[Misc] Prostate Cancer

[Dolph Ins]

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.

I also went for removal for the same reasons. It had spread from my prostate to the surrounding nerves so they removed them too. Fist PSA after op was 0.1. Second was 0.2, third was 0.3. The oncologist said I could go with the British way and wait until mt PSA was double figures so they could scan it or I could do the American way and they would zap the area. For the first time in my life I chose American. PSA has been 0.01 since.

Good luck Amex, feel free to message me if you want any more info.

 

[AmexRuislip]

The problem with a prostate biopsy is it's very hit-and-miss. As I understand it they're effectively taking random samples, even though from a small gland. I was still reporting problems, and getting a high PSA score, after the first biopsy so they decided to have another go.

I forgot to mention, that when the biopsies were being taken, I did have a device inserted into my rectum, which showed the area of the prostrate to be targeted.
Indoor radar I called it.

 

[Tim Over Whelmed]

I've had a prostatectomy and gone through this process so very happy to chat anything through with you. Wishing you all the very best.

 

[Altered State]

It used to be but doesn't need to be hit and miss any more. An MRI will show them the tumour and the correct area can then be targeted accurately (template biopsy).

Ah, thanks for that @trueblue. I did have an MRI, so perhaps they had a better idea of what they were looking for than I realised. As well as the medication I have an annual PSA check - hopefully nothing more needed, but removal was suggested at one stage.

 

[Sheebo]

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 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 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

Top poster, top man. Thoughts are with you and fingers are crossed

 

[Sussexscots]

Having got to 58 without ever having to get up in the night to pee, when I started having to go twice a night; plus having to stand there waiting for things to 'get cracking' I went to see my GP.

His initial response was that it's not unusual for a man of your age to have to go twice during the night. I said it wasn't usual for me, so could we please check? DRE: he said it's entirely normal. PSA test likewise. Prescribed Tamsolusin. Cleared up the issue. Agreed we'd review every six months. Happy with that.

I certainly feel much more relaxed having had the blood test and DRE. Think it's important if something doesn't feel right to you, you have it investigated. Threads like this are a good reminder.

 

[trueblue]

Ah, thanks for that @trueblue. I did have an MRI, so perhaps they had a better idea of what they were looking for than I realised. As well as the medication I have an annual PSA check - hopefully nothing more needed, but removal was suggested at one stage.

Your biopsy does sound a bit different. When I had a high PSA and prostatitis about 5 years ago, I had an MRI to check before the targeted biopsy was carried out under general anaesthetic. Perhaps it depends on the hospital Trust (mine is Surrey even though I live in Hove, long story). From what I read at the time, that's considered the optimal way of going about things. The after effects of the biopsy still weren't particularly pleasant but sounds better than being awake throughout. I've a very low grade PC issue under 6-monthly monitoring. May never even have known it was there without the prostatitis - but I'm glad I do so it can be kept under scrutiny. Could be a lifesaver. I'd urge anybody who has any suspicions about their prostate to at least get a PSA test.

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

This link may be useful for anyone looking for testing - https://pcaso.org/psa-testing/

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

Thanks for your post - a great reminder to us all - keep well.

I got mine checked before Xmas - all good thankfully

 

[Altered State]

I forgot mention, that when the biopsies were being taken, I did have a device inserted into my rectum, which showed the area of the prostrate to be targeted.
Indoor radar I called it.

I don't recall such a device being used either time, and I suspect I would remember

 

[Altered State]

Your biopsy does sound a bit different. When I had a high PSA and prostatitis about 5 years ago, I had an MRI to check before the targeted biopsy was carried out under general anaesthetic.

If there's a next time I'll definitely ask for a general anaesthetic, thanks for highlighting the possibility

 

[SuperFurrySeagull]

. I could tell the young medic and his assistant were impressed by the quality of upkeep of my perineum. Anyway....

Now that's laying down the gauntlet somewhat for the competitively minded amongst us..!

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Now that's laying down the gauntlet somewhat for the competitively minded amongst us..!

Well, if you insist on being superfurry, its no contest.

 

[abc]

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......

I don't suppose that was easy for you to write that, thank you. You are 100% correct to alert us all to the benefits of early monitoring, early diagnosis etc. If in doubt, one has nothing to lose by getting a concern, however small or personal, checked out - ever.
Best of luck.

 

[raymondo]

It used to be but doesn't need to be hit and miss any more. An MRI will show them the tumour and the correct area can then be targeted accurately (template biopsy).

Reports do say the tests are getting more accurate each year

 

[Goldstone1976]

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 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 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

Like others, I'd missed this too. Best of luck!

I've booked a PSA test on the back of this.

 

[raymondo]

Yeah bit of my past here. I underwent IMRT 15 years ago, that is/was an experimental treatment of Radiotherapy at the time. Still here, we check PSA six monthly. Be aware though even a small amount of exercise within 24 hours of test, such as a moderate walk will raise the score, and cause unnecessary concern. Rest before Test.

I was on the Albion Prostate awareness campaign posters at the time. I declined permission for them to be used in the Stadium loo’s though.

Very good advice about a avoiding exercise the 24 hours before a PSA test...and especially not cycling (sitting on a narrow seat), and REALLY especially no sex for at least 48 hours before a test. Google it to get latest guidelines and avoid all risky activities in advance: the PSA test seems to be the best early-warning test they have at the mo, (it's not perfect) so let's all give it a chance to give a true reading .

 

[attila]

God this struck a chord. Well done for having the courage to get checked out and for posting this.
It is so important to go to the doctor pronto.

Best of luck - here's mine.
Got the all clear from bladder cancer middle of last year.
After many, many, many flexible cystoscopies!

CANDID CAMERA

(An Ode to Flexible Cystoscopy)

I know I sometimes can be
A loud-mouthed, stroppy prat
I know I'm a control freak
(And a bossy one at that)
My wife says when I'm eating
I am a total slob -
I'm still not sure that I deserved
A camera up my knob.

The poor thing shrivelled up in fear
Till it was hardly there
A tiny little pimple
In a nest of pubic hair
The camera made its entrance
The pain cut like a knife
And then I saw my bladder
For the first time in my life.

I'm glad that it went up there
Though sad at what it found
And it can come back anytime
To help me stay around
So three cheers for the NHS
And to that camera crew -
And if you’re feeling odd 'down there......'
You get it checked out too!

And if you'd like some dub poetry on the subject.....

 

[AmexRuislip]

God this struck a chord. Well done for having the courage to get checked out and for posting this.
It is so important to go to the doctor pronto.

Best of luck - here's mine.
Got the all clear from bladder cancer middle of last year.
After many, many, many flexible cystoscopies!

CANDID CAMERA

(An Ode to Flexible Cystoscopy)

I know I sometimes can be
A loud-mouthed, stroppy prat
I know I'm a control freak
(And a bossy one at that)
My wife says when I'm eating
I am a total slob -
I'm still not sure that I deserved
A camera up my knob.

The poor thing shrivelled up in fear
Till it was hardly there
A tiny little pimple
In a nest of pubic hair
The camera made its entrance
The pain cut like a knife
And then I saw my bladder
For the first time in my life.

I'm glad that it went up there
Though sad at what it found
And it can come back anytime
To help me stay around
So three cheers for the NHS
And to that camera crew -
And if you’re feeling odd 'down there......'
You get it checked out too!

And if you'd like some dub poetry on the subject.....

Thanks for that, I'm laughing inside, as it'll pop my stitches outside

 

[Since1982]

It's an important message. Hope that the reading comes back 0.