[Misc] Prostate Cancer

[A mex eyecan]

I don’t have any symptoms at all, apart from heading towards 65.
I spoke a while back at surgery about getting tested and was dis encouraged having one, reasons being ‘they are so inaccurate and there are many downsides and risks’.
So wise NSC, can someone enlighten me of what the ‘risks’ are. Am I better going back to GP’s or should I find and go to a private/charity testing centre?

 

[OzMike]

I was lying in a hospital bed yesterday morning waiting for my inguinal hernia open surgury., when a nurse taking my details, informed me of the remote possibility of losing a testicle as a result of side effects of the surgery.
Fine time to tell me that I thought, and she was the only one who ever mentioned it.
I answered that, 'I have had a vesectomy and didn't need them anyway'.

 

[OzMike]

I don’t have any symptoms at all, apart from heading towards 65.
I spoke a while back at surgery about getting tested and was dis encouraged having one, reasons being ‘they are so inaccurate and there are many downsides and risks’.
So wise NSC, can someone enlighten me of what the ‘risks’ are. Am I better going back to GP’s or should I find and go to a private/charity testing centre?

The risks do increase as you get older and everyones prostate gets larger with age.
Having a chat with your GP should surfice, especially if you have never had any symptoms, just stay informed.

 

[nwgull]

I don’t have any symptoms at all, apart from heading towards 65.
I spoke a while back at surgery about getting tested and was dis encouraged having one, reasons being ‘they are so inaccurate and there are many downsides and risks’.
So wise NSC, can someone enlighten me of what the ‘risks’ are. Am I better going back to GP’s or should I find and go to a private/charity testing centre?

We talking PSA? There are no physical risks; it’s a simple blood test.

I suppose the downside might be that an innacurate result could give you a false sense of security and might cause you to ignore symptoms.

 

[AmexRuislip]

I don’t have any symptoms at all, apart from heading towards 65.
I spoke a while back at surgery about getting tested and was dis encouraged having one, reasons being ‘they are so inaccurate and there are many downsides and risks’.
So wise NSC, can someone enlighten me of what the ‘risks’ are. Am I better going back to GP’s or should I find and go to a private/charity testing centre?

If you are really that worried, go back to yr GP and insist you have PSA test, it's yr right, or go to a local charity that does PSA tests.

PSA Testing - PCaSO

PSA Testing When and Where Each test event takes much planning and organisation so we limit the numbers our volunteers undertake and keep our activities within Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex. Dates are usually, but not exclusively, in Spring and Autumn. The Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset Branches of...

pcaso.org

Previously mentioned in thread.

 

[Lord Charles]

I don’t have any symptoms at all, apart from heading towards 65.
I spoke a while back at surgery about getting tested and was dis encouraged having one, reasons being ‘they are so inaccurate and there are many downsides and risks’.
So wise NSC, can someone enlighten me of what the ‘risks’ are. Am I better going back to GP’s or should I find and go to a private/charity testing centre?

There are NO risks, it is a simple blood test. Whilst PSA tests can give false readings they can also give a good indication of possible problems. I insisted on a blood test despite no symptoms and no family history of prostate issues and was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer. All men over 50 should be discussing this with their GP and asking for regular psa tests

 

[AmexRuislip]

Marcus on talking to other men at Maggie's | Maggie's

Marcus shares shock of advanced prostate cancer diagnosis, how men's group has helped and the importance of support for his wife too

www.maggies.org

This really brings it home

Check your risk in 30 seconds | Prostate Cancer UK

It's the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don't have symptoms. Find out about your risk now.

prostatecanceruk.org

 

[AmexRuislip]

Just an update from my original post.
Had another PSA test today, resulting in a 0.01 undetectable reading.
That was my 5th PSA since my op.
Now on 6 monthly checks.
I'm now getting to sort things out with the help of Maggies.
I am now going to give something back by becoming a volunteer.

If you haven't ventured in to getting a PSA test, I still urge you to do so

 

[dazzer6666]

Not necessarily PC, but reminder that being fit and healthy is no guarantee……..take those tests where you can….

