Prostate cancer
Discussion
Gas1883 said:
14 days after biopsy still waiting to find out result , professor I saw about kidney said it would be 12 days , wouldn’t normally be overly concerned but as they won’t proceed with kidney operation until they’ve looked at prostrate biopsy I’m getting a bit impatient, though I guess no news is good news
I was told in Nov 23 that the pathology labs (Cambridgeshire) were jammed and it could take 4-6 weeks to get a result. In the end, I think it was around 4 weeks.Gas1883 said:
14 days after biopsy still waiting to find out result , professor I saw about kidney said it would be 12 days , wouldn’t normally be overly concerned but as they won’t proceed with kidney operation until they’ve looked at prostrate biopsy I’m getting a bit impatient, though I guess no news is good news
I was told to expect contact 2-3 weeks after my biopsy, either by letter if good news, or phone call if bad news. After 4 weeks I chased it up but they wouldn't discuss it over the phone, chased up again after 5 weeks but got nowhere, after 6 weeks I went back to the Urology Dept in person and was told I'd get a letter after 3 weeks. Informed them I'd already been waiting 6 weeks so they went onto their systems and found the letter I should have received 3 weeks previous.having been referred forwards from my current hospital (Great Western, Swindon) to Reading healthcare, due to prostate simply being too big for their surgical options (pretty much just Turps) had my letter over the weekend from Reading.
Appointment for 31st May; which wasn't ideal simply as my issues are getting worse and I'm already several years into the system. Phoned them yesterday and they've found me s spot at another hospital for 19th March.
see what they have to say regarding surgical options, timelines and potential costs if i choose to go private as don't fancy another 18 months to 2 years of trying to avoid peeing myself and nappy pants are not the look I'm prepared to consider
Appointment for 31st May; which wasn't ideal simply as my issues are getting worse and I'm already several years into the system. Phoned them yesterday and they've found me s spot at another hospital for 19th March.
see what they have to say regarding surgical options, timelines and potential costs if i choose to go private as don't fancy another 18 months to 2 years of trying to avoid peeing myself and nappy pants are not the look I'm prepared to consider
I don’t post here very often, mainly as I count myself extremely lucky with my experience
Please ask about Focal therapy options, which not all consultants are up to speed about.
As alway, treatment options can be determined by size and location of tumours, but research Nanoknife and cryotherapy.
Try to stay positive
Please ask about Focal therapy options, which not all consultants are up to speed about.
As alway, treatment options can be determined by size and location of tumours, but research Nanoknife and cryotherapy.
Try to stay positive
Damp Logs said:
I don’t post here very often, mainly as I count myself extremely lucky with my experience
Please ask about Focal therapy options, which not all consultants are up to speed about.
As alway, treatment options can be determined by size and location of tumours, but research Nanoknife and cryotherapy.
Try to stay positive
Very much this. Do research yourself, take as much control as you can. The good thing about going private is you can go where you like and see who you like. Look up the individual consultants, look at their bios, are they up with the latest treatments? Ask around on forums. For the cost of a 30 minute Zoom consultation it may be worth talking to more than one to see who you feel comfortable with.Please ask about Focal therapy options, which not all consultants are up to speed about.
As alway, treatment options can be determined by size and location of tumours, but research Nanoknife and cryotherapy.
Try to stay positive
I have been here before , and reported no issues from tests .Now some of the symptoms have crept up on me and are more troublesome , particularly the need to pee at short notice , and even more restricted flow. And it is time to act
I was picking up a batch of repeat meds from pharmacy opposite my GP practice , so decided to pop in and make an appointment for a face to face and possibly an internal exam .
No sir we do not have any appointments you can book , you have go online and use “e consult” this will be reviewed (triaged )and you will be called in the next 48 hrs. Lucky I have the ability to use the internet , pity those who are unable to use/access the internet .
I was picking up a batch of repeat meds from pharmacy opposite my GP practice , so decided to pop in and make an appointment for a face to face and possibly an internal exam .
No sir we do not have any appointments you can book , you have go online and use “e consult” this will be reviewed (triaged )and you will be called in the next 48 hrs. Lucky I have the ability to use the internet , pity those who are unable to use/access the internet .
Finally have appointment for Wednesday ,I asked for a male doc (for my dignity) and get female Physician Associate instead
In the meantime an interesting article in the health section of Saturday's Mail .
The DRE ,digital rectal exam has been found to miss some prostate problems where the swelling is the front part and can't be felt during the DRE examination .
Thinking is now only a scan where symptoms suggest prostate problems ,will give a proper diagnosis .
During my consultation if it is decided a DRE is called for ,I am going to insist on being Seen by a qualified doctor ,and then to be referred for a scan ,to much is at stake
In the meantime an interesting article in the health section of Saturday's Mail .
