Prostate cancer

Author
Discussion

westberks

956 posts

136 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
gareth h said:
Had my prostate whipped out 7 weeks ago, just had the follow up meeting with the consultant and my PSA level is less than 0.1 which is a huge relief, just the dribbling todger to deal with now!
congrats on the PSA; hopefully the dribble will ease as the muscles adjust to the new normal.

i might have to look at going on tamsulosin or similar as peeing can, at times, be a real issue; particularly with social events. I've held off for several years as didn't fancy the prospect of a 'dry' climax; but that is starting to feel more like the lesser of 2 evils.

my PSA is still a consistent high teens but biopsies & MRI have proved negative, although possibly due an update.

westberks

956 posts

136 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
Casa1862 said:
^Cheers, that helped a lot.

Did you guys take a laxative to get your first bowl moment? How many days after RALP. I’m a bit worried about that side as constipation drives me crazy
hope that has sorted itself out. after a hernia op i was on codeine which is well known as a bunger upper. Eventually took a laxative but that gave me severe cramps and was a horrible experience for several hours until it sorted itself out.

had another hernia op several years later and kept the pain meds to ibuprofen and food to high fibre soups and the like for a few days with a fibregel sachet daily to help things along and survived to tell the tale.

rovermorris999

5,203 posts

190 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
westberks said:
congrats on the PSA; hopefully the dribble will ease as the muscles adjust to the new normal.

i might have to look at going on tamsulosin or similar as peeing can, at times, be a real issue; particularly with social events. I've held off for several years as didn't fancy the prospect of a 'dry' climax; but that is starting to feel more like the lesser of 2 evils.

my PSA is still a consistent high teens but biopsies & MRI have proved negative, although possibly due an update.
At the risk of too much detail I've been on tamsulosin for a couple of years and had no 'dry' climax issues, it's a possible side effect but not a probable one.


Edited by rovermorris999 on Tuesday 9th May 19:29

CharlesdeGaulle

26,305 posts

181 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
rovermorris999 said:
westberks said:
congrats on the PSA; hopefully the dribble will ease as the muscles adjust to the new normal.

i might have to look at going on tamsulosin or similar as peeing can, at times, be a real issue; particularly with social events. I've held off for several years as didn't fancy the prospect of a 'dry' climax; but that is starting to feel more like the lesser of 2 evils.

my PSA is still a consistent high teens but biopsies & MRI have proved negative, although possibly due an update.
At the risk if too much detail I've been on tamsulosin for a couple of years and had no 'dry' climax issues, it's a possible side effect but not a probable one.
With apologies for adding to the likely cringe, I'm the same. I've had none of the side effects after a couple of years on it.

westberks

956 posts

136 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
rovermorris999 said:
westberks said:
congrats on the PSA; hopefully the dribble will ease as the muscles adjust to the new normal.

i might have to look at going on tamsulosin or similar as peeing can, at times, be a real issue; particularly with social events. I've held off for several years as didn't fancy the prospect of a 'dry' climax; but that is starting to feel more like the lesser of 2 evils.

my PSA is still a consistent high teens but biopsies & MRI have proved negative, although possibly due an update.
At the risk of too much detail I've been on tamsulosin for a couple of years and had no 'dry' climax issues, it's a possible side effect but not a probable one.


Edited by rovermorris999 on Tuesday 9th May 19:29
thanks, a friend made similar comments whereas a friend that has had surgery is dry but otherwise all ok so not the issue that I used to think it might be. When it became an issue i was a recently separated 48 year old so wanted Little Westberks to be doing his best work!

westberks

956 posts

136 months

Tuesday 9th May 2023
quotequote all
CharlesdeGaulle said:
With apologies for adding to the likely cringe, I'm the same. I've had none of the side effects after a couple of years on it.
I think its pretty much a free for all on this thread given what we are mainly discussing!

