Prostate cancer
Discussion
westberks said:
crikey, that's a lot to process but hopefully once they get to treat these you'll start to come out the other end in better shape. good luck with it all.
the getting old and suddenly getting caught out by stuff is a proper PITA
Thankyou , yes part of getting older I guess , and the main thing is everything is treatable the getting old and suddenly getting caught out by stuff is a proper PITA
Easy_Targa said:
I can of course recommend a new self help book for us sufferers
It's called "How to Shrink Your Prostate" by I P Freely
Seriously though, is anyone taking any snake oil that seems to work?
When I contributed on Prostate Cancer UK, this subject came up regularly. People who are vulnerable look to find anything they think can cure them. Yes, you can read how one sufferer found he was a lot better after taking X medication or Y supplement or so he claimed. I was told to drink Cranberry juice - utter waste of time. Then a seller posted on PC UK with this tried and tested product refined in a laboratory in Cambridge by someone with letters after their name. It's called "How to Shrink Your Prostate" by I P Freely
Seriously though, is anyone taking any snake oil that seems to work?
I did some digging on said company and directors and found them listed in the results of a London court where they had been tried and sentenced. The laboratory did not have a licence and the directors buggered off to France to continue making this magic potion. While they were in prison serving their sentences they had a former colleague post on PC UK and on Cancer Research in the breast cancer section, saying what a wonderful product this was and how it could cure you. There was a supply of the stuff in France that he was trying to sell. The court was told it had no benefit whatsoever.
Be very careful about products claimed to do this or that. If they are so good, why do the NHS or the cancer charities not recommend and list them and save themselves millions in R&D?
Viper201 said:
When I contributed on Prostate Cancer UK, this subject came up regularly. People who are vulnerable look to find anything they think can cure them. Yes, you can read how one sufferer found he was a lot better after taking X medication or Y supplement or so he claimed. I was told to drink Cranberry juice - utter waste of time. Then a seller posted on PC UK with this tried and tested product refined in a laboratory in Cambridge by someone with letters after their name.
I did some digging on said company and directors and found them listed in the results of a London court where they had been tried and sentenced. The laboratory did not have a licence and the directors buggered off to France to continue making this magic potion. While they were in prison serving their sentences they had a former colleague post on PC UK and on Cancer Research in the breast cancer section, saying what a wonderful product this was and how it could cure you. There was a supply of the stuff in France that he was trying to sell. The court was told it had no benefit whatsoever.
Be very careful about products claimed to do this or that. If they are so good, why do the NHS or the cancer charities not recommend and list them and save themselves millions in R&D?
I have a glass of pomegranate juice a day & a glass of red wine , according to the wife red wine helped the mil with women’s issues , so wife decided wine would be good for me , and after she read up pomegranate juice as well I did some digging on said company and directors and found them listed in the results of a London court where they had been tried and sentenced. The laboratory did not have a licence and the directors buggered off to France to continue making this magic potion. While they were in prison serving their sentences they had a former colleague post on PC UK and on Cancer Research in the breast cancer section, saying what a wonderful product this was and how it could cure you. There was a supply of the stuff in France that he was trying to sell. The court was told it had no benefit whatsoever.
Be very careful about products claimed to do this or that. If they are so good, why do the NHS or the cancer charities not recommend and list them and save themselves millions in R&D?
Gas1883 said:
I have a glass of pomegranate juice a day & a glass of red wine , according to the wife red wine helped the mil with women’s issues , so wife decided wine would be good for me , and after she read up pomegranate juice as well
I find a glass of red wine can help with most issues even the MIL 
I think the best proven advice is to reduce or eliminate caffeine intake to reduce frequency/urgency.Help needed
I’ve to go for a 3 rd prostate biopsy
1st one I was awake & it hurt , the lady said it couldn’t possibly but it sure did , then after about 15 of the 19 biopsy’s I need a pee ( believe the pressure ) , at this point the nice lady doing biopsy said any more from you and I’m taking you down the theatre & putting you asleep
2 nd one , I decided to goto sleep , marvellous , no issues other than no pickle on my corn beef sandwich when I woke up .
But , within a day of 1 st one I was fine , no issues , 2 nd one I had a terrible 2 weeks , basically slept on bathroom floor , severe pain every time I peed , as fast as I led down I needed to go again , at my wits end ( what did they do when I was asleep ) .
I said I’ll never have another biopsy , take it away , but mrs has said you have to have one , I’d rather go asleep , but don’t want those 2 weeks again , so just wondering has anyone else been asleep having a prostrate biopsy , how did you fare afterwards, was my 2 weeks after a 0ne off ?
