Prostate cancer
Discussion
I told the radiotherapists of the blood in my urine. They were unfazed (mind you, wasn't their bladder leaking blood), and it was as if they heard it all the time. Very reassuring.
They told me that the bladder can suffer collateral damage from the X-Rays they were pumping into my prostate as they were close together. I asked if they missed sometimes. They took it badly. I got a lecture, complete with distances, about the difficulties. Best not to criticise.
The radiotherapists and nursing staff were great. Very professional but, at the same time, friendly and, thankfully, approachable. I hadn't been looking forward to the zapping, but they made it almost a matter of course. They noticed when I was feeling rough. Good crowd. Just what I needed. (Preston Park, Brighton radiotherapy unit.)
They told me that the bladder can suffer collateral damage from the X-Rays they were pumping into my prostate as they were close together. I asked if they missed sometimes. They took it badly. I got a lecture, complete with distances, about the difficulties. Best not to criticise.
The radiotherapists and nursing staff were great. Very professional but, at the same time, friendly and, thankfully, approachable. I hadn't been looking forward to the zapping, but they made it almost a matter of course. They noticed when I was feeling rough. Good crowd. Just what I needed. (Preston Park, Brighton radiotherapy unit.)
Well Gents....... It's a 'duvet day' for me today. Quarterly Prostap injection yesterday afternoon, following the taking of blood earlier on. I have learned that it is no good trying to fight it, if I concentrate into one day my inability to function then I will be right as rain tomorrow, otherwise I will be under the weather for a week or more. Actually, the day becomes quite a pleasant 'out of body experience!
This is leading up to a telephone based review with a clinician, next week.
Pleased to hear from Crankedup, even if not the best news, I was getting worried about him. I also appreciated Derek's recollection of frequent peeing and I was reminded of the simple joy of now being able to pee on demand more or less when I want.
I am noting all of the apprehensions in our new arrivals and reminding myself how I felt at the start of all this.
Best of luck guys. I'm now going back to my reverie for the rest of the day. "I looked in the sky where, an elephant's eye, was looking at me from a bubble gum tree............"
This is leading up to a telephone based review with a clinician, next week.
Pleased to hear from Crankedup, even if not the best news, I was getting worried about him. I also appreciated Derek's recollection of frequent peeing and I was reminded of the simple joy of now being able to pee on demand more or less when I want.
I am noting all of the apprehensions in our new arrivals and reminding myself how I felt at the start of all this.
Best of luck guys. I'm now going back to my reverie for the rest of the day. "I looked in the sky where, an elephant's eye, was looking at me from a bubble gum tree............"
52classic said:
Well Gents....... It's a 'duvet day' for me today. Quarterly Prostap injection yesterday afternoon, following the taking of blood earlier on. I have learned that it is no good trying to fight it, if I concentrate into one day my inability to function then I will be right as rain tomorrow, otherwise I will be under the weather for a week or more. Actually, the day becomes quite a pleasant 'out of body experience!
This is leading up to a telephone based review with a clinician, next week.
Pleased to hear from Crankedup, even if not the best news, I was getting worried about him. I also appreciated Derek's recollection of frequent peeing and I was reminded of the simple joy of now being able to pee on demand more or less when I want.
I am noting all of the apprehensions in our new arrivals and reminding myself how I felt at the start of all this.
Best of luck guys. I'm now going back to my reverie for the rest of the day. "I looked in the sky where, an elephant's eye, was looking at me from a bubble gum tree............"
Cheers 52classic, good to catch up with your news, as it is with the other guys in ‘our club’.This is leading up to a telephone based review with a clinician, next week.
Pleased to hear from Crankedup, even if not the best news, I was getting worried about him. I also appreciated Derek's recollection of frequent peeing and I was reminded of the simple joy of now being able to pee on demand more or less when I want.
I am noting all of the apprehensions in our new arrivals and reminding myself how I felt at the start of all this.
