Prostate cancer
Discussion
kdri155 said:
After a call last week to cancel my robotic surgery on 6-12 i had a call yesterday to rebook for 21-12, my localhealth authority are arranging transport to and from UCLH Westmorland.
Naturally there's a little apprehension on my part but thats just pre surgery nerves.
Hope everything goes well for you- I'm booked in for the 4th January so keep us posted!Naturally there's a little apprehension on my part but thats just pre surgery nerves.
This morning is the day after surgery, went to theatre at 11.30am, on recovery ward for 6.30pm and on the ward by 8pm. I had an uncomfortable but not too painful night and not much sleep, to be honest I was worried about catching the catheter even though I’d been assured it’s firmly in place.
I did vomit a couple of times due to the anaesthetic and I was unable to eat anything. I’m here until Friday when transport back to has been arranged for.
Picture is pre-surgery in some fetching stockings…
I did vomit a couple of times due to the anaesthetic and I was unable to eat anything. I’m here until Friday when transport back to has been arranged for.
Picture is pre-surgery in some fetching stockings…
kdri155 said:
This morning is the day after surgery, went to theatre at 11.30am, on recovery ward for 6.30pm and on the ward by 8pm. I had an uncomfortable but not too painful night and not much sleep, to be honest I was worried about catching the catheter even though I’d been assured it’s firmly in place.
I did vomit a couple of times due to the anaesthetic and I was unable to eat anything. I’m here until Friday when transport back to has been arranged for.
Picture is pre-surgery in some fetching stockings…
Do not step on the catheter tube if you get off the bed! I did vomit a couple of times due to the anaesthetic and I was unable to eat anything. I’m here until Friday when transport back to has been arranged for.
Picture is pre-surgery in some fetching stockings…
Good Luck and swift recovery.
kdri155 said:
This morning is the day after surgery, went to theatre at 11.30am, on recovery ward for 6.30pm and on the ward by 8pm. I had an uncomfortable but not too painful night and not much sleep, to be honest I was worried about catching the catheter even though I’d been assured it’s firmly in place.
I did vomit a couple of times due to the anaesthetic and I was unable to eat anything. I’m here until Friday when transport back to has been arranged for.
Picture is pre-surgery in some fetching stockings…
I'm not sure if it's the norm but they had me self injecting blood thinners into my stomach for 3 weeks after the op to prevent blood clots. A nurse taught me how to do it on the ward.I did vomit a couple of times due to the anaesthetic and I was unable to eat anything. I’m here until Friday when transport back to has been arranged for.
Picture is pre-surgery in some fetching stockings…
My surgery on Wednesday went well, i had everything removed prostate, lymph nodes,, seminal glands and nerve bundles, not an issue as like many i just wanted the prostate dealt with.
First nights sleep was dreadful, I've never experienced pain like that but the nursing staff were great, came home on Friday only to end up in A&E 5am Saturday as i was passing urine outside of the catheter as well as a few pieces of mucous looking blood.
Naturally concerned as i didnt know if it was serious, staff in A&E bumped me up the 8 hour queue and after flushing the lines and bladder all was good back home within 90 minutes.
I've been given a course of Sildenafil just to aid blood flow through my penis even though its not in use, also a 27 day course of twice daily blood thinning injections. My wife took a couple photos of the surgery entry points that I'll post if anyones interested. I know I've still got a few hurdles ahead of me but it's all looking good to me at least.
Once again I'd like to thank everyone thats taken time to view through all 18 pages to give advice and insight to everyone involved.
First nights sleep was dreadful, I've never experienced pain like that but the nursing staff were great, came home on Friday only to end up in A&E 5am Saturday as i was passing urine outside of the catheter as well as a few pieces of mucous looking blood.
Naturally concerned as i didnt know if it was serious, staff in A&E bumped me up the 8 hour queue and after flushing the lines and bladder all was good back home within 90 minutes.
I've been given a course of Sildenafil just to aid blood flow through my penis even though its not in use, also a 27 day course of twice daily blood thinning injections. My wife took a couple photos of the surgery entry points that I'll post if anyones interested. I know I've still got a few hurdles ahead of me but it's all looking good to me at least.
Once again I'd like to thank everyone thats taken time to view through all 18 pages to give advice and insight to everyone involved.
Edited by kdri155 on Saturday 24th December 11:35
Well I had the operation on the 4th, took 6 hours because I'd had an infection (probably from biopsy) and my bladder tube was damaged. Other than that, all went well and was discharged on the Friday. Bit alarmed because I had the catheter fitted which I expected, but also a blood drain which I didn't!
I was back at home, happy and binge watching Happy Valley with the Mrs.
Late Saturday night I start throwing up. Felt fine to start with, but carried on Sunday night. Monday morning, the Mrs is on the phone to everyone and later that day our GP confirms I've got an infection and prescribed antibiotics to pick up Tues.
