Prostate cancer
Discussion
I couldn't go yesterday for the start of my treatment. My wife and I vomited and had diarrhea (worst) all day. Went to a children's party Sunday. Probably the source.
Feel OK today, and have the intention of going. The re's been a bit of a negative though: I've been told I've got almost 5 weeks of treatment, not the three.
Feel OK today, and have the intention of going. The re's been a bit of a negative though: I've been told I've got almost 5 weeks of treatment, not the three.
@ kdri155
Your treatment plan will be quick as the NHS is trying to recover cancer treatment for all those missed during Covid. That is a really good sign that they are getting on with it. Yes, its daunting to start with as you learn all these new fancy words and what they are doing but it will get easier as you get through each stage.
Just because you are having another scan following a previous one is not necessarily bad news. The team need to be sure before they act and I wish I had had the same urgency when my diagnosis and treatment started. It sounds to me like you are in very good hands here.
If you are worried about anything at all from how to pay your energy bill to who will look after your dog, call Macmillan Cancer support https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ and start using Prostate Cancer UK's forum where all your concerns and worries have been discussed many times https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/
Keep us up to date with your progress.
Your treatment plan will be quick as the NHS is trying to recover cancer treatment for all those missed during Covid. That is a really good sign that they are getting on with it. Yes, its daunting to start with as you learn all these new fancy words and what they are doing but it will get easier as you get through each stage.
Just because you are having another scan following a previous one is not necessarily bad news. The team need to be sure before they act and I wish I had had the same urgency when my diagnosis and treatment started. It sounds to me like you are in very good hands here.
If you are worried about anything at all from how to pay your energy bill to who will look after your dog, call Macmillan Cancer support https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ and start using Prostate Cancer UK's forum where all your concerns and worries have been discussed many times https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/
Keep us up to date with your progress.
Edited by Viper201 on Wednesday 20th July 10:44
My thoughts are with you kdri.
I hope that, like me, you will find some reassurance that all of our case stories on here are so much the same.
My experience was that the whole testing and review stage was undertaken very quickly. Just as well because I have always had a very bad case of 'white coat syndrome' and I don't think I could have coped with months of waiting.
Do keep us informed at every stage.
I hope that, like me, you will find some reassurance that all of our case stories on here are so much the same.
My experience was that the whole testing and review stage was undertaken very quickly. Just as well because I have always had a very bad case of 'white coat syndrome' and I don't think I could have coped with months of waiting.
Do keep us informed at every stage.
Absolutely. Radiotherapy destroys white blood cells and that makes you lethargic as your body tries to cope and replace them. As you continue you will eventually sort of get used to it as it becomes a routine.
It affected me quite badly for a short time. I had a 30 minute drive to go for treatment and after leaving the hospital drove home. Once home I realised I had absolutely no recollection of the journey at all
Your symptoms sound familiar and my sleep pattern was all over the place. Take things easy and don't try to do too much until the treatment finishes. Your body will recover quite quickly once done.
It affected me quite badly for a short time. I had a 30 minute drive to go for treatment and after leaving the hospital drove home. Once home I realised I had absolutely no recollection of the journey at all
Your symptoms sound familiar and my sleep pattern was all over the place. Take things easy and don't try to do too much until the treatment finishes. Your body will recover quite quickly once done. Viper201 said:
Absolutely. Radiotherapy destroys white blood cells and that makes you lethargic as your body tries to cope and replace them. As you continue you will eventually sort of get used to it as it becomes a routine.
It affected me quite badly for a short time. I had a 30 minute drive to go for treatment and after leaving the hospital drove home. Once home I realised I had absolutely no recollection of the journey at all Your symptoms sound familiar and my sleep pattern was all over the place. Take things easy and don't try to do too much until the treatment finishes. Your body will recover quite quickly once done.
Thanks for that. My wife's a bit worried so your post will help us both.It affected me quite badly for a short time. I had a 30 minute drive to go for treatment and after leaving the hospital drove home. Once home I realised I had absolutely no recollection of the journey at all
Your symptoms sound familiar and my sleep pattern was all over the place. Take things easy and don't try to do too much until the treatment finishes. Your body will recover quite quickly once done. Sorry to moan, but I'd rather do it here. I didn't realise the lethargy would start so quickly.