No idea which way to go & dreading it , it’s got in
My head so badly when having my recent kidney biopsy , the nice nurse said you could hold my hand , but your clenching your fists so tightly you’d break my fingers ( was fine to be fare ) , but very unsettled .
I’ve to go for a 3 rd prostate biopsy
1st one I was awake & it hurt , the lady said it couldn’t possibly but it sure did , then after about 15 of the 19 biopsy’s I need a pee ( believe the pressure ) , at this point the nice lady doing biopsy said any more from you and I’m taking you down the theatre & putting you asleep
2 nd one , I decided to goto sleep , marvellous , no issues other than no pickle on my corn beef sandwich when I woke up .
But , within a day of 1 st one I was fine , no issues , 2 nd one I had a terrible 2 weeks , basically slept on bathroom floor , severe pain every time I peed , as fast as I led down I needed to go again , at my wits end ( what did they do when I was asleep ) .
I said I’ll never have another biopsy , take it away , but mrs has said you have to have one , I’d rather go asleep , but don’t want those 2 weeks again , so just wondering has anyone else been asleep having a prostrate biopsy , how did you fare afterwards, was my 2 weeks after a 0ne off ?
No idea which way to go & dreading it , it’s got in
My head so badly when having my recent kidney biopsy , the nice nurse said you could hold my hand , but your clenching your fists so tightly you’d break my fingers ( was fine to be fare ) , but very unsettled .
Not sure how to help to be honest. How long ago were these? The technology is advancing the whole time. Was it a transperineal biopsy (what I had - they stick an ultrasound probe up your back passage and go in under the scrotum)? Could you ask for sedation rather than being put under?
My biopsy was uncomfortable and undignified but not a horror show by any means. I'd equate it with a root canal at the dentists. When there was a bit that hurt more than the previous ones, I mentioned it to the doctor and he stuck a bit more local anaesthetic in that spot. Didn't have any long lasting effect - a bit of blood in my urine for a few days and some in my sperm (disconcerting to see). Certainly no pain afterwards. The only side effect I had was a hemorrhoid from when the doctor stuck the ultrasound up my Gary.
My biopsy was uncomfortable and undignified but not a horror show by any means. I'd equate it with a root canal at the dentists. When there was a bit that hurt more than the previous ones, I mentioned it to the doctor and he stuck a bit more local anaesthetic in that spot. Didn't have any long lasting effect - a bit of blood in my urine for a few days and some in my sperm (disconcerting to see). Certainly no pain afterwards. The only side effect I had was a hemorrhoid from when the doctor stuck the ultrasound up my Gary.
The talk of having a biopsy is unsettling.
My urologist has offered me one.
My elevated PSA is stable.
The prostrate is certainly enlarged but nothing found with a DRE.
No family history.
I had an MRI and nothing found, so nothing to target with a biopsy.
The urologist basically wants to carry out the biopsy so he has done all he can to ensure nothing sinister is hiding.
I’m now taking Finasteride to reduce prostate size and hopefully lower the PSA.
My thought now is to defer a biopsy and see if the drugs work, but there is that niggle to get the biopsy done but I’m reluctant.
Has anyone been in a similar dilemma?
I thought having an MRI would be good enough.
My urologist has offered me one.
My elevated PSA is stable.
The prostrate is certainly enlarged but nothing found with a DRE.
No family history.
I had an MRI and nothing found, so nothing to target with a biopsy.
The urologist basically wants to carry out the biopsy so he has done all he can to ensure nothing sinister is hiding.
I’m now taking Finasteride to reduce prostate size and hopefully lower the PSA.
My thought now is to defer a biopsy and see if the drugs work, but there is that niggle to get the biopsy done but I’m reluctant.
Has anyone been in a similar dilemma?
I thought having an MRI would be good enough.
mark387mw said:
The talk of having a biopsy is unsettling.
My urologist has offered me one.
My elevated PSA is stable.
The prostrate is certainly enlarged but nothing found with a DRE.
No family history.
I had an MRI and nothing found, so nothing to target with a biopsy.
The urologist basically wants to carry out the biopsy so he has done all he can to ensure nothing sinister is hiding.
I’m now taking Finasteride to reduce prostate size and hopefully lower the PSA.
My thought now is to defer a biopsy and see if the drugs work, but there is that niggle to get the biopsy done but I’m reluctant.
Has anyone been in a similar dilemma?
I thought having an MRI would be good enough.
What sort of biopsy is he advocating? If it is trans-rectal it might just be an uncomfortable and high-risk endeavour - they'll be taking 10-12 cores. A transperineal template biopsy can take up to fifty. So there is more probability of finding something.My urologist has offered me one.
