Dont die of embarassment
- Thread starter Heckler
- Start date
nicho
RIP
I think it's important to understand that it's not necessarily the actual LEVEL of the PSA count, it's an upward trend that's likely to mean something more serious. An enlarged prostate, something that happens to most men as they age (especially over 60), can also lead to a high PSA count. It's quite possible to have a PSA count of 2 and have cancer, yet have a very high one and not have it.
My particular history is as follows (from regular health screening):
2000 - PSA count 4.3
2003 - " " 4.8
2005 - " " 5.7
2007 - " " 7.6
2008 (March) - 9.3
2008 (June) - 9.7
GP concerned, no real symptoms, bit of a burning sensation sometimes when peeing, and perhaps getting up once or twice at night after a couple of late beers.
Referred to Consultant Urologist July 2008, two weeks later biopsy performed (12 samples taken). Told there was only a 1 in 5 chance that the result would show cancer. Two weeks later, tests showed 11 of the 12 samples were negative, but the 12th showed cancerous cells ( there's always one!!)
As it was 7 on the aggression scale(out of 10), it was recommended action be taken. Two options open to me, hormone treatment for two months, then three months of daily radiotherapy, or an operation to remove the prostate. I was told there was no difference in the success rate of either proceedure. I consulted a mate who is a surgeon, who recommended that I had the surgery to remove the prostate "Then you can be sure it's gone completely - as long as it's not spread of course"
Had full MRI scan for internal organ check, all clear, and a radio active bone scan, all clear too. I asked how urgent it was and was told that as it was at a very early stage, and it was a slow growing variety of cancer, I could wait 6, or even 12 months for the op. I decided to get the motor racing season over first and the op took place on 24th September - (Private Health Insurance paid)
All went well, various tissue samples taken during the op, with no sign of any spread, and post op pathology test showed it to be completely contained within the prostate. Left hospital one week later.
Two weeks after op, the cathetor was removed (you have to have a tube from your bladder coming out through your dick to drain urine into a bag, 'cos your bladder has no proper control in the early days), stitches came out shortly after that.
6 months on, my PSA count is zero, any incontinance went 3 months ago, and (sorry about this) due to the nerves knitting back together over the past 6 months, erections are available without the help on the prescribed Viagara, much to my wifes chagrin! (boy, that Viagara does seriously work - I'll keep taking it, I think)
I have to see the Consultant again in May for a check up, then have PSA counts every year for 5 years.
Prostate cancer is not a killer in itself, it's when it spreads to other vulnerable organs it's a problem - indeed something like 75% of men over the age of 75 will have prostate cancer, but at that age something else usually gets you first. Like all cancers, early detection is vital before it spreads (usually to the bones first) - catch it early, and it's very treatable.
Sorry if I'm a bit evangelical about the subject, but caught early, lives can be saved. If in doubt, get checked out.
My particular history is as follows (from regular health screening):
2000 - PSA count 4.3
2003 - " " 4.8
2005 - " " 5.7
2007 - " " 7.6
2008 (March) - 9.3
2008 (June) - 9.7
GP concerned, no real symptoms, bit of a burning sensation sometimes when peeing, and perhaps getting up once or twice at night after a couple of late beers.
Referred to Consultant Urologist July 2008, two weeks later biopsy performed (12 samples taken). Told there was only a 1 in 5 chance that the result would show cancer. Two weeks later, tests showed 11 of the 12 samples were negative, but the 12th showed cancerous cells ( there's always one!!)
As it was 7 on the aggression scale(out of 10), it was recommended action be taken. Two options open to me, hormone treatment for two months, then three months of daily radiotherapy, or an operation to remove the prostate. I was told there was no difference in the success rate of either proceedure. I consulted a mate who is a surgeon, who recommended that I had the surgery to remove the prostate "Then you can be sure it's gone completely - as long as it's not spread of course"
Had full MRI scan for internal organ check, all clear, and a radio active bone scan, all clear too. I asked how urgent it was and was told that as it was at a very early stage, and it was a slow growing variety of cancer, I could wait 6, or even 12 months for the op. I decided to get the motor racing season over first and the op took place on 24th September - (Private Health Insurance paid)
All went well, various tissue samples taken during the op, with no sign of any spread, and post op pathology test showed it to be completely contained within the prostate. Left hospital one week later.
Two weeks after op, the cathetor was removed (you have to have a tube from your bladder coming out through your dick to drain urine into a bag, 'cos your bladder has no proper control in the early days), stitches came out shortly after that.
6 months on, my PSA count is zero, any incontinance went 3 months ago, and (sorry about this) due to the nerves knitting back together over the past 6 months, erections are available without the help on the prescribed Viagara, much to my wifes chagrin! (boy, that Viagara does seriously work - I'll keep taking it, I think)
I have to see the Consultant again in May for a check up, then have PSA counts every year for 5 years.
Prostate cancer is not a killer in itself, it's when it spreads to other vulnerable organs it's a problem - indeed something like 75% of men over the age of 75 will have prostate cancer, but at that age something else usually gets you first. Like all cancers, early detection is vital before it spreads (usually to the bones first) - catch it early, and it's very treatable.
Sorry if I'm a bit evangelical about the subject, but caught early, lives can be saved. If in doubt, get checked out.
saltwater_gypsy
Well-Known Member
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To come back in again on the mental aspect.
I think that you have to be mentally strong to deal with the situation if the doc says "Yes you have cancer but we are not going to do anything about it just now"
In that regard it is a very peculiar ailment and some doctors may not consider the patient to be strong enough to deal with the information.
