Finished the course of treatment which I have to say has gone quicker than I thought possible. The daily grind of several hours travelling is over, leaving a strange sensation in my routine - it feels like something is missing. The girls giving the treatment were great as were the ladies on reception so they both picked up a box of chocolates!
I have retired my day bag which accompanied me every trip - (TenaLady,Immodium,bog roll, spare underpants,plastic bags). Main symptoms are that I am very tired (by the afternoon I feel like one of those bunnies in the Duracell ads - the one with the wrong type of battery). Also my number 1's and 2's are all over the place (well not quite literally but nearly!!) and I am now tied to a toilet by a short lead. There is an urgency to go about every hour and then nothing much results, but it is getting me out of bed several times a night, therefore bedtime is often around 19.30.
Appointment with the specialist in around 8 weeks to see how the symptoms are settling down and then it will be a case of checking the PSA level via a blood test to see how the combined treatments are going.
Monday 16 August 2010
Tuesday 29 June 2010
First week of radiotherapy completed
Daily visits to Queen Alexandra hospital, Cosham for my 37 day course of treatment. Travelling over on the hovercraft with a small group of men with similar problems. We get a taxi pickup to and from the hospital which makes things a bit easier and wait for each other in order to travel back togerther as a group. The machine that provides the treatment is called a linear accelerator. There are four at this hospital, costing a million quid each but only enough radiographers to allow three to be in use at any one time. The treatment takes a few minutes and a dose is delivered from four sides by the machine which rotates around the body as you lie on a glass table.No serious side effects yet save for a bit of diahorea and increased frequency of having to get up and go in the night.
6 down 31 to go!!
6 down 31 to go!!
Sunday 20 June 2010
Simulation prior to radiotherapy starting next week
It was off to Queen Alexandra hospital, Cosham to check that the previous planning visit was correct. I was on a different machine this time, not a CT scanner but the X-ray machine similar to the one that will be used from next week. The tattoos were used to align the machine correctly and it took X-ray pictures of the above and from the side of the pelvic region to ensure that the CT scan and the X-ray machine have calibrated correctly in order that the rays are delivered to the right aresa. No problems and a very quick,painless proccedure apart from the nearly three hour wait. Well thats enough of the preparing - from next Tuesday it will be 37 visits for my daily dose of the rays!!
Impotence,libido and fond memories
Visited Ryde clinic with Sue to see the erectile disfunction nurse. When you have a life threatening disease you tend to become blinkered but it turns out that loads of men have this difficulty ,caused by a variety of illnesses both physical and mental. The nurse was very understanding and compassionate and allowed us time to talk about the situation at length. She had a free sample of Levitra and also wrote out a prescription for Cialis (free if you have cancer or are over 60) - I qualify on both counts! The Viagra had run out but I can try it later if I want. All three work along similar lines in that they help you achieve an erection provided there is manual stimulation. What they cannot do is improve libido. Impotence is defined as the inability to have intercourse whereas libido defines the mental desire for the same. And there lies the rub (if you will pardon the pun). Yes I did obtain a sustainable erection and lovemaking was achieved - but without the libido it was a strange experience. Probably akin to a lady who lies there "thinking of England". To cap it off I now have dry orgasms as either the lack of testosterone or the diseased prostate or both mean that there is no longer any production of seminal fluid.
We will try again of course but the lack of libido is natures feedback mechanism to make sure the brain is in harmony with downstairs.
We will try again of course but the lack of libido is natures feedback mechanism to make sure the brain is in harmony with downstairs.
Saturday 5 June 2010
You are what you eat?
I have never been one to believe in special diets,fads and super foods but the time has come (like a drowning man clutching at straws)to try to take some ownership and self help with this disease. So far my treatments and proposed treatments are having a more damaging effect both physically and mentally than is being caused by the cancer at this stage of its growth. It requires faith and trust that the doctors know what they are doing and so the only thing left for me is my eating and lifestyle habits.
Having just read a book on prostate cancer by Professor Plant in which she advocates dumping dairy I have embarked on a new diet. Plant's theory goes that animals milk is only used while animals are very young and not thereafter. Humans are the only species that continue to drink milk (not even our own) throughout our lives. Milk contains hormones and breast and prostate cancer are hormone sensitive so although there is no proof that cutting out milk products is beneficial a lot of people think it may help so why not?