Sheepshanks

32,807 posts

120 months

Wednesday 10th May 2023
quotequote all
crankedup5 said:
Once they have you on an ‘even keel’ you will be on the two week pathway, they aim to place you on a investigative journey to pin point where, if any, problem is. Once identified you will soon be on a treatment program routine that will sort you out. Do let us all know how you get on, if you so wish.
Best luck.
Had my results today (did have an appt at 2 weeks but it got cancelled as the histology hadn't been done) and all twelve samplles were clear.

Bit of a shrug from the consultant about how to proceed - recheck PSA again in 6-12 mths and see how it looks. My wife (who was fobbed off a bit with what turned out to be a soft tissue sarcoma) gave the consultant a look and he firmed up on 6mths.

He just dismissed slightly elevated PSA, PI-Rads, prostate densisty and a nodule on my prostate as being things that happen without any particular cause.
.

ETA: Corrected a couple of typos.

Edited by Sheepshanks on Wednesday 10th May 16:44

rovermorris999

5,203 posts

190 months

Wednesday 10th May 2023
quotequote all
Sheepshanks said:
Had my results today (did have an appt at 2 weeks but it got cancelled as the histology hadn't been done) and all twelve samplles were clear.

Bit of a shrug from the consultant about how to proceed - recheck PSA again in 6-12 mths and see how it looks. My wife (who was fobbed off a bit with what truned out to be a soft tissue sarcoma) gave the consultant a look and he firmed up on 6mths.

He just dismissed slightly elevated PSA, PI-Rads, prostate densisty and a nodule on my protate as being things that happen without any particular cause.
He's probably right. We tend only hear about the worst cases and forget that most men die with, not from, enlarged or cancerous prostates. However, knowing that the odds are with you doesn't stop it nagging away in the back of your head. Still, all clear samples is a good result.

Derek Smith

45,704 posts

249 months

Wednesday 10th May 2023
quotequote all
I've just written a book on my experiences with prostate cancer. I'm told, by a family member, that she laughed out loud a number of times. I'm not sure if that says more about her than my book. It's on Kindle, published today, and I'm just finishing formatting the text for a pdf.

Not sure if I can supply a link. Hopefully I'll get clearance from a mod. Or not.

It concentrates on just one bit of advice: get a blood test. Get it regularly.

Bill Turnball's death upset me a bit. It was probably avoidable, or extendable I suppose.


Viper201

7,877 posts

144 months

Derek Smith

45,704 posts

249 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
Viper201 said:
Thanks for that.

I've told a few friends to get blood tests. One, when a conversation about it started, went very quiet. Later, I was told by someone in the group that he'd gone for a test and his PSA 'gave concern', but he won't talk about it. Seems strange to me. He talks about other problems, as all us old blokes do: backs, knees, blood pressure, but cancer, maybe only prostate cancer, is taboo for some. We showed off our mole removal scars once. They were cancers.

I was told I was brave to talk about my prostate cancer. It seems a strange thing to say. No one says I'm brave to talk about my hiatus hernia.

Spread the word, not only about my excellent, and well-reviewed in my family, book, but blood testing. Get over there's no need to be frightened of what they'll find.

crankedup5

9,692 posts

36 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
Derek Smith said:
I've just written a book on my experiences with prostate cancer. I'm told, by a family member, that she laughed out loud a number of times. I'm not sure if that says more about her than my book. It's on Kindle, published today, and I'm just finishing formatting the text for a pdf.

Not sure if I can supply a link. Hopefully I'll get clearance from a mod. Or not.

It concentrates on just one bit of advice: get a blood test. Get it regularly.