Sir Chris Hoy cancer diagnosis: Six-time Olympic champion 'surrounded by love'

Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy says he is "optimistic, positive and surrounded by love" after revealing cancer diagnosis.

www.bbc.com

 

[Ludensian Gull]

I'm having a PSA test tomorrow, eventually got to see a doctor today and went through my symptoms. Mainly peeing every 1hr or so day and night needing to go urgently. Taken in a sample which is being checked for urinary infection, she says i may possibly have over active bladder ,but did check and prostate is enlarged, she seems confident it isn't cancer but doing PSA test to cover all bases. Picking up some pills tomorrow which will hopefully settle bladder down a bit ..

 

[A mex eyecan]

I'm having a PSA test tomorrow, eventually got to see a doctor today and went through my symptoms. Mainly peeing every 1hr or so day and night needing to go urgently. Taken in a sample which is being checked for urinary infection, she says i may possibly have over active bladder ,but did check and prostate is enlarged, she seems confident it isn't cancer but doing PSA test to cover all bases. Picking up some pills tomorrow which will hopefully settle bladder down a bit ..

Good luck for tomorrow, hope all goes well for you.

 

[dazzer6666]

I'm having a PSA test tomorrow, eventually got to see a doctor today and went through my symptoms. Mainly peeing every 1hr or so day and night needing to go urgently. Taken in a sample which is being checked for urinary infection, she says i may possibly have over active bladder ,but did check and prostate is enlarged, she seems confident it isn't cancer but doing PSA test to cover all bases. Picking up some pills tomorrow which will hopefully settle bladder down a bit ..

Good luck

 

[AmexRuislip]

I'm having a PSA test tomorrow, eventually got to see a doctor today and went through my symptoms. Mainly peeing every 1hr or so day and night needing to go urgently. Taken in a sample which is being checked for urinary infection, she says i may possibly have over active bladder ,but did check and prostate is enlarged, she seems confident it isn't cancer but doing PSA test to cover all bases. Picking up some pills tomorrow which will hopefully settle bladder down a bit ..

Again good luck, please keep us updated on yr progress.

 

[AmexRuislip]

If yr still not sure about what direction to go re-PSA test.
Please see attached document from Maggies which you may find of some use.

 

[Rogero]

I have been on surveillance for ten years and my PSA has pushed up to 14 so they have decided it’s now time to act. I have no other symptoms in that I do not get up in the night . Two weeks ago I started on hormone tablets. Later today I am having a hormone jab to effect testosterone. I will probably have radiation treatment in Preston Park clinic about September.

 

[AmexRuislip]

I have been on surveillance for ten years and my PSA has pushed up to 14 so they have decided it’s now time to act. I have no other symptoms in that I do not get up in the night . Two weeks ago I started on hormone tablets. Later today I am having a hormone jab to effect testosterone. I will probably have radiation treatment in Preston Park clinic about September.

Wishing you good luck in yr treatment.
I'm guessing you're having hot flushes?

 

[Ludensian Gull]

Just a quick update on my PSA test,it was through the roof . Don't want to go into details as scared stiff at the moment and finding it difficult to talk about it ,but having MRI this evening so atleast I'll know what I'm dealing with soon . Thanks for all the support and pms. Sorry but don't feel comfortable talking about it at the moment but will let you all know how I get on .

 

[Rogero]

Wishing you good luck in yr treatment.
I'm guessing you're having hot flushes?

Not yet .

 

[Seagull on the Hill]

Just a quick update on my PSA test,it was through the roof . Don't want to go into details as scared stiff at the moment and finding it difficult to talk about it ,but having MRI this evening so atleast I'll know what I'm dealing with soon . Thanks for all the support and pms. Sorry but don't feel comfortable talking about it at the moment but will let you all know how I get on .

My PSA was measured at 12, so I had an MRI scan on Tuesday.
Not had the result yet.
I hope you aren't claustrophobic as the MRI scan is quite unnerving, hot and very noisy .

 

[AmexRuislip]

My PSA was measured at 12, so I had an MRI scan on Tuesday.
Not had the result yet.
I hope you aren't claustrophobic as the MRI scan is quite unnerving, hot and very noisy .

MRI scanners seem daunting, they'll talk to you about it and offer you music to listen to keep you calm.
I chose classical and kept my breathing slow.
The 7 / 11 technique......
7 seconds breathing in..
11 seconds breathing out.....
It did help @Ludensian Gull