Best of luck guys. I'm now going back to my reverie for the rest of the day. "I looked in the sky where, an elephant's eye, was looking at me from a bubble gum tree............"
Do you mind if I add to your last sentence :
and all that I knew was the hole in my shoe
was letting in water - water.
Derek Smith said:
I told the radiotherapists of the blood in my urine. They were unfazed (mind you, wasn't their bladder leaking blood), and it was as if they heard it all the time. Very reassuring.
They told me that the bladder can suffer collateral damage from the X-Rays they were pumping into my prostate as they were close together. I asked if they missed sometimes. They took it badly. I got a lecture, complete with distances, about the difficulties. Best not to criticise.
The radiotherapists and nursing staff were great. Very professional but, at the same time, friendly and, thankfully, approachable. I hadn't been looking forward to the zapping, but they made it almost a matter of course. They noticed when I was feeling rough. Good crowd. Just what I needed. (Preston Park, Brighton radiotherapy unit.)
IIRC a the zapper gang work in measurement of percentages on millimetres.As you say, very skilled team of top pro’ status. Very kind and understanding putting the patient fully at ease. Addenbrookes was my treatment centre.They told me that the bladder can suffer collateral damage from the X-Rays they were pumping into my prostate as they were close together. I asked if they missed sometimes. They took it badly. I got a lecture, complete with distances, about the difficulties. Best not to criticise.
The radiotherapists and nursing staff were great. Very professional but, at the same time, friendly and, thankfully, approachable. I hadn't been looking forward to the zapping, but they made it almost a matter of course. They noticed when I was feeling rough. Good crowd. Just what I needed. (Preston Park, Brighton radiotherapy unit.)
Today had the news that I didn’t want to hear, I’ve now been placed onto the two week cancer treatment path (again). I thought that my cancer had been caught early and eradicated, unfortunately it seems likely that it has returned. Not 100% sure at this stage so I will keep a hope, even if it’s remote. Last few weeks I have been really pissed off and angry, I need to get passed that stage and work towards the future.
crankedup5 said:
Today had the news that I didn’t want to hear, I’ve now been placed onto the two week cancer treatment path (again). I thought that my cancer had been caught early and eradicated, unfortunately it seems likely that it has returned. Not 100% sure at this stage so I will keep a hope, even if it’s remote. Last few weeks I have been really pissed off and angry, I need to get passed that stage and work towards the future.
That’s not good to read Cranked.I could be wrong here but I don’t think you’re even 1 yr post RT yet are you?
What has brought on the new referral? Was it a raised PSA after a blood test or something else?
I wouldn’t worry unnecessarily, I’m 13 years in after 2 bouts (2010 & 2019) so I’m sure they’ll have something in the tool box to sort you out.
I’m due a call tomorrow after an MOT yesterday.
Let us know how it goes.
don'tbesilly said:
crankedup5 said:
Today had the news that I didn’t want to hear, I’ve now been placed onto the two week cancer treatment path (again). I thought that my cancer had been caught early and eradicated, unfortunately it seems likely that it has returned. Not 100% sure at this stage so I will keep a hope, even if it’s remote. Last few weeks I have been really pissed off and angry, I need to get passed that stage and work towards the future.
That’s not good to read Cranked.I could be wrong here but I don’t think you’re even 1 yr post RT yet are you?
What has brought on the new referral? Was it a raised PSA after a blood test or something else?
I wouldn’t worry unnecessarily, I’m 13 years in after 2 bouts (2010 & 2019) so I’m sure they’ll have something in the tool box to sort you out.
I’m due a call tomorrow after an MOT yesterday.
Let us know how it goes.
DBS, your right my RT only finished about 13 months ago, went through the expected post treatment side effects which gradually evaporated over time. Been fine for the past four months or so. One thing that has caused me concern is weight gain and extreme fatigue, consultant said it’s to be expected and due to the on-going hormone treatment.