The DRE ,digital rectal exam has been found to miss some prostate problems where the swelling is the front part and can't be felt during the DRE examination .
Thinking is now only a scan where symptoms suggest prostate problems ,will give a proper diagnosis .
During my consultation if it is decided a DRE is called for ,I am going to insist on being Seen by a qualified doctor ,and then to be referred for a scan ,to much is at stake
Edited by MXRod on Sunday 3rd March 07:58
MXRod said:
I have been here before , and reported no issues from tests .Now some of the symptoms have crept up on me and are more troublesome , particularly the need to pee at short notice , and even more restricted flow. And it is time to act
I was picking up a batch of repeat meds from pharmacy opposite my GP practice , so decided to pop in and make an appointment for a face to face and possibly an internal exam .
No sir we do not have any appointments you can book , you have go online and use “e consult” this will be reviewed (triaged )and you will be called in the next 48 hrs. Lucky I have the ability to use the internet , pity those who are unable to use/access the internet .
I had a initial blood test for peeing a lot / itching , when the result came back , psa of 8 if I remember right, I was rang by doctors surgery & told to come down immediately, which I did & was examined straight away I was picking up a batch of repeat meds from pharmacy opposite my GP practice , so decided to pop in and make an appointment for a face to face and possibly an internal exam .
No sir we do not have any appointments you can book , you have go online and use “e consult” this will be reviewed (triaged )and you will be called in the next 48 hrs. Lucky I have the ability to use the internet , pity those who are unable to use/access the internet .
Though since then ( 3 1/2 yrs ) anything to do with prostrate is through urology dept , urology nurse .
MXRod said:
Finally have appointment for Wednesday ,I asked for a male doc (for my dignity) and get female Physician Associate instead
In the meantime an interesting article in the health section of Saturday's Mail .
The DRE ,digital rectal exam has been found to miss some prostate problems where the swelling is the front part and can't be felt during the DRE examination .
Thinking is now only a scan where symptoms suggest prostate problems ,will give a proper diagnosis .
During my consultation if it is decided a DRE is called for ,I am going to insist on being Seen by a qualified doctor ,and then to be referred for a scan ,to much is at stake
Id not worry about females , hopefully you won’t need one , but I had 4 females present when having my 1 st biopsy , as my wife ( nhs ) says once you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all . In the meantime an interesting article in the health section of Saturday's Mail .
The DRE ,digital rectal exam has been found to miss some prostate problems where the swelling is the front part and can't be felt during the DRE examination .
Thinking is now only a scan where symptoms suggest prostate problems ,will give a proper diagnosis .
During my consultation if it is decided a DRE is called for ,I am going to insist on being Seen by a qualified doctor ,and then to be referred for a scan ,to much is at stake
Edited by MXRod on Sunday 3rd March 07:58
Gas1883 said:
MXRod said:
Finally have appointment for Wednesday ,I asked for a male doc (for my dignity) and get female Physician Associate instead
In the meantime an interesting article in the health section of Saturday's Mail .
The DRE ,digital rectal exam has been found to miss some prostate problems where the swelling is the front part and can't be felt during the DRE examination .
Thinking is now only a scan where symptoms suggest prostate problems ,will give a proper diagnosis .
During my consultation if it is decided a DRE is called for ,I am going to insist on being Seen by a qualified doctor ,and then to be referred for a scan ,to much is at stake
Id not worry about females , hopefully you won’t need one , but I had 4 females present when having my 1 st biopsy , as my wife ( nhs ) says once you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all . In the meantime an interesting article in the health section of Saturday's Mail .
The DRE ,digital rectal exam has been found to miss some prostate problems where the swelling is the front part and can't be felt during the DRE examination .
Thinking is now only a scan where symptoms suggest prostate problems ,will give a proper diagnosis .
During my consultation if it is decided a DRE is called for ,I am going to insist on being Seen by a qualified doctor ,and then to be referred for a scan ,to much is at stake
Edited by MXRod on Sunday 3rd March 07:58
I had a female conduct digital examination at the Urology Dept, then when I had my biopsy although it was a male that performed it, there were three other female nurses present in the room at the time. I was laid on my side and the nurses, possibly for my dignity, were stood in a position in front of me, rather than behind. It was all matter of fact for them, and I had no issues with them being there. I felt that they couldn't care less about what was happening in that it was just 'all in a days work' for them, seeing the same every day. I wouldn't have any qualms about having females present if I had to have another biopsy.
Likewise on females - they don't care and neither should you.
Also, as you go down this path, you will find that you are placed in the most undignified positions in states of undress quite frequently, so it is best to just accept that you'll give the medical staff an eyeful quite regularly.