Yes unfortunately fatigue is a major downside of R.T. treatment, couple that with the testosterone reduction injections, mine is every 3 months for the next two years or so, and tiredness is the cost.
I can only dream of doing a days gardening now, going for a walk is more than enough after a mile or two!!
On the plus side it’s great to know that the cancer is being kept in check.
Had results of my bone density scan and good news, all normal
Incidentally, I have now become a member of Prostate Cancer U.K. a little D.D. With so many charities vying for funding I thought this one most appropriate for me.
I can only dream of doing a days gardening now, going for a walk is more than enough after a mile or two!!
On the plus side it’s great to know that the cancer is being kept in check.
Had results of my bone density scan and good news, all normal
Incidentally, I have now become a member of Prostate Cancer U.K. a little D.D. With so many charities vying for funding I thought this one most appropriate for me.
crankedup5 said:
Yes unfortunately fatigue is a major downside of R.T. treatment, couple that with the testosterone reduction injections, mine is every 3 months for the next two years or so, and tiredness is the cost.
I can only dream of doing a days gardening now, going for a walk is more than enough after a mile or two!!
On the plus side it’s great to know that the cancer is being kept in check.
Had results of my bone density scan and good news, all normal
Incidentally, I have now become a member of Prostate Cancer U.K. a little D.D. With so many charities vying for funding I thought this one most appropriate for me.
Well done you.I can only dream of doing a days gardening now, going for a walk is more than enough after a mile or two!!
On the plus side it’s great to know that the cancer is being kept in check.
Had results of my bone density scan and good news, all normal
Incidentally, I have now become a member of Prostate Cancer U.K. a little D.D. With so many charities vying for funding I thought this one most appropriate for me.
Always great to hear positive news.
I had a healthy man check in April 2021 no symptoms and very fit and was 48 at time of check,
Was told my PSA was 3.6, no idea what PSA was at the time but was told to see my GP,
Camera in, Ultrasound , MRI nothing picked up but consultant said 3 month blood tests,
Next test 4.2 then 6.1 followed by 9,
Biopsy booked and of 32 cores 3 come back with Cancer, core maximum length of 2mm,
Consultant suggested monitoring and watch, I’m sort of happy with this but is a head game,
Still no symptoms apart from the mind wondering,
I wish you all well on your journey
Was told my PSA was 3.6, no idea what PSA was at the time but was told to see my GP,
Camera in, Ultrasound , MRI nothing picked up but consultant said 3 month blood tests,
Next test 4.2 then 6.1 followed by 9,
Biopsy booked and of 32 cores 3 come back with Cancer, core maximum length of 2mm,
Consultant suggested monitoring and watch, I’m sort of happy with this but is a head game,
Still no symptoms apart from the mind wondering,
I wish you all well on your journey
The rise in the PSA over the last 9 months (more than doubled) could be due to the cancer cells that have been detected. Remember though that the PSA value is affected by other stuff like exercise, sex, riding a bike etc before the test.
I'd guess that if the PSA reading next time remains stable you'll be on 'watch and wait' but if it rises be prepared for some intervention. The PSA test on its own is not ultra reliable but the Gleason score is when combined with the stage. This is calculated from the cells taken during the biopsy. A score up to 6 is okay, 7 (medium grade cancer) needs treatment and 8, 9 and 10 indicate a high grade cancer and the most aggressive form.
I'd guess that if the PSA reading next time remains stable you'll be on 'watch and wait' but if it rises be prepared for some intervention. The PSA test on its own is not ultra reliable but the Gleason score is when combined with the stage. This is calculated from the cells taken during the biopsy. A score up to 6 is okay, 7 (medium grade cancer) needs treatment and 8, 9 and 10 indicate a high grade cancer and the most aggressive form.