A couple of weeks ago or so i noticed some blood in my stools, no worry we all get that from time to time, but it became more significant over time. Then earlier this week a major blood with a other body fluids passed. I was making tea at the time not in the loo. Thankfully I was at home at the time.
Went to Doctor who carried out rudimentary examination and blood test, he has now referred me for the specialist examinations which should uncover what’s going on. He has told me that he has requested the two week pathway.
Thank you for words of encouragement, I expect it will be a few weeks wait now for results to be available when I will update.
Today I had an appointment with my consultant urologist following my prostate surgery just before Christmas.
I had a PSA blood test last week and the results are good, PSA was undetectable, he did inform me my cancer was aggressive one. He is now passing me on to the Oncology department for further monitoring starting with another blood test in May just to keep an eye on things, he did state that although the blood results are good further monitoring is normal.
I had a PSA blood test last week and the results are good, PSA was undetectable, he did inform me my cancer was aggressive one. He is now passing me on to the Oncology department for further monitoring starting with another blood test in May just to keep an eye on things, he did state that although the blood results are good further monitoring is normal.
52classic said:
Well Gents....... It's a 'duvet day' for me today. Quarterly Prostap injection yesterday afternoon, following the taking of blood earlier on. I have learned that it is no good trying to fight it, if I concentrate into one day my inability to function then I will be right as rain tomorrow, otherwise I will be under the weather for a week or more. Actually, the day becomes quite a pleasant 'out of body experience!
This is leading up to a telephone based review with a clinician, next week.
Pleased to hear from Crankedup, even if not the best news, I was getting worried about him. I also appreciated Derek's recollection of frequent peeing and I was reminded of the simple joy of now being able to pee on demand more or less when I want.
I am noting all of the apprehensions in our new arrivals and reminding myself how I felt at the start of all this.
Best of luck guys. I'm now going back to my reverie for the rest of the day. "I looked in the sky where, an elephant's eye, was looking at me from a bubble gum tree............"
P.S. Review day today "Best possible results you could hope for." Says the Doc. PSA undetectable, no other identifiable issues. BP spot on (and lower than hitherto) Loads of encouragement for keeping up car restoration as a means of excercise. No great concern about weight gain - 10% is apparently a reasonable expectation. This is leading up to a telephone based review with a clinician, next week.
Pleased to hear from Crankedup, even if not the best news, I was getting worried about him. I also appreciated Derek's recollection of frequent peeing and I was reminded of the simple joy of now being able to pee on demand more or less when I want.
I am noting all of the apprehensions in our new arrivals and reminding myself how I felt at the start of all this.
Best of luck guys. I'm now going back to my reverie for the rest of the day. "I looked in the sky where, an elephant's eye, was looking at me from a bubble gum tree............"
Have to say that all this has focussed my mind on managing my time more effectively and being more self-aware. I'm sure others have found the same.
Keep safe lads.
52classic said:
P.S. Review day today "Best possible results you could hope for." Says the Doc. PSA undetectable, no other identifiable issues. BP spot on (and lower than hitherto) Loads of encouragement for keeping up car restoration as a means of excercise. No great concern about weight gain - 10% is apparently a reasonable expectation.
Have to say that all this has focussed my mind on managing my time more effectively and being more self-aware. I'm sure others have found the same.
Keep safe lads.
Great news.Have to say that all this has focussed my mind on managing my time more effectively and being more self-aware. I'm sure others have found the same.
Keep safe lads.
Agree with new attitude to life and, in particular, time. My priorities have changed. I feel happier with my life.
Just an update, had my biopsy results back and first consultation with the Specialist Nurse, as expected had PC confirmed, been given a grade 2 Gleeson 7 (3 +4). They seem to think the lymph nodes and surrounding nerves are okay, however they were concerned about one small area which may have breached, however they are unsure, they then said that my grade should be between 2 and 3 but put me in lower. They said the strain is not that aggressive and suggested surgery due to my age, although RT is an option.