The other effect should be weight loss. I have been over 17 stone recently and although 6'2" one chart I looked at had me down as obese. Enough of that - so I am now on the PLANT diet. This means no milk butter cheese processed food or empty calories. Out are cakes,biscuits,red meat,crisps (surely not cheese and onion as well - yes I am afraid so!).Less booze, no tea or coffee (except green tea which I have got used to surprisingly quickly. In are extra virgin (wasted on me) olive oil,fruit,salad,most carbs,more fruit and more salad + nuts,beans,pulses,soya,tofu and all that weird flower power stuff.
Will this last?- well it is going OK so far and I have lost a few pounds as a bonus, which is just as well as I had been struggling to get into my works trousers. I had been trying to blame this on the hormone therapy but Sue reckons hiding those crisps has been the reason.
Viagra blog next,thats a promise.
Having just read a book on prostate cancer by Professor Plant in which she advocates dumping dairy I have embarked on a new diet. Plant's theory goes that animals milk is only used while animals are very young and not thereafter. Humans are the only species that continue to drink milk (not even our own) throughout our lives. Milk contains hormones and breast and prostate cancer are hormone sensitive so although there is no proof that cutting out milk products is beneficial a lot of people think it may help so why not?
The other effect should be weight loss. I have been over 17 stone recently and although 6'2" one chart I looked at had me down as obese. Enough of that - so I am now on the PLANT diet. This means no milk butter cheese processed food or empty calories. Out are cakes,biscuits,red meat,crisps (surely not cheese and onion as well - yes I am afraid so!).Less booze, no tea or coffee (except green tea which I have got used to surprisingly quickly. In are extra virgin (wasted on me) olive oil,fruit,salad,most carbs,more fruit and more salad + nuts,beans,pulses,soya,tofu and all that weird flower power stuff.
Will this last?- well it is going OK so far and I have lost a few pounds as a bonus, which is just as well as I had been struggling to get into my works trousers. I had been trying to blame this on the hormone therapy but Sue reckons hiding those crisps has been the reason.
Viagra blog next,thats a promise.
Planning visit for radiotherapy
Over to Quuen Alexandra hospital near Cosham to the Oncolgy Dept. to "plan" the radiotherapy treatment. This is to ensure that the X-rays are targeted to the same area each time.
This was achieved by CT scanner (not scary like the MRI was) but consisting of a doughnut shaped machine only a few feet wide with quite a bit of headroom so not claustrophobic at all.
I was asked to lie down on the table and lower my trousers and underpants below my hips and three marks were drawn on my skin in the pelvic area. The ladies attending then left the room and I was moved back and forth though the machine. All went quiet and I began to suspect things were not quite right. The ladies entered the room and asked me if I felt I needed to go to the toilet. Before attending I had been asked to empty my bladder 1 hour before arrival and to then drink at least 375 mls of water as the scanning and subsequent treatment requires a full bladder. I had done all this plus had been twice for a "number 2". Not enough apparently for my bowel was still full with a stool pressing on and deforming the prostate gland! (I did say this was to be a personal account!)
So I was packed off to the toilet to go again and as the nurse said it was impossible to do the one without the other so there was a further delay while I drank more water and waited for my bladder to refill.
The repeat proceedure went smoothly and the pen marks were replaced with small tattooes that would guide and align the machine during future sessions.
Back in 2 weeks time for a simulation - a dummy run on the machine to make sure everything is set up correctly.
I did say this blog would be about viagra but the appointment with the erectile dysfunction nurse is next week (obviously a lot of demand?) so more on that matter soon.
This was achieved by CT scanner (not scary like the MRI was) but consisting of a doughnut shaped machine only a few feet wide with quite a bit of headroom so not claustrophobic at all.
I was asked to lie down on the table and lower my trousers and underpants below my hips and three marks were drawn on my skin in the pelvic area. The ladies attending then left the room and I was moved back and forth though the machine. All went quiet and I began to suspect things were not quite right. The ladies entered the room and asked me if I felt I needed to go to the toilet. Before attending I had been asked to empty my bladder 1 hour before arrival and to then drink at least 375 mls of water as the scanning and subsequent treatment requires a full bladder. I had done all this plus had been twice for a "number 2". Not enough apparently for my bowel was still full with a stool pressing on and deforming the prostate gland! (I did say this was to be a personal account!)