LG04 said:
I had a healthy man check in April 2021 no symptoms and very fit and was 48 at time of check,
Was told my PSA was 3.6, no idea what PSA was at the time but was told to see my GP,
Camera in, Ultrasound , MRI nothing picked up but consultant said 3 month blood tests,
Next test 4.2 then 6.1 followed by 9,
Biopsy booked and of 32 cores 3 come back with Cancer, core maximum length of 2mm,
Consultant suggested monitoring and watch, I’m sort of happy with this but is a head game,
Still no symptoms apart from the mind wondering,
I wish you all well on your journey
I found my doctor only too willing to tell me what was going on, and when it got beyond his expertise, there was always the specialist. Was told my PSA was 3.6, no idea what PSA was at the time but was told to see my GP,
Camera in, Ultrasound , MRI nothing picked up but consultant said 3 month blood tests,
Next test 4.2 then 6.1 followed by 9,
Biopsy booked and of 32 cores 3 come back with Cancer, core maximum length of 2mm,
Consultant suggested monitoring and watch, I’m sort of happy with this but is a head game,
Still no symptoms apart from the mind wondering,
I wish you all well on your journey
As others have said, I think the rate of increase is of interest to them. Mine went up and I was sent for an MRI. It sort of stayed level for a couple of years more or less, then a dramatic increase where the doctor didn't give a number or show me the graph. MacMillian nurses helped here.
I prefer to know, and, after saying this, I was told. Can't get fairer than that.
I've found doctors and nurses will explain but will not advise.
I had symptoms of an enlarge prostate for years. There was no significant change even as the cancer enlarged. Radiotherapy gives me a frequency of just under an hour during the day, and 90 mins during the night, but that, I'm told, is probably short term.
I'll have an argument if it is wrong, but it won't go on for more than 50 minutes.
Thanks for the good wishes, and all the best to you. Keep us all updates. My experience is that they seem to know what they are doing. It's reassuring.
32 cores? They must have been up your fundament for some time. I had 'only' 18, although counted just 17, and I thought they were moving in. Don't go boasting.
Following my recent visits concerning my prostrate cancer and it causing other issues I’m currently sat in a lovely gown at my local hospital waiting to have a TURBT procedure on my bladder following recent scans.
Thankfully my MRI shown no issues with bone mass as there was a concern about any issues spreading to my hips and pelvis.
Thankfully my MRI shown no issues with bone mass as there was a concern about any issues spreading to my hips and pelvis.
Can't wait to hear how kdri got on today. TURBT is a new one on me, which is just as well I suppose.
As for me, a couple of significant anniversaries have passed by - Aug 3rd 2021 was the day it all started and I couldn't pee. My diary shows a very low period after that. Looking back, the tests themselves were OK, it is the uncertainty that gets you. I am reminded just how much better I feel now.
Last week was another Prostap. I was ready for it this time and booked a Duvet day for afterwards, I needed it too! Joint stiffness well under control
and I guess some of it must be simply due to reaching my 3 score and ten earlier in the year. I battle with tiredness still, but the rest periods are part of my lifestyle now. So much better than the alternative, isn't it? My mates call it 'Jabs and tabs!'
Someone mentioned being kept informed by the medics and I must say that the people at the Heath and Velindre truly excel at doing that. Plan is that I'll now deal direct with the 'stats team' to monitor variations and then expect to see my Consultant before Christmas.
Always look forward to fresh posts on this thread. Who would have thought that a car site could take on such a level of importance in health and welfare? Best of luck everyone.
As for me, a couple of significant anniversaries have passed by - Aug 3rd 2021 was the day it all started and I couldn't pee. My diary shows a very low period after that. Looking back, the tests themselves were OK, it is the uncertainty that gets you. I am reminded just how much better I feel now.
Last week was another Prostap. I was ready for it this time and booked a Duvet day for afterwards, I needed it too! Joint stiffness well under control
and I guess some of it must be simply due to reaching my 3 score and ten earlier in the year. I battle with tiredness still, but the rest periods are part of my lifestyle now. So much better than the alternative, isn't it? My mates call it 'Jabs and tabs!'
Someone mentioned being kept informed by the medics and I must say that the people at the Heath and Velindre truly excel at doing that. Plan is that I'll now deal direct with the 'stats team' to monitor variations and then expect to see my Consultant before Christmas.
Always look forward to fresh posts on this thread. Who would have thought that a car site could take on such a level of importance in health and welfare? Best of luck everyone.
52classic said:
Can't wait to hear how kdri got on today. TURBT is a new one on me, which is just as well I suppose.