They think one side of the nerves can be speared but the other side which has the breach they won't know until they do the removal, Lister Hospital use Nano Knife and during surgery they would test the bit they are concerned about and remove or save the nerves as results of testing. I've got a Consultants appointment of Sunday (which was a surprise), I'll know more then, would have been happier if they said everything confined to the prostate now I'm worrying about this breach.
At the multi disciplinary team meeting they didn't think a bone scan was required, however the nurse says they may review that, nothing is straight forward!!
They think one side of the nerves can be speared but the other side which has the breach they won't know until they do the removal, Lister Hospital use Nano Knife and during surgery they would test the bit they are concerned about and remove or save the nerves as results of testing. I've got a Consultants appointment of Sunday (which was a surprise), I'll know more then, would have been happier if they said everything confined to the prostate now I'm worrying about this breach.
At the multi disciplinary team meeting they didn't think a bone scan was required, however the nurse says they may review that, nothing is straight forward!!
Should have had my biopsy today but they wouldn't do it as blood pressure too high.
Having got worked up for it - which is maybe part of the problem - I feel a bit deflated. Blood pressure has never been flagged as an issue before but they seem to decide immediately at the first check they weren't going to do it, although they did two more checks when it read even higher, then back down.
What was slightly odd is the Consultant spoke to me as if I hadn't been given the MRI results, when I had, I'd been back in to see the lead consultant - although that was on one the strike days and had been arranged at short notice so I wonder if that was just some filling in of time that had become free. He (today's guy) started to talk about not doing the biopsy and just monitoring. I said I've already been through this discussion and it was decided I would have the biopsy. He didn't challenge that but I was left with the impression that they'd rather not do it.
My wife had a cataract operation at the same hospital a few weeks ago with higher blood pressure than I've got - it was mentioned, but no suggestion of not doing her op.
Anyway, wife has somehow managed to get me an appt with our GP later this afternoon re high blood pressure.
None of this is doing my blood pressure any good!
I did find out my PI-RADS is 2.
Having got worked up for it - which is maybe part of the problem - I feel a bit deflated. Blood pressure has never been flagged as an issue before but they seem to decide immediately at the first check they weren't going to do it, although they did two more checks when it read even higher, then back down.
What was slightly odd is the Consultant spoke to me as if I hadn't been given the MRI results, when I had, I'd been back in to see the lead consultant - although that was on one the strike days and had been arranged at short notice so I wonder if that was just some filling in of time that had become free. He (today's guy) started to talk about not doing the biopsy and just monitoring. I said I've already been through this discussion and it was decided I would have the biopsy. He didn't challenge that but I was left with the impression that they'd rather not do it.
My wife had a cataract operation at the same hospital a few weeks ago with higher blood pressure than I've got - it was mentioned, but no suggestion of not doing her op.
Anyway, wife has somehow managed to get me an appt with our GP later this afternoon re high blood pressure.
None of this is doing my blood pressure any good!
I did find out my PI-RADS is 2.
Sheepshanks said:
Should have had my biopsy today but they wouldn't do it as blood pressure too high.
Having got worked up for it - which is maybe part of the problem - I feel a bit deflated. Blood pressure has never been flagged as an issue before but they seem to decide immediately at the first check they weren't going to do it, although they did two more checks when it read even higher, then back down.
What was slightly odd is the Consultant spoke to me as if I hadn't been given the MRI results, when I had, I'd been back in to see the lead consultant - although that was on one the strike days and had been arranged at short notice so I wonder if that was just some filling in of time that had become free. He (today's guy) started to talk about not doing the biopsy and just monitoring. I said I've already been through this discussion and it was decided I would have the biopsy. He didn't challenge that but I was left with the impression that they'd rather not do it.
My wife had a cataract operation at the same hospital a few weeks ago with higher blood pressure than I've got - it was mentioned, but no suggestion of not doing her op.
