

Wow, I'd missed that mate.

All the very best to you. Fingers crossed and all that.

 

[Springal]

All the best - my dad battled the same thing in nearly identical timeframes 12 months before. He’d waited longer than warnings he had from sone people, but had the operation in Guildford , recovered well and results have been positive so far

 

[surlyseagull]

Yes, fingers crossed, and thank you for posting, and hope it's a positive outcome.

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

Here's hoping for a positive result. I have a few friends who have had PC in recent years and all have recovered well - treatment for this has improved so much in recent years.

I'm typing this with my little PCUK badge on my jumper. I have bought a few and try to wear them wherever I go. If it means one person asks what the badge is and it helps raise awareness then it is worthwhile (as well as raising a little more for PCUK).

 

[portlock seagull]

As previously said AR, sometimes cancer doesn’t know who it’s f ucking with and in this instance it’s going to get a right kicking before being turfed out by your body sheriff like some tar and feathered vagabond escorted to the county boundary. Stay positive, and well done for providing a welcome reminder to everyone - especially of a certain age, me included - to be mindful and if in doubt, get checked.

 

[banjo]

Worthing Lions | PSA Testing

PSA testing for men

worthinglions.co.uk

Really hope your results are good AR. The Worthing Lions offer free test every year. I know the link was for last year.

 

[Questions]

One of my closest friends who posts on here Amex is just a little behind you as he ponders what road to go down….. surgery or radio therapy…. They said he can’t have both….
So….. all the strength in the world to you old bean….. and yes we should all get ourselves checked.

 

[BBassic]

Here's hoping for a nice 0 on that PSA reading.

In the spirit of the thread I don't mind saying I had an exploratory procedure a few months ago to rule out anything sinister which, thankfully, it did.

As AR says - if you've got something odd going on go and get it checked because you never know.

 

[dazzer6666]

For starters, this is a not look at me thread, but a genuine gentle warning to the gents on here.
I briefly mentioned on a thread that I had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer.
My story so far......

In Oct 22, I went to my docs, as I had lost weight.
She sent me off to have a full blood test.
Results came back with a PSA level of 9.58.
MRI scan came back with a 10cm area that couldn't be explained in my prostrate.
After having 20 biopsies taken from prostrate, I was diagnosed with PC.
I was given 2 choices of procedures, either a radical prostatectomy or radio therapy.
I opted for the latter, where in Dec 22, I had my prostrate removed at Charing Cross hospital.
I go back there later next month, to hear the histology of the alien that they taken out of me and the latest PSA reading I have from another blood test.
If reading 0 or 0.1, then the cancer has been removed.
Anything above, then I'm on radio therapy, for a certain amount of time.
PSA levels will be checked every 3 months, going forward.

I'm not looking at preaching to tell you all what to to, just my attitude to this has been to take all that comes at me in a positive view.
As there is no definitive symptoms to show that one has got PC, I do urge all to get checked out, if you feel you have the slightest issue with weight or wee issues.
If I hadn't pursued this, I'd probably be on an RIP thread sooner rather than later

Mrs AR has been great in supporting me, as I don't know where I'd be otherwise.

Prostate Cancer UK

We want to stop prostate cancer being a killer. We fund groundbreaking research, drive improvements in treatment, and fight injustice in care.

prostatecanceruk.org

Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK's leading cancer care charity

Macmillan Cancer Support is here to listen, support you through treatment, and help with money. We fundraise so we can do whatever it takes.

www.macmillan.org.uk

Hope everything is ok - def worth regular reminders with ‘real’ tales. If it prompts even one bloke to worry about a symptom and go and get tested then it’s worthwhile. I’ve got three pals that have had PC, all fully recovered and leading 100% normal lives (all are golfers) after various ops/treatments and no sign of recurrence - two of them were 10 years+ ago.

 

[MattBackHome]

Sending you love and positive vibes, @AmexRuislip.

Lost one fo my best mates to PC at 40 a couple of years back, which remains to me an ineffable slice of unfairness on behalf of the universe. He would have benefitted from your links, and more importantly your attitude. NSC is with you! x

 

[Beach Hut]

Positive vibes and thoughts from the Hut household

 

[SuperFurrySeagull]

For starters, this is a not look at me thread, but a genuine gentle warning to the gents on here.
I briefly mentioned on a thread that I had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer.
My story so far......