My elevated PSA is stable.
The prostrate is certainly enlarged but nothing found with a DRE.
No family history.
I had an MRI and nothing found, so nothing to target with a biopsy.
The urologist basically wants to carry out the biopsy so he has done all he can to ensure nothing sinister is hiding.
I’m now taking Finasteride to reduce prostate size and hopefully lower the PSA.
My thought now is to defer a biopsy and see if the drugs work, but there is that niggle to get the biopsy done but I’m reluctant.
Has anyone been in a similar dilemma?
I thought having an MRI would be good enough.
But either way you're being subjected to holes being punched in your prostate, which is never going to be a fun endeavour and comes with it risk. If my PSA (you haven't said what yours is) were not an outrageous figure and stable I would be avoiding one at the moment.
Louis Balfour said:
What sort of biopsy is he advocating? If it is trans-rectal it might just be an uncomfortable and high-risk endeavour - they'll be taking 10-12 cores. A transperineal template biopsy can take up to fifty. So there is more probability of finding something.
But either way you're being subjected to holes being punched in your prostate, which is never going to be a fun endeavour and comes with it risk. If my PSA (you haven't said what yours is) were not an outrageous figure and stable I would be avoiding one at the moment.
The biopsy would be transperineal with 24 samples as the MRI was negative. But either way you're being subjected to holes being punched in your prostate, which is never going to be a fun endeavour and comes with it risk. If my PSA (you haven't said what yours is) were not an outrageous figure and stable I would be avoiding one at the moment.
PSA was 15 and now 14.8 and blood tests were taken when not at best rested state. Urologist explained that given the size of my prostate, the unsatisfactory level of PSA would be 19.
The urologist is returning to Edinburgh in February so perhaps an opportunity for a second opinion in 3 or 6 months time.
mark387mw said:
Louis Balfour said:
What sort of biopsy is he advocating? If it is trans-rectal it might just be an uncomfortable and high-risk endeavour - they'll be taking 10-12 cores. A transperineal template biopsy can take up to fifty. So there is more probability of finding something.
But either way you're being subjected to holes being punched in your prostate, which is never going to be a fun endeavour and comes with it risk. If my PSA (you haven't said what yours is) were not an outrageous figure and stable I would be avoiding one at the moment.
The biopsy would be transperineal with 24 samples as the MRI was negative. But either way you're being subjected to holes being punched in your prostate, which is never going to be a fun endeavour and comes with it risk. If my PSA (you haven't said what yours is) were not an outrageous figure and stable I would be avoiding one at the moment.
PSA was 15 and now 14.8 and blood tests were taken when not at best rested state. Urologist explained that given the size of my prostate, the unsatisfactory level of PSA would be 19.
The urologist is returning to Edinburgh in February so perhaps an opportunity for a second opinion in 3 or 6 months time.
There's something going on though. Which could just be BPH but it could be something else.
Have you got any other problems, with your gut for example? And have they sent away urine for a comprehensive check for infection? Not just a dip at your GP practice?
Louis Balfour said:
Quite a high PSA number and he has given you a new, higher, threshold. If you reach 19 and it is then determined that you have prostate cancer it makes you more high risk. Which is probably why the urologist wants to conduct the biopsy.
There's something going on though. Which could just be BPH but it could be something else.
Have you got any other problems, with your gut for example? And have they sent away urine for a comprehensive check for infection? Not just a dip at your GP practice?
The hospital urologist nurse did the infection check but likely a dip. There's something going on though. Which could just be BPH but it could be something else.
Have you got any other problems, with your gut for example? And have they sent away urine for a comprehensive check for infection? Not just a dip at your GP practice?
BPH was diagnosed initially and an appointment with the urologist declined but 2 years on, they’re now having another look.
I would like to think the PSA will decrease with the meds, but I am an optimist.
mark387mw said:
Louis Balfour said:
Quite a high PSA number and he has given you a new, higher, threshold. If you reach 19 and it is then determined that you have prostate cancer it makes you more high risk. Which is probably why the urologist wants to conduct the biopsy.
There's something going on though. Which could just be BPH but it could be something else.
Have you got any other problems, with your gut for example? And have they sent away urine for a comprehensive check for infection? Not just a dip at your GP practice?
The hospital urologist nurse did the infection check but likely a dip. There's something going on though. Which could just be BPH but it could be something else.
Have you got any other problems, with your gut for example? And have they sent away urine for a comprehensive check for infection? Not just a dip at your GP practice?
BPH was diagnosed initially and an appointment with the urologist declined but 2 years on, they’re now having another look.