So I was packed off to the toilet to go again and as the nurse said it was impossible to do the one without the other so there was a further delay while I drank more water and waited for my bladder to refill.
The repeat proceedure went smoothly and the pen marks were replaced with small tattooes that would guide and align the machine during future sessions.
Back in 2 weeks time for a simulation - a dummy run on the machine to make sure everything is set up correctly.
I did say this blog would be about viagra but the appointment with the erectile dysfunction nurse is next week (obviously a lot of demand?) so more on that matter soon.
Thursday 13 May 2010
Initial meeting with radiologist
Attended St. Mary's,Newport today with Sue to meet with the oncology specialist who will be overseeing the treatment at the Queen Alexandra near Cosham. The main purpose was to sign the disclaimer (10% - 15% chance of long term impotence and incontinence). The treatment will be for seven and a half weeks (37 days in total) given Monday to Fridays. The aim will be to treat the pelvic area generally to target the known cancer in the lymph nodes there with a concentrated burst after that on the prostate itself.
Apparently it will be easy peasy for the first month but then gets increasingly difficult as the cumulative effects start to kick in. This will be reddening of the skin ,bleeding, fatigue and diarrhoea for starters. Not got a start date yet but given that they like to have 3 months of hormone treatment first (to shrink the prostate) I am expecting it to be the latter part of June or early July. Great news in that our booked trip to Lords for England v Bangladesh Test with overnight stay in Central London is still on!
I had a blood test a couple of days ago and the PSA level is down to 0.7 which is the expected result of the hormone treatment. Other effects have been weight gain (comfort eating) -diet now underway (hide the crisps and biscuits).Hot flushes have started which only last a few minutes but occur throughout the day. We have booked a consultation with the erectile dysfunction nurse - Viagra was mentioned and that will be the subject of my next blog.
Apparently it will be easy peasy for the first month but then gets increasingly difficult as the cumulative effects start to kick in. This will be reddening of the skin ,bleeding, fatigue and diarrhoea for starters. Not got a start date yet but given that they like to have 3 months of hormone treatment first (to shrink the prostate) I am expecting it to be the latter part of June or early July. Great news in that our booked trip to Lords for England v Bangladesh Test with overnight stay in Central London is still on!
I had a blood test a couple of days ago and the PSA level is down to 0.7 which is the expected result of the hormone treatment. Other effects have been weight gain (comfort eating) -diet now underway (hide the crisps and biscuits).Hot flushes have started which only last a few minutes but occur throughout the day. We have booked a consultation with the erectile dysfunction nurse - Viagra was mentioned and that will be the subject of my next blog.
Thursday 22 April 2010
First 3 monthly hormone injection
I have had the first of what will be one every three months hormone implants. The drug is Goserelin (Zoladex)which is injected into the abdomen after local anaesthetic. It is in the form of a pellet about 1cm long and 2mm thick and can be felt under the skin. Here is the boring science bit - it is a gonadotrophin releasing hormone super-agonist (GnRH agonist)also known as a lutenizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH). The effect is to inhibit production of testosterone and estrogen (it is also used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer).
Prostate cancer cells and some breast cancer cells are hormone dependent so when the hormones are eliminated the cancer cells are inhibited.
So how is this making me feel -well pretty good actually. Apart from the dreaded loss of libido (all too evident!)I am feeling OK in myself and have taken a different view on life and the meaning of everything. My wife, family and friends have been very loving and supportive and I have become even more in touch with my feminine side!
If you are reading these blogs I would love you to become a follower - I believe it is painless and will not result in identity theft or anything horrible -just click on the blue follow button at the top of the page.
Prostate cancer cells and some breast cancer cells are hormone dependent so when the hormones are eliminated the cancer cells are inhibited.
So how is this making me feel -well pretty good actually. Apart from the dreaded loss of libido (all too evident!)I am feeling OK in myself and have taken a different view on life and the meaning of everything. My wife, family and friends have been very loving and supportive and I have become even more in touch with my feminine side!
If you are reading these blogs I would love you to become a follower - I believe it is painless and will not result in identity theft or anything horrible -just click on the blue follow button at the top of the page.
Tuesday 6 April 2010
MRI Scan results
Just got back having had the scan results revealed. Quite good news all things considered. The cancer has been staged as T3a N1.