I think that you have to be mentally strong to deal with the situation if the doc says "Yes you have cancer but we are not going to do anything about it just now"
In that regard it is a very peculiar ailment and some doctors may not consider the patient to be strong enough to deal with the information.
nicho
RIP
[ QUOTE ]
To come back in again on the mental aspect.
I think that you have to be mentally strong to deal with the situation if the doc says "Yes you have cancer but we are not going to do anything about it just now"
In that regard it is a very peculiar ailment and some doctors may not consider the patient to be strong enough to deal with the information.
[/ QUOTE ]
I took some comfort from the fact that I was not rushed in the next day for surgery. You have to take their expertise at face value, and he was happy for there to be a delay. For personal reasons I waited two months, before the proceedure.
Strangely, I always assumed I would react very badly to being told I had cancer, but from the outset, for some reason, I was very calm and laid back about it. On the day of the op itself, I had a strange sort of serenity rather than being terrified!!
To come back in again on the mental aspect.
I think that you have to be mentally strong to deal with the situation if the doc says "Yes you have cancer but we are not going to do anything about it just now"
In that regard it is a very peculiar ailment and some doctors may not consider the patient to be strong enough to deal with the information.
[/ QUOTE ]
I took some comfort from the fact that I was not rushed in the next day for surgery. You have to take their expertise at face value, and he was happy for there to be a delay. For personal reasons I waited two months, before the proceedure.
Strangely, I always assumed I would react very badly to being told I had cancer, but from the outset, for some reason, I was very calm and laid back about it. On the day of the op itself, I had a strange sort of serenity rather than being terrified!!
maxi77
Well-Known Member
Just an update once again my consultant confirmed no canger and prostate pills seem to be working so back in a few months for more tests and perhaps I might come of the antibiotics.
raven
Well-Known Member
Brilliant post Stu.
Well done for stimulating a very interesting and necessary discussion.
Hope all goes well for you and look forward to hearing of your full recovery.
Well done for stimulating a very interesting and necessary discussion.
Hope all goes well for you and look forward to hearing of your full recovery.
Heckler
Well-Known Member
Thanks
Stu
Stu
nicho
RIP
[ QUOTE ]
Just an update once again my consultant confirmed no canger and prostate pills seem to be working so back in a few months for more tests and perhaps I might come of the antibiotics.
[/ QUOTE ]
Fantastic news /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Just an update once again my consultant confirmed no canger and prostate pills seem to be working so back in a few months for more tests and perhaps I might come of the antibiotics.
[/ QUOTE ]
Fantastic news /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
maxi77
Well-Known Member
THanks
I really just wanted to make sure that people recognised that not all in fact many prostate problems are not cancer related, and can be fixed.
As for dying from embarrasment, what is more embarrasing dying because you were to shy, or admiting you have a health problem and getting it fixed.
I really just wanted to make sure that people recognised that not all in fact many prostate problems are not cancer related, and can be fixed.
As for dying from embarrasment, what is more embarrasing dying because you were to shy, or admiting you have a health problem and getting it fixed.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
See the headline on the front page of today's Torygraph. Maybe the reporter read this thread! For a change well balanced report unlike the one yesterday!
upthesolent
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
For those under 50, you can cut the risk .
[/ QUOTE ]
Next time one goes to call a person a tosser, one should consider that he may indeed be more intelligent than the accuser!
For those under 50, you can cut the risk .
[/ QUOTE ]
Next time one goes to call a person a tosser, one should consider that he may indeed be more intelligent than the accuser!
banger
Well-Known Member
Advice to all, get checked for prostate and bowel cancer, I am sitting here reading this just out of hospital after an operation for bowel cancer.
Will know the final result on tuesday, I only found out about it by accident, little bit of blood, thought it was a pile, I spend a lot of time at work sitting down, luckily we have a superb GP, straight in for a sorting out, camera etc up the bum, no it does not hurt, then on the list for an op, checked on the 29th Dec out today. so get in for a check
Will know the final result on tuesday, I only found out about it by accident, little bit of blood, thought it was a pile, I spend a lot of time at work sitting down, luckily we have a superb GP, straight in for a sorting out, camera etc up the bum, no it does not hurt, then on the list for an op, checked on the 29th Dec out today. so get in for a check
LeonF
Well-Known Member
Excellent post Stu. I have a friend who with his contemporaries, all in their mid sixties took part in a screening trial. He was shocked to find a raised PSA and early traces of cancer. Elected to have hormone therapy and radiotherapy. I think his morale took the worst of it, and it took a couple of years to get over the hormone therapy, but he is right as rain now. We need to all stop being squeamish and check our poo after a crap and not worry about the finger up the bum bit ! Iam told it's an old tarts trick anyway. Are Germans less squeamish ? Their toilets are designed so crap sits on a little ledge before being flushed, thus one can have a good check, rather than ours that drops straight in the water.
Don't be like a sailing chum who did nothing about his incessant farting until he farted through the end of his penis. His bowel tumour had perforated his bladder. Three years down the line and after surgery,several bouts of different chemo and a spread to his liver, he is finally responding to a non-approved chemo that he was fortunate enough to be allowed by his PCT. And it's working..fingers crossed.. he actually wants to come sailing this year!
Don't be like a sailing chum who did nothing about his incessant farting until he farted through the end of his penis. His bowel tumour had perforated his bladder. Three years down the line and after surgery,several bouts of different chemo and a spread to his liver, he is finally responding to a non-approved chemo that he was fortunate enough to be allowed by his PCT. And it's working..fingers crossed.. he actually wants to come sailing this year!
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