As for me, a couple of significant anniversaries have passed by - Aug 3rd 2021 was the day it all started and I couldn't pee. My diary shows a very low period after that. Looking back, the tests themselves were OK, it is the uncertainty that gets you. I am reminded just how much better I feel now.
Last week was another Prostap. I was ready for it this time and booked a Duvet day for afterwards, I needed it too! Joint stiffness well under control
and I guess some of it must be simply due to reaching my 3 score and ten earlier in the year. I battle with tiredness still, but the rest periods are part of my lifestyle now. So much better than the alternative, isn't it? My mates call it 'Jabs and tabs!'
Someone mentioned being kept informed by the medics and I must say that the people at the Heath and Velindre truly excel at doing that. Plan is that I'll now deal direct with the 'stats team' to monitor variations and then expect to see my Consultant before Christmas.
Always look forward to fresh posts on this thread. Who would have thought that a car site could take on such a level of importance in health and welfare? Best of luck everyone.
Have they said how long you will be on Prostap? 3 years or maybe just 2 years? As for me, a couple of significant anniversaries have passed by - Aug 3rd 2021 was the day it all started and I couldn't pee. My diary shows a very low period after that. Looking back, the tests themselves were OK, it is the uncertainty that gets you. I am reminded just how much better I feel now.
Last week was another Prostap. I was ready for it this time and booked a Duvet day for afterwards, I needed it too! Joint stiffness well under control
and I guess some of it must be simply due to reaching my 3 score and ten earlier in the year. I battle with tiredness still, but the rest periods are part of my lifestyle now. So much better than the alternative, isn't it? My mates call it 'Jabs and tabs!'
Someone mentioned being kept informed by the medics and I must say that the people at the Heath and Velindre truly excel at doing that. Plan is that I'll now deal direct with the 'stats team' to monitor variations and then expect to see my Consultant before Christmas.
Always look forward to fresh posts on this thread. Who would have thought that a car site could take on such a level of importance in health and welfare? Best of luck everyone.
I was given the 3 year time limit but after serious depression caused by this drug at 18 months (never ever suffered from depression before, thank goodness) the consultant agreed to switch to 2 years. It turns out that the extra year makes very little if any difference to the outcome and so far, 5 years on after I finished it, the PSA is just 0.7.
An update following my procedure last week.
I had a procedure last week to remove tumours from my bladder lining following on from scans taken previously, the procedure was TURBT Trans Urethal Reduction Bladder Tumour and can be performed under local (spinal) or general anaesthetic.
I opted for local as if all went well I could be home the same day, had an epidural waited for this to take effect then into theatre, a screens put up then a cystoscope is used via the urethra to use surgical tools to shave, cauterise and remove the tumours, a catheter is then inserted a dose of chemo drugs applied to literally bleach the bladder and left in situ for an hour or so then passed naturally.
After a few hours and routine checks I was home for 7pm.
Then on Friday at 11.30am I was back in A&E due to an extremely high temp and fever, a few checks and I was sent home only for me to return on Saturday at 10pm after passing heavy flows of blood and occasional clots with difficulty, admitted to a side ward, had a cystoscopy at roughly around 4.30am to be told I was suffering from severe Hemorrhagic Cystitis and would be having surgery later in the day (Sunday). Apparently this can be a side effect and can be caused by many things but primarily in my case either a post surgical infection or a reaction to the Intravesical Chemo, anyway this was dealt with under general anaesthetic this time and involved cauterising the bleeds and applying a gauze then again antibiotics to my bladder via a catheter.
Following all this back to the urology ward and allowed home yesterday,(Tuesday) The tumours removed are sent for assessment as to type and grade of cancer. In the meantime I’m still awaiting to hear about what care or monitoring needs to be undertaken with my prostrate.
Apologies for the long post.
I had a procedure last week to remove tumours from my bladder lining following on from scans taken previously, the procedure was TURBT Trans Urethal Reduction Bladder Tumour and can be performed under local (spinal) or general anaesthetic.
I opted for local as if all went well I could be home the same day, had an epidural waited for this to take effect then into theatre, a screens put up then a cystoscope is used via the urethra to use surgical tools to shave, cauterise and remove the tumours, a catheter is then inserted a dose of chemo drugs applied to literally bleach the bladder and left in situ for an hour or so then passed naturally.