Luckily, she'd spoken to a consultant who said if I got worse, come to hospital but bypass A&E as I was under their care.
Next bit is a bit vague as I was a bit delirious and my recollection is slightly different to Sarah's, but I remember my Mrs coming into the bedroom I was in- head in a bucket trying to be quiet! I then remember her taking me downstairs and sitting me on the couch. To my surprise, Tesco home delivery then pulled up outside the house and all the drive lights came on my Mrs let them in and they pretended to be ambulance people. Luckily, tesco (a) have morphine and (b) know where Blackburn hospital is.
I get to a&e - it's like a war zone (probably not but felt like it) but luckily I waved my "get out the zoo" card and within 15 minutes I'm on a ward. Took a couple of days to start to get the infection under control but fingers crossed it's now getting there. Still in hospital but all being well should be good to come home in a couple of days and on the plus side I haven't (hopefully!) got prostate cancer.
I was back at home, happy and binge watching Happy Valley with the Mrs.
Late Saturday night I start throwing up. Felt fine to start with, but carried on Sunday night. Monday morning, the Mrs is on the phone to everyone and later that day our GP confirms I've got an infection and prescribed antibiotics to pick up Tues.
Luckily, she'd spoken to a consultant who said if I got worse, come to hospital but bypass A&E as I was under their care.
Next bit is a bit vague as I was a bit delirious and my recollection is slightly different to Sarah's, but I remember my Mrs coming into the bedroom I was in- head in a bucket trying to be quiet! I then remember her taking me downstairs and sitting me on the couch. To my surprise, Tesco home delivery then pulled up outside the house and all the drive lights came on my Mrs let them in and they pretended to be ambulance people. Luckily, tesco (a) have morphine and (b) know where Blackburn hospital is.
I get to a&e - it's like a war zone (probably not but felt like it) but luckily I waved my "get out the zoo" card and within 15 minutes I'm on a ward. Took a couple of days to start to get the infection under control but fingers crossed it's now getting there. Still in hospital but all being well should be good to come home in a couple of days and on the plus side I haven't (hopefully!) got prostate cancer.
Northwest Monkey...hopefully you're on the mend now.
Today I had an appointment locally with my CNS, a chat to discuss how I'm coping, what and where to go next with treatment. I've managed to stay dry at night so no longer need to use pants although we do have a waterproof sheet as backup on our bed, daytime I'm using liners and again doing ok with minimal leakage.
It was explained that I'd need a couple of blood tests over the coming weeks to monitor my PSA levels and if needed have further treatment. I was also given a vacuum pump to use once my daily injections stop. This is to help bring my penis back to a normal size and obviously in the future to aid with obtaining and maintaining erections if needed.
I have to admit I wasn't expecting to be given a pump but anything that helps is welcome, on a personal note I'm hoping to return to work on a part-time basis in February.
Today I had an appointment locally with my CNS, a chat to discuss how I'm coping, what and where to go next with treatment. I've managed to stay dry at night so no longer need to use pants although we do have a waterproof sheet as backup on our bed, daytime I'm using liners and again doing ok with minimal leakage.
It was explained that I'd need a couple of blood tests over the coming weeks to monitor my PSA levels and if needed have further treatment. I was also given a vacuum pump to use once my daily injections stop. This is to help bring my penis back to a normal size and obviously in the future to aid with obtaining and maintaining erections if needed.
I have to admit I wasn't expecting to be given a pump but anything that helps is welcome, on a personal note I'm hoping to return to work on a part-time basis in February.
Your news sounds positive.
On the pump thing there is a saying which is very true here: Use it or lose it. Shrinkage will happen and even those on the radiotherapy treatment should not ignore this. The problem there is that the injections or pills reduce your libido to zero so there is no desire.
On the pump thing there is a saying which is very true here: Use it or lose it. Shrinkage will happen and even those on the radiotherapy treatment should not ignore this. The problem there is that the injections or pills reduce your libido to zero so there is no desire.
Fingers crossed I'm going to be allowed home today! I've been on some antibiotics for a few days called Gentamicin and they're working pretty well. My catheter is still in - I have a cystogram next Monday but the drain tube poking out of my side was taken out yesterday.
Top tip- don't watch anybody pull about 45cm of hosepipe out of a hole in the side of you. Very unnerving
Top tip- don't watch anybody pull about 45cm of hosepipe out of a hole in the side of you. Very unnerving
I'm guessing it's my turn to join this thread.
In December as part of general MOT, I had a blood test for PSA.
On the 22nd (my 66th birthday) the doctor called me with a PSA number of 1,257. I've always said go big or go home.
After a CT scan, I've had it confirmed (on Friday 13th) as Metastatic Prostate Cancer with spread to lymph nodes. I an so relieved that my bones and other organs appear cancer free.