Bill Turnball's death upset me a bit. It was probably avoidable, or extendable I suppose.
Yes indeed get the blood test, and I’m certain other good advise will be in Derek’s book, a good thing to do.
My own experience highlights another problem and it concerns the G.P.surgery (gate keepers)
My blood test came back to the G.P. and I phoned up for results. Doctor receptionist advised me that blood test all clear and ‘no further action required’ . I did not accept that and strongly insisted that I speak to the doctor. Doctor listened to my concerns and then agreed to refer me for further tests. Those tests revealed prostate cancer for which I received superb treatments.
Now, speaking to a chap I have got to know recently, he went through the same situation as myself.
G.P. receptionist told him exactly the same as I had been advised, ‘no further treatment required’.
Sadly, and very much to this chaps regrets he did not argue the results and accepted the receptionists response on that day. some months passed and the chap experienced more worrisome symptoms for which he then sought medical advise. His prostate cancer, which he had experienced for which he had received an ‘all clear’ had spread and broken out of his prostate and into other soft tissue. He bitterly regrets not challenging the initial diagnosis which could ultimately cost him his life.
If you feel within yourself something is not right, it’s your body, insist and insist again for further tests.

rovermorris999

5,203 posts

190 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
I always insist on being given the actual number.

Viper201

7,877 posts

144 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
On my telephone appointments system, the nurse always tells me the number and then sends a copy a week or so later.

But, Cranked is correct. Following my last blood test I had a call from the office staff at the GP surgery (I never go there so I was on alert) telling me my cholesterol was too high and would I like to make an appointment with the surgery nurse to discuss statins. An argument ensued as I had not had this test but they insisted I'd had one! Eventually and after some heated discussion they checked the paperwork. The blood test result was from a test carried out more than 3 years previously.

So stand your ground and challenge. arguepunch

crankedup5

9,692 posts

36 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
Sheepshanks said:
crankedup5 said:
Once they have you on an ‘even keel’ you will be on the two week pathway, they aim to place you on a investigative journey to pin point where, if any, problem is. Once identified you will soon be on a treatment program routine that will sort you out. Do let us all know how you get on, if you so wish.
Best luck.
Had my results today (did have an appt at 2 weeks but it got cancelled as the histology hadn't been done) and all twelve samplles were clear.

Bit of a shrug from the consultant about how to proceed - recheck PSA again in 6-12 mths and see how it looks. My wife (who was fobbed off a bit with what turned out to be a soft tissue sarcoma) gave the consultant a look and he firmed up on 6mths.

He just dismissed slightly elevated PSA, PI-Rads, prostate densisty and a nodule on my prostate as being things that happen without any particular cause.
.

ETA: Corrected a couple of typos.

Edited by Sheepshanks on Wednesday 10th May 16:44
I enjoy reading good news thumbup

Piginapoke

4,769 posts

186 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
westberks said:
gareth h said:
Had my prostate whipped out 7 weeks ago, just had the follow up meeting with the consultant and my PSA level is less than 0.1 which is a huge relief, just the dribbling todger to deal with now!
congrats on the PSA; hopefully the dribble will ease as the muscles adjust to the new normal.

i might have to look at going on tamsulosin or similar as peeing can, at times, be a real issue; particularly with social events. I've held off for several years as didn't fancy the prospect of a 'dry' climax; but that is starting to feel more like the lesser of 2 evils.

my PSA is still a consistent high teens but biopsies & MRI have proved negative, although possibly due an update.
I’m on Tamulosin, it is a bit weird tbh.

Derek Smith

45,704 posts

249 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
crankedup5 said:
Yes indeed get the blood test, and I’m certain other good advise will be in Derek’s book, a good thing to do.
My own experience highlights another problem and it concerns the G.P.surgery (gate keepers)
My blood test came back to the G.P. and I phoned up for results. Doctor receptionist advised me that blood test all clear and ‘no further action required’ . I did not accept that and strongly insisted that I speak to the doctor. Doctor listened to my concerns and then agreed to refer me for further tests. Those tests revealed prostate cancer for which I received superb treatments.
Now, speaking to a chap I have got to know recently, he went through the same situation as myself.
G.P. receptionist told him exactly the same as I had been advised, ‘no further treatment required’.
Sadly, and very much to this chaps regrets he did not argue the results and accepted the receptionists response on that day. some months passed and the chap experienced more worrisome symptoms for which he then sought medical advise. His prostate cancer, which he had experienced for which he had received an ‘all clear’ had spread and broken out of his prostate and into other soft tissue. He bitterly regrets not challenging the initial diagnosis which could ultimately cost him his life.
If you feel within yourself something is not right, it’s your body, insist and insist again for further tests.
I don't like stating the obvious, but that is appalling. I feel angry, despite it being nothing to do with me. Crass.