After a few hours and routine checks I was home for 7pm.
Then on Friday at 11.30am I was back in A&E due to an extremely high temp and fever, a few checks and I was sent home only for me to return on Saturday at 10pm after passing heavy flows of blood and occasional clots with difficulty, admitted to a side ward, had a cystoscopy at roughly around 4.30am to be told I was suffering from severe Hemorrhagic Cystitis and would be having surgery later in the day (Sunday). Apparently this can be a side effect and can be caused by many things but primarily in my case either a post surgical infection or a reaction to the Intravesical Chemo, anyway this was dealt with under general anaesthetic this time and involved cauterising the bleeds and applying a gauze then again antibiotics to my bladder via a catheter.
Following all this back to the urology ward and allowed home yesterday,(Tuesday) The tumours removed are sent for assessment as to type and grade of cancer. In the meantime I’m still awaiting to hear about what care or monitoring needs to be undertaken with my prostrate.
Apologies for the long post.
kdri155 said:
An update following my procedure last week.
I had a procedure last week to remove tumours from my bladder lining following on from scans taken previously, the procedure was TURBT Trans Urethal Reduction Bladder Tumour and can be performed under local (spinal) or general anaesthetic.
I opted for local as if all went well I could be home the same day, had an epidural waited for this to take effect then into theatre, a screens put up then a cystoscope is used via the urethra to use surgical tools to shave, cauterise and remove the tumours, a catheter is then inserted a dose of chemo drugs applied to literally bleach the bladder and left in situ for an hour or so then passed naturally.
After a few hours and routine checks I was home for 7pm.
Then on Friday at 11.30am I was back in A&E due to an extremely high temp and fever, a few checks and I was sent home only for me to return on Saturday at 10pm after passing heavy flows of blood and occasional clots with difficulty, admitted to a side ward, had a cystoscopy at roughly around 4.30am to be told I was suffering from severe Hemorrhagic Cystitis and would be having surgery later in the day (Sunday). Apparently this can be a side effect and can be caused by many things but primarily in my case either a post surgical infection or a reaction to the Intravesical Chemo, anyway this was dealt with under general anaesthetic this time and involved cauterising the bleeds and applying a gauze then again antibiotics to my bladder via a catheter.
Following all this back to the urology ward and allowed home yesterday,(Tuesday) The tumours removed are sent for assessment as to type and grade of cancer. In the meantime I’m still awaiting to hear about what care or monitoring needs to be undertaken with my prostrate.
Apologies for the long post.
No need to apologise. Thanks for the info. Best of luck with the latest procedure. I'd appreciate being kept up to date with any developments.I had a procedure last week to remove tumours from my bladder lining following on from scans taken previously, the procedure was TURBT Trans Urethal Reduction Bladder Tumour and can be performed under local (spinal) or general anaesthetic.
I opted for local as if all went well I could be home the same day, had an epidural waited for this to take effect then into theatre, a screens put up then a cystoscope is used via the urethra to use surgical tools to shave, cauterise and remove the tumours, a catheter is then inserted a dose of chemo drugs applied to literally bleach the bladder and left in situ for an hour or so then passed naturally.
After a few hours and routine checks I was home for 7pm.
Then on Friday at 11.30am I was back in A&E due to an extremely high temp and fever, a few checks and I was sent home only for me to return on Saturday at 10pm after passing heavy flows of blood and occasional clots with difficulty, admitted to a side ward, had a cystoscopy at roughly around 4.30am to be told I was suffering from severe Hemorrhagic Cystitis and would be having surgery later in the day (Sunday). Apparently this can be a side effect and can be caused by many things but primarily in my case either a post surgical infection or a reaction to the Intravesical Chemo, anyway this was dealt with under general anaesthetic this time and involved cauterising the bleeds and applying a gauze then again antibiotics to my bladder via a catheter.
Following all this back to the urology ward and allowed home yesterday,(Tuesday) The tumours removed are sent for assessment as to type and grade of cancer. In the meantime I’m still awaiting to hear about what care or monitoring needs to be undertaken with my prostrate.
Apologies for the long post.
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