In Oct 22, I went to my docs, as I had lost weight.
She sent me off to have a full blood test.
Results came back with a PSA level of 9.58.
MRI scan came back with a 10cm area that couldn't be explained in my prostrate.
After having 20 biopsies taken from prostrate, I was diagnosed with PC.
I was given 2 choices of procedures, either a radical prostatectomy or radio therapy.
I opted for the latter, where in Dec 22, I had my prostrate removed at Charing Cross hospital.
I go back there later next month, to hear the histology of the alien that they taken out of me and the latest PSA reading I have from another blood test.
If reading 0 or 0.1, then the cancer has been removed.
Anything above, then I'm on radio therapy, for a certain amount of time.
PSA levels will be checked every 3 months, going forward.

I'm not looking at preaching to tell you all what to to, just my attitude to this has been to take all that comes at me in a positive view.
As there is no definitive symptoms to show that one has got PC, I do urge all to get checked out, if you feel you have the slightest issue with weight or wee issues.
If I hadn't pursued this, I'd probably be on an RIP thread sooner rather than later

Mrs AR has been great in supporting me, as I don't know where I'd be otherwise.

Prostate Cancer UK

We want to stop prostate cancer being a killer. We fund groundbreaking research, drive improvements in treatment, and fight injustice in care.

prostatecanceruk.org

Macmillan Cancer Support | The UK's leading cancer care charity

Macmillan Cancer Support is here to listen, support you through treatment, and help with money. We fundraise so we can do whatever it takes.

www.macmillan.org.uk

Thanks for posting & all the best in achieving a positive outcome as soon as is possible. Your posting may well contribute to the saving of lives of innumerable others - I myself will get myself checked out sooner rather than later so, thanks again! x

 

[AmexRuislip]

One of my closest friends who posts on here Amex is just a little behind you as he ponders what road to go down….. surgery or radio therapy…. They said he can’t have both….
So….. all the strength in the world to you old bean….. and yes we should all get ourselves checked.

With the 2 options I was given, as I've mentioned I went for surgery.
With a radical prostatectomy, they take the prostrate out, and if cancer cells are still there, then radiotherapy, if PSA levels are still raised.
If I went down the radiotherapy route, it mullers your prostrate in a way that you cannot have the thing removed.

 

[studio150]

Not what I was expecting to read this morning, but thanks for sharing and my fingers are crossed that later this month you get the good news that you deserve.

 

[Icy Gull]

All the best Amex, fingers crossed for good results

 

[Perfidious Albion]

All the best Amex Ruislip …. My prostate has been enlarged for years but I have always been told it is benign … I do hope your next tests are ok…

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

I'm glad you posted that, @AmexRuislip. It is an important warning for us chaps. As you know, I had a dodgy PSA (on the border) and the bottom inspector considered there was enlargement, so I popped along for the biopsies (this was 18 months ago I think). I could tell the young medic and his assistant were impressed by the quality of upkeep of my perineum. Anyway....

"Just a little prick" he said. Crikey, given that I was lying face downward I was impressed with his eyesight. After the lidocaine injection I was warned there may still be a little discomfort. It was fine at first. The biopsy gun does make a 'crack' sound. After 8 biopsies I asked if they were nearly done, as the sensation although not painful was disconcerting. "Yes, nearly done" the lad replied.

After the final and 24th biopsy I was invited to get dressed, and toddle off home. Over the next week, there were one or two alarming but frankly amusing sequelae of a colourful variety. But no pain.

Fortunately I got the all clear. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, no need even for prazosin. Some follow up PSAs that gave no further cause for alarm.

But I will be back for a further PSA in a few months. An old school pal of mine also had the 24 biopsies just before Christmas. Alas two of them flashed up, so he's on for an op soon. I think the surgeons are getting rather good at this now. So if you can get past the finger up the arsehole part (and let's be honest, a lot of us secretly enjoy that bit) its all part of any sensible staying alive strategy for the discerning gentleman.

All the best, Phil, and anyone else engaging with this malarky.