Anyway, wife has somehow managed to get me an appt with our GP later this afternoon re high blood pressure.
None of this is doing my blood pressure any good!
I did find out my PI-RADS is 2.
With a Pi-Rad of just 2 - the official definition is: LOW (clinically significant cancer unlikely) - is why they are reluctant to do the biopsy. Having got worked up for it - which is maybe part of the problem - I feel a bit deflated. Blood pressure has never been flagged as an issue before but they seem to decide immediately at the first check they weren't going to do it, although they did two more checks when it read even higher, then back down.
What was slightly odd is the Consultant spoke to me as if I hadn't been given the MRI results, when I had, I'd been back in to see the lead consultant - although that was on one the strike days and had been arranged at short notice so I wonder if that was just some filling in of time that had become free. He (today's guy) started to talk about not doing the biopsy and just monitoring. I said I've already been through this discussion and it was decided I would have the biopsy. He didn't challenge that but I was left with the impression that they'd rather not do it.
My wife had a cataract operation at the same hospital a few weeks ago with higher blood pressure than I've got - it was mentioned, but no suggestion of not doing her op.
Anyway, wife has somehow managed to get me an appt with our GP later this afternoon re high blood pressure.
None of this is doing my blood pressure any good!
I did find out my PI-RADS is 2.
The biopsy is not the most fun way to pass an hour and given the choice in your situation with such a low rating, would not have it done. However, you must follow the advice of the team and make your own decision.
Casa1862 said:
Just an update, had my biopsy results back and first consultation with the Specialist Nurse, as expected had PC confirmed, been given a grade 2 Gleeson 7 (3 +4). They seem to think the lymph nodes and surrounding nerves are okay, however they were concerned about one small area which may have breached, however they are unsure, they then said that my grade should be between 2 and 3 but put me in lower. They said the strain is not that aggressive and suggested surgery due to my age, although RT is an option.
They think one side of the nerves can be speared but the other side which has the breach they won't know until they do the removal, Lister Hospital use Nano Knife and during surgery they would test the bit they are concerned about and remove or save the nerves as results of testing. I've got a Consultants appointment of Sunday (which was a surprise), I'll know more then, would have been happier if they said everything confined to the prostate now I'm worrying about this breach.
At the multi disciplinary team meeting they didn't think a bone scan was required, however the nurse says they may review that, nothing is straight forward!!
You are fortunate that they do the Nano Knife. A breach is still considered suitable for surgery if it hasn't spread very far so I think you are probably worrying too much. Until they have a look inside they wont really know for sure. With any luck they will be able to spare the nerves. They think one side of the nerves can be speared but the other side which has the breach they won't know until they do the removal, Lister Hospital use Nano Knife and during surgery they would test the bit they are concerned about and remove or save the nerves as results of testing. I've got a Consultants appointment of Sunday (which was a surprise), I'll know more then, would have been happier if they said everything confined to the prostate now I'm worrying about this breach.
At the multi disciplinary team meeting they didn't think a bone scan was required, however the nurse says they may review that, nothing is straight forward!!
Viper201 said:
With a Pi-Rad of just 2 - the official definition is: LOW (clinically significant cancer unlikely) - is why they are reluctant to do the biopsy.
The biopsy is not the most fun way to pass an hour and given the choice in your situation with such a low rating, would not have it done. However, you must follow the advice of the team and make your own decision.
I think the thing that made them less resistant in discussions was that everyone who has felt the prostate has commented that they can feel a lump.The biopsy is not the most fun way to pass an hour and given the choice in your situation with such a low rating, would not have it done. However, you must follow the advice of the team and make your own decision.
My normal MO in everything in life is to do as little as posiible so my natural inclination was leave it and monitor - however my wife had a lump in her leg and was fobbed off about it for a couple of years and then when eventually it was removed it was found to be a sarcoma, so she is keen not to let it drift.
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