I would like to think the PSA will decrease with the meds, but I am an optimist.
I'd want my urine sent for more detailed tests though. Local dip tests can miss things that are quite important and that can cause not only an enlarged prostate but also be a risk factor for prostate cancer.
Louis Balfour said:
mark387mw said:
Louis Balfour said:
Quite a high PSA number and he has given you a new, higher, threshold. If you reach 19 and it is then determined that you have prostate cancer it makes you more high risk. Which is probably why the urologist wants to conduct the biopsy.
There's something going on though. Which could just be BPH but it could be something else.
Have you got any other problems, with your gut for example? And have they sent away urine for a comprehensive check for infection? Not just a dip at your GP practice?
The hospital urologist nurse did the infection check but likely a dip. There's something going on though. Which could just be BPH but it could be something else.
Have you got any other problems, with your gut for example? And have they sent away urine for a comprehensive check for infection? Not just a dip at your GP practice?
BPH was diagnosed initially and an appointment with the urologist declined but 2 years on, they’re now having another look.
I would like to think the PSA will decrease with the meds, but I am an optimist.
I'd want my urine sent for more detailed tests though. Local dip tests can miss things that are quite important and that can cause not only an enlarged prostate but also be a risk factor for prostate cancer.
Check and double check.
Louis Balfour said:
mark387mw said:
Louis Balfour said:
What sort of biopsy is he advocating? If it is trans-rectal it might just be an uncomfortable and high-risk endeavour - they'll be taking 10-12 cores. A transperineal template biopsy can take up to fifty. So there is more probability of finding something.
But either way you're being subjected to holes being punched in your prostate, which is never going to be a fun endeavour and comes with it risk. If my PSA (you haven't said what yours is) were not an outrageous figure and stable I would be avoiding one at the moment.
The biopsy would be transperineal with 24 samples as the MRI was negative. But either way you're being subjected to holes being punched in your prostate, which is never going to be a fun endeavour and comes with it risk. If my PSA (you haven't said what yours is) were not an outrageous figure and stable I would be avoiding one at the moment.
PSA was 15 and now 14.8 and blood tests were taken when not at best rested state. Urologist explained that given the size of my prostate, the unsatisfactory level of PSA would be 19.
The urologist is returning to Edinburgh in February so perhaps an opportunity for a second opinion in 3 or 6 months time.
There's something going on though. Which could just be BPH but it could be something else.
Have you got any other problems, with your gut for example? And have they sent away urine for a comprehensive check for infection? Not just a dip at your GP practice?
now had scan of bladder and MRI following a 20.2 & 19.7 score recently. Consultant meeting in a couple of weeks to agree next stage as well as meds to start.
I've previously had biopsies and after the template had clotting and internal bleeding requiring 3 days in hospital. Probably due to the size of my prostate but still unexpected. may need another after these tests and as I've been suffering for nearly 10 years I won't say no; just in case
Edited by westberks on Wednesday 31st January 07:16
AstonZagato said:
Not sure how to help to be honest. How long ago were these? The technology is advancing the whole time. Was it a transperineal biopsy (what I had - they stick an ultrasound probe up your back passage and go in under the scrotum)? Could you ask for sedation rather than being put under?
My biopsy was uncomfortable and undignified but not a horror show by any means. I'd equate it with a root canal at the dentists. When there was a bit that hurt more than the previous ones, I mentioned it to the doctor and he stuck a bit more local anaesthetic in that spot. Didn't have any long lasting effect - a bit of blood in my urine for a few days and some in my sperm (disconcerting to see). Certainly no pain afterwards. The only side effect I had was a hemorrhoid from when the doctor stuck the ultrasound up my Gary.
3 yrs ago & 1 yr ago , I’m going as talked to specialist & as he said there is a chance the cancer has become more aggressive ( though no change in mri from 2 years ago ) & biopsy is the correct route , as even though I’m dreading it , it does make sense My biopsy was uncomfortable and undignified but not a horror show by any means. I'd equate it with a root canal at the dentists. When there was a bit that hurt more than the previous ones, I mentioned it to the doctor and he stuck a bit more local anaesthetic in that spot. Didn't have any long lasting effect - a bit of blood in my urine for a few days and some in my sperm (disconcerting to see). Certainly no pain afterwards. The only side effect I had was a hemorrhoid from when the doctor stuck the ultrasound up my Gary.
Thankyou
mark387mw said:
The talk of having a biopsy is unsettling.
My urologist has offered me one.
My elevated PSA is stable.
The prostrate is certainly enlarged but nothing found with a DRE.
No family history.
I had an MRI and nothing found, so nothing to target with a biopsy.