Sheepshanks

32,807 posts

120 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
crankedup5 said:
I enjoy reading good news thumbup
Thanks! To be honest, I'd be happier if he wasn't so dismissive - in a remarkable piece of NHS efficiency I was bundled through so quickly I got out of the hospital car park inside the 30 mins free parking period!

I think I said in earlier posts that they didn't really want to do the biopsy at all.

I'm now left with a bunch of marginal test results hanging over me, and wondering what the next PSA blood test result will be. He said he doesn't want to see me again unless it's above 7.5 (was 5.2 last test).

Derek Smith

45,704 posts

249 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
Piginapoke said:
westberks said:
gareth h said:
Had my prostate whipped out 7 weeks ago, just had the follow up meeting with the consultant and my PSA level is less than 0.1 which is a huge relief, just the dribbling todger to deal with now!
congrats on the PSA; hopefully the dribble will ease as the muscles adjust to the new normal.

i might have to look at going on tamsulosin or similar as peeing can, at times, be a real issue; particularly with social events. I've held off for several years as didn't fancy the prospect of a 'dry' climax; but that is starting to feel more like the lesser of 2 evils.

my PSA is still a consistent high teens but biopsies & MRI have proved negative, although possibly due an update.
I’m on Tamulosin, it is a bit weird tbh.
I was put on tamsulosin. I did not particularly enjoy the experience, but it lessened my symptoms. Got a bit tired and yet had troubled falling asleep. Weird, but not particularly bothersome. It was a relief to get off them, my doctor continuing with them for 6 months after the radiotherapy.

With regards frequent urination being required, I indulged in 'tactical wees' as my wife called them. Not passing a loo was my preference as a title. The time I've spent in loos just waiting. It's almost as if I was cruising. I remember one chap had his forearm on the wall, with his head resting on it, standing by a urinal.

I developed what I called slash-nav. I could look around a pub, cafe, mall, whatever, and know where the loo was without seeing the signs. I had to wear pants liners, for fear of the dot of shame. I stopped wearing light-coloured trousers.

westberks

956 posts

136 months

Thursday 11th May 2023
quotequote all
Piginapoke said:
westberks said:
gareth h said:
Had my prostate whipped out 7 weeks ago, just had the follow up meeting with the consultant and my PSA level is less than 0.1 which is a huge relief, just the dribbling todger to deal with now!
congrats on the PSA; hopefully the dribble will ease as the muscles adjust to the new normal.

i might have to look at going on tamsulosin or similar as peeing can, at times, be a real issue; particularly with social events. I've held off for several years as didn't fancy the prospect of a 'dry' climax; but that is starting to feel more like the lesser of 2 evils.

my PSA is still a consistent high teens but biopsies & MRI have proved negative, although possibly due an update.
I’m on Tamulosin, it is a bit weird tbh.
it seems to affect people differently.

But I've had a couple of recent issues when out socially and trying to relax with a couple (not excessive) beers. At the races i had to queue for the toilets and basically held it too long and then spent the next couple of hours having to keep revisiting as I couldn't empty and it completely ruined my day.

I literally could have cried and it's tricky trying to explain to others exactly how that is. There's always someone who says they are just like that, but chances are they are nowhere near as bad.

so i think i need to try something and a couple of friends are on that and it seems to agree with them