I've started hormone pills, Bicalutamide) and chemo should start soon. Obviously I'm beyond the stage of wearing tights and an operation.
Inside I'm scared but positive. I have a great family and friends for support but I'm not ready to stop riding my Ducati yet.
In December as part of general MOT, I had a blood test for PSA.
On the 22nd (my 66th birthday) the doctor called me with a PSA number of 1,257. I've always said go big or go home.
After a CT scan, I've had it confirmed (on Friday 13th) as Metastatic Prostate Cancer with spread to lymph nodes. I an so relieved that my bones and other organs appear cancer free.
I've started hormone pills, Bicalutamide) and chemo should start soon. Obviously I'm beyond the stage of wearing tights and an operation.
Inside I'm scared but positive. I have a great family and friends for support but I'm not ready to stop riding my Ducati yet.
Oh - that's not what you want to hear.
What does that number relate to - I've just been told my PSA blood test is 5.2 and I think they said 4 would be max for my age (almost 66).
I've felt a bit off - lower stomach tenseness, and generall stiffness around my middle, hips etc, for a couple of months but Dr wasn't keen to consider prostate. Out of the blue he changed from a telephone consulation to f2f and did prod my prostate and could feel a lump.
Saw a consultant on Monday who said same. Had a scan this morning to see if it's spread, and they're planning to do a biopsy but he warned me they might not hit the lump. Must admit the general stiffness I'm feeling scares me.
What does that number relate to - I've just been told my PSA blood test is 5.2 and I think they said 4 would be max for my age (almost 66).
I've felt a bit off - lower stomach tenseness, and generall stiffness around my middle, hips etc, for a couple of months but Dr wasn't keen to consider prostate. Out of the blue he changed from a telephone consulation to f2f and did prod my prostate and could feel a lump.
Saw a consultant on Monday who said same. Had a scan this morning to see if it's spread, and they're planning to do a biopsy but he warned me they might not hit the lump. Must admit the general stiffness I'm feeling scares me.
I've a guy in my team who has had prostate treatment, his PSA number peaked at 42 and is now 0.2.
I also have a lady in my team whose husband had a peak of over 2,000, alas he had cancer in his bones as well as other places and sadly is no longer with us.
My brother is seven years older than me and had a peak number of 13.
I think it's probably better not to worry about the absolute number but rather the direction of travel.
I didn't ask for cancer to invade me and I'll admit I'm scared.
I also have a lady in my team whose husband had a peak of over 2,000, alas he had cancer in his bones as well as other places and sadly is no longer with us.
My brother is seven years older than me and had a peak number of 13.
I think it's probably better not to worry about the absolute number but rather the direction of travel.
I didn't ask for cancer to invade me and I'll admit I'm scared.
mywifeshusband said:
I'm guessing it's my turn to join this thread.
In December as part of general MOT, I had a blood test for PSA.
On the 22nd (my 66th birthday) the doctor called me with a PSA number of 1,257. I've always said go big or go home.
After a CT scan, I've had it confirmed (on Friday 13th) as Metastatic Prostate Cancer with spread to lymph nodes. I an so relieved that my bones and other organs appear cancer free.
I've started hormone pills, Bicalutamide) and chemo should start soon. Obviously I'm beyond the stage of wearing tights and an operation.
Inside I'm scared but positive. I have a great family and friends for support but I'm not ready to stop riding my Ducati yet.
I hope things turn round for you.In December as part of general MOT, I had a blood test for PSA.
On the 22nd (my 66th birthday) the doctor called me with a PSA number of 1,257. I've always said go big or go home.
After a CT scan, I've had it confirmed (on Friday 13th) as Metastatic Prostate Cancer with spread to lymph nodes. I an so relieved that my bones and other organs appear cancer free.
I've started hormone pills, Bicalutamide) and chemo should start soon. Obviously I'm beyond the stage of wearing tights and an operation.
Inside I'm scared but positive. I have a great family and friends for support but I'm not ready to stop riding my Ducati yet.
I'd talk with your oncologist or even your Macmillan contact. I was told, when my PSA went up to what I thought then was a high figure, that over a certain number, the increase is not so much meaningless and open to interpretation. Don't get fixated was the advice given to me.
I found the Macmillan lot honest and clear. I'd suggest using them. For me, they were brilliant. They told the truth, but at least you know.
We all wish you the best of course. Is it too much to ask that you keep us updated?
If you'd had a UTI or other infection within the last few weeks that can bump it up significantly. My doctor did a PSA too soon and gave me a shock with a reading of 19 which reduced to 4 after a few more weeks. The 19 was enough for me to get an MRI privately, thankfully ok, just mild benign enlargement. Last PSA was 2, I'm 66 and on Tamsulosin.
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