The urologist basically wants to carry out the biopsy so he has done all he can to ensure nothing sinister is hiding.
I’m now taking Finasteride to reduce prostate size and hopefully lower the PSA.
My thought now is to defer a biopsy and see if the drugs work, but there is that niggle to get the biopsy done but I’m reluctant.
Has anyone been in a similar dilemma?
I thought having an MRI would be good enough.
I’d go and have a biopsy , that’s from someone who dreads them whilst awake , my original consultant said after a mri scan there was no change in my prostrate cancer from 2 yrs ago , and my psa that had risen from 12 to 13.4 was down to me suffering from infections . My urologist has offered me one.
My elevated PSA is stable.
The prostrate is certainly enlarged but nothing found with a DRE.
No family history.
I had an MRI and nothing found, so nothing to target with a biopsy.
The urologist basically wants to carry out the biopsy so he has done all he can to ensure nothing sinister is hiding.
I’m now taking Finasteride to reduce prostate size and hopefully lower the PSA.
My thought now is to defer a biopsy and see if the drugs work, but there is that niggle to get the biopsy done but I’m reluctant.
Has anyone been in a similar dilemma?
I thought having an MRI would be good enough.
My notes were then looked at by a team of 10 ( I’ve kidney issues ) & they said psa raising could be due to the cancer becoming more aggressive so wanted a prostrate biopsy , I wasn’t keen but there specialists , im not , and to be fair in my case if I left biopsy & there correct cancer could become more aggressive then , well we know the answer
Best to follow there advice , and as fed up lady doing biopsy said to me , any more from you and we will take you down the theatre & put you asleep !! ( my mrs works at hospital so had forewarned them not to take any crap from me , and to give her a call if need be & she’d sort me out
You’ll be fine , peace of mind .
mark387mw said:
The talk of having a biopsy is unsettling.
My urologist has offered me one.
My elevated PSA is stable.
The prostrate is certainly enlarged but nothing found with a DRE.
No family history.
I had an MRI and nothing found, so nothing to target with a biopsy.
The urologist basically wants to carry out the biopsy so he has done all he can to ensure nothing sinister is hiding.
I’m now taking Finasteride to reduce prostate size and hopefully lower the PSA.
My thought now is to defer a biopsy and see if the drugs work, but there is that niggle to get the biopsy done but I’m reluctant.
Has anyone been in a similar dilemma?
I thought having an MRI would be good enough.
I’d go and have a biopsy , that’s from someone who dreads them whilst awake , my original consultant said after a mri scan there was no change in my prostrate cancer from 2 yrs ago , and my psa that had risen from 12 to 13.4 was down to me suffering from infections . My urologist has offered me one.
My elevated PSA is stable.
The prostrate is certainly enlarged but nothing found with a DRE.
No family history.
I had an MRI and nothing found, so nothing to target with a biopsy.
The urologist basically wants to carry out the biopsy so he has done all he can to ensure nothing sinister is hiding.
I’m now taking Finasteride to reduce prostate size and hopefully lower the PSA.
My thought now is to defer a biopsy and see if the drugs work, but there is that niggle to get the biopsy done but I’m reluctant.
Has anyone been in a similar dilemma?
I thought having an MRI would be good enough.
My notes were then looked at by a team of 10 ( I’ve kidney issues ) & they said psa raising could be due to the cancer becoming more aggressive so wanted a prostrate biopsy , I wasn’t keen but there specialists , im not , and to be fair in my case if I left biopsy & there correct cancer could become more aggressive then , well we know the answer
Best to follow there advice , and as fed up lady doing biopsy said to me , any more from you and we will take you down the theatre & put you asleep !! ( my mrs works at hospital so had forewarned them not to take any crap from me , and to give her a call if need be & she’d sort me out
You’ll be fine , peace of mind .
Louis Balfour said:
What sort of biopsy is he advocating? If it is trans-rectal it might just be an uncomfortable and high-risk endeavour - they'll be taking 10-12 cores. A transperineal template biopsy can take up to fifty. So there is more probability of finding something.
No idea what kind of biopsy I had last year, but I had 12 needles so would that mean it was a trans-rectal?No pain at all, and all clear thankfully.
The Gauge said:
Louis Balfour said:
What sort of biopsy is he advocating? If it is trans-rectal it might just be an uncomfortable and high-risk endeavour - they'll be taking 10-12 cores. A transperineal template biopsy can take up to fifty. So there is more probability of finding something.
No idea what kind of biopsy I had last year, but I had 12 needles so would that mean it was a trans-rectal?No pain at all, and all clear thankfully.
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