Basically this means the cancer has spread into surrounding lymph nodes (potentially not good) and is breaking through the capsule of the prostate - known as locally advanced disease. Considering the specialist reckons I have had this for up to 15 years this diagnosis is better than worse case scenario. If the cancer had spread to nearby organs such as the bladder neck,back passage or pelvic wall then it would have been categorised as advanced disease. The scan shows that the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body (metastasised)as far as can be established - (micrometastises cannot be detected but may be there?)
So the next step is an appointment with the radiologist specialist on 13th May. I will undergo a course of daily treatment over several weeks at a Portsmouth Hospital while continuing with the hormone therapy. It is hoped that the hormone therapy will shrink the cancer cells prior to the X-ray treatment.
The blood test for PSA levels came back at 11.1 - down from 47 at initial diagnosis so this shows the hormone treatment is working.
Basically this means the cancer has spread into surrounding lymph nodes (potentially not good) and is breaking through the capsule of the prostate - known as locally advanced disease. Considering the specialist reckons I have had this for up to 15 years this diagnosis is better than worse case scenario. If the cancer had spread to nearby organs such as the bladder neck,back passage or pelvic wall then it would have been categorised as advanced disease. The scan shows that the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body (metastasised)as far as can be established - (micrometastises cannot be detected but may be there?)
So the next step is an appointment with the radiologist specialist on 13th May. I will undergo a course of daily treatment over several weeks at a Portsmouth Hospital while continuing with the hormone therapy. It is hoped that the hormone therapy will shrink the cancer cells prior to the X-ray treatment.
The blood test for PSA levels came back at 11.1 - down from 47 at initial diagnosis so this shows the hormone treatment is working.
Monday 5 April 2010
Hormone treatment - mind and matter!
The treatment I am having so far is called an androgen blockade. This is designed to cut off the production of male sex hormones with the hope of shrinking and slowing the growth and spread of the cancer cells. In the past this was acheived by castration and this still remains a posibility further down the line. The tablets and injections are categorized as chemical castration and the thought of having this treatment is not a happy one for the average male. This is a similar treatment that is offered to some American sex offenders and you cannot avoid being affected both emotionally and physically.
My wife is very understanding over my concerns which typically are far more important to a man than a woman. Her response has been that I have "had a good run". I am grateful that this is true but it is difficult to realise that something you hold dear may have come to an end.
The all too obvious effects of impotency have increased as the days have gone by and the refusal of my "equipment" to perform is not yet in tune with what my mind wants.This may sound like the least I should be worried about given a life threatening condition but the fact is at the moment it is the main thing to occupy my thoughts given the fact I am not in pain and do not yet have a prognosis.
Typical man,thinking about sex six times every hour (Prince Charles quote).
My wife is very understanding over my concerns which typically are far more important to a man than a woman. Her response has been that I have "had a good run". I am grateful that this is true but it is difficult to realise that something you hold dear may have come to an end.
The all too obvious effects of impotency have increased as the days have gone by and the refusal of my "equipment" to perform is not yet in tune with what my mind wants.This may sound like the least I should be worried about given a life threatening condition but the fact is at the moment it is the main thing to occupy my thoughts given the fact I am not in pain and do not yet have a prognosis.
Typical man,thinking about sex six times every hour (Prince Charles quote).
First hormone implant
Its the day after the second MRI scan and a trip to my home doctor for the first hormone injection. This is given in the stomach and was painless. I laid horizontally on the couch,loosened my belt and was given a local pain killing injection. Then the actual implant was injected and I didn't feel a thing. Nor could I feel anything under the skin afterwards.
This dose is for 4 weeks and then I am to switch to three montly injections. The initial course of tablets stop in two weeks and are to prevent this injection causing tumor flare. As I understand it the injection causes a temporary spike in testosterone (opposite to what is required) and this can cause the tumor to flare or cause pain in any areas it may have spread into,commonly the bones.
I book one more blood test as it is back to the urologist on 6th April. He will announce the scan results and hopes the blood test will indicate that the hormone treatment so far will have resulted in a PSA score down to single figures.
This dose is for 4 weeks and then I am to switch to three montly injections. The initial course of tablets stop in two weeks and are to prevent this injection causing tumor flare. As I understand it the injection causes a temporary spike in testosterone (opposite to what is required) and this can cause the tumor to flare or cause pain