Just yesterday, I was having a CT scan to plan the targeting of my radiotherapy. Three female radiographers and me. I had to be naked between my torso and my knees. And the room was chilly... I was able to cover my wedding tackle with some paper but I was nevertheless dropping my kecks in the CT room.
It didn't bother me. It didn't bother them.
Also, as you go down this path, you will find that you are placed in the most undignified positions in states of undress quite frequently, so it is best to just accept that you'll give the medical staff an eyeful quite regularly.
Just yesterday, I was having a CT scan to plan the targeting of my radiotherapy. Three female radiographers and me. I had to be naked between my torso and my knees. And the room was chilly... I was able to cover my wedding tackle with some paper but I was nevertheless dropping my kecks in the CT room.
It didn't bother me. It didn't bother them.
Such an un-erotic procedure is the flexible cystoscopy (camera introduced via the urethra) that although a gorgeous Oriental female urologist was wielding the endoscope, my organ was shrivelled to the size of a monkey-nut in its shell. How the devil she managed to shove her skinny Nikon up it will forever remain one of the mysteries of the Orient.
Had my consult today , the internal exam is not now essential , just a PSA test followed , if required , by a ultra sound scan . If treatment is required, I will have to submit to whatever indignities are required . It is not as though I have not had to submit to action around my wedding tackle before , I had an angiogram taken of my heart a while ago and the point of access was via my crutch
MXRod said:
I have been here before , and reported no issues from tests .Now some of the symptoms have crept up on me and are more troublesome , particularly the need to pee at short notice , and even more restricted flow. And it is time to act
I was picking up a batch of repeat meds from pharmacy opposite my GP practice , so decided to pop in and make an appointment for a face to face and possibly an internal exam .
No sir we do not have any appointments you can book , you have go online and use “e consult” this will be reviewed (triaged )and you will be called in the next 48 hrs. Lucky I have the ability to use the internet , pity those who are unable to use/access the internet .
this is where i'm at and getting it sorted before it gets unbearable.I was picking up a batch of repeat meds from pharmacy opposite my GP practice , so decided to pop in and make an appointment for a face to face and possibly an internal exam .
No sir we do not have any appointments you can book , you have go online and use “e consult” this will be reviewed (triaged )and you will be called in the next 48 hrs. Lucky I have the ability to use the internet , pity those who are unable to use/access the internet .
as for loss of dignity, when i had a catheter fitted and they had to change the external tube after a scan, a lovely nurse came in with the kit and to my surprise started to unpack it. The reason for my surprise was that she similar to our gold winning swimmer Ellie with the same issues in the arm length. She nearly had to pull the stopper out with her teeth and then eventually got it out and nearly flew across the room; my little fella had, by this time, decided to hibernate for the winter and turned himself into a second belly button.
i was looking for the cameras as this was comedy gold. I will never feel embarrassed by a doctor or nurse again!
My planning CT scan was a little chaotic.
The instructions were clear:
The nurse arrived with 500ml of water and more instructions: "In 15 mins, start drinking this. Drink it all in 5 mins. We'll then call you in for the scan."
After I have drunk the water, I wait. And I wait. And I wait. Of course I need to go again.
I'm given another 500ml of water. I glug that down and I'm shown into the CT room.
They measure my bladder and it's too full. They send me off to have a wee.
They then work out that it's fine to go ahead because my bladder is filling already.
It turns out that nobody follows their instructions.
CT with contrast is a bit odd - like a hot flush running down your body.
The instructions were clear:
- Have a bowel movement in the morning. Tick.
- Have plenty of Windeze to prevent flatulence that might interfere with the scan. Tick
- No food for the preceding four hours. Tick
- Drink two litres of water before arriving so I would be fully hydrated. Tick
The nurse arrived with 500ml of water and more instructions: "In 15 mins, start drinking this. Drink it all in 5 mins. We'll then call you in for the scan."
After I have drunk the water, I wait. And I wait. And I wait. Of course I need to go again.
I'm given another 500ml of water. I glug that down and I'm shown into the CT room.
They measure my bladder and it's too full. They send me off to have a wee.
They then work out that it's fine to go ahead because my bladder is filling already.
It turns out that nobody follows their instructions.
CT with contrast is a bit odd - like a hot flush running down your body.
Rang Leicester today as they requested biopsy , and it’s now over a month since biopsy , they said we’re still waiting for result so speak to ulht as your biopsy was done there , spoke to them and they said it’s over a month , has no one spoke to you ? No , I’ll message mdt .
Been really good over last 3 1/2 yrs but this is poor , Leicester won’t go ahead with kidney op until they know the result of prostrate biopsy , you would of thought they ( Leicester ) would be contacting ulht for result
Strange one is secatary said we don’t send letters ( I’ve got loads ) informing you of result , must be by phone .
Been really good over last 3 1/2 yrs but this is poor , Leicester won’t go ahead with kidney op until they know the result of prostrate biopsy , you would of thought they ( Leicester ) would be contacting ulht for result
Strange one is secatary said we don’t send letters ( I’ve got loads ) informing you of result , must be by phone .
Just had blood tests done to recheck my cholesterol (was high 6 months ago) and testosterone (was borderline low 6 months ago). Cholesterol was a bit lower (but still high), testosterone was well up into normal range (18.2 nmol/L, as opposed to 8.8 last time). However this time they also tested PSA levels (unbeknown to me, wasn't mentioned before or tested 6 months ago), and the result has come back as 6.6 ug/L. I now have an appointment to see GP next week, which I suppose could be as much about the cholesterol level as the PSA result.
From what I've read 6.6 is well above 'normal' range? Although also seen that some people with prostate cancer have PSA in the 1000's (presumably it's pretty advanced by then)? But also read that PSA tests aren't a reliable indicator of cancer either.
I had a PSA test done privately just over 2 years ago. Result for that one seemed normal for a 40 year old - 1.01 ng/ml with free to total ratio of 0.28. So if current 6.6 result is accurate is that quite a significant increase over 26 months? Free to total ratio doesn't appear to have been measured/calculated this time, so no comparison available there. GP doesn't know about my previous PSA results, but will obviously tell them next week.
My background - I'm early 40's, bit overweight but physically active and generally ok health. Do seem to have some prostate related symptoms (weak flow, not fully emptying, trouble starting and stopping), but been like that for as long as I can remember so just assumed it was normal. Never need to get up in the night to pee, which seems to be the most prominent symptom? Family background - think my grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he was well into his 90's at that point, so wasn't treated for it. My own dad is pushing 80 and he said his latest PSA measure was under 2.0, which indicates low risk for his age?
Should I be worried about this latest test result?
What's likely to happen next?
(Sorry, I've not read back through this whole thread as it is rather long)
From what I've read 6.6 is well above 'normal' range? Although also seen that some people with prostate cancer have PSA in the 1000's (presumably it's pretty advanced by then)? But also read that PSA tests aren't a reliable indicator of cancer either.
I had a PSA test done privately just over 2 years ago. Result for that one seemed normal for a 40 year old - 1.01 ng/ml with free to total ratio of 0.28. So if current 6.6 result is accurate is that quite a significant increase over 26 months? Free to total ratio doesn't appear to have been measured/calculated this time, so no comparison available there. GP doesn't know about my previous PSA results, but will obviously tell them next week.
My background - I'm early 40's, bit overweight but physically active and generally ok health. Do seem to have some prostate related symptoms (weak flow, not fully emptying, trouble starting and stopping), but been like that for as long as I can remember so just assumed it was normal. Never need to get up in the night to pee, which seems to be the most prominent symptom? Family background - think my grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he was well into his 90's at that point, so wasn't treated for it. My own dad is pushing 80 and he said his latest PSA measure was under 2.0, which indicates low risk for his age?
Should I be worried about this latest test result?
What's likely to happen next?
(Sorry, I've not read back through this whole thread as it is rather long)
6.6 is high for a 42 year old man. But, there are many reasons other than prostate cancer for the high reading. Riding a bike, exercising or having sex before the test will do this as will a urinary infection. An enlarged prostate could give your symptoms too. So don't always assume the worst.
The test is not 100% reliable by any means so a finger up the bum by the doctor to feel if the prostate is hard or irregular. If so then probably a scan followed by a biopsy if there are concerns.
The test is not 100% reliable by any means so a finger up the bum by the doctor to feel if the prostate is hard or irregular. If so then probably a scan followed by a biopsy if there are concerns.
Viper201 said:
6.6 is high for a 42 year old man. But, there are many reasons other than prostate cancer for the high reading. Riding a bike, exercising or having sex before the test will do this as will a urinary infection. An enlarged prostate could give your symptoms too. So don't always assume the worst.
The test is not 100% reliable by any means so a finger up the bum by the doctor to feel if the prostate is hard or irregular. If so then probably a scan followed by a biopsy if there are concerns.
Thanks. From what I've seen online I don't think exercise or sex would affect the result that strongly, and I didn't do either for at least 24hrs before bloods were taken. Not ridden a bike for a couple of weeks before. They didn't do a full blood count this time, or test for a UTI, but I didn't have any symptoms of one either, or prostatitis. Could BPH cause PSA levels to rise 6 fold in 2 years?The test is not 100% reliable by any means so a finger up the bum by the doctor to feel if the prostate is hard or irregular. If so then probably a scan followed by a biopsy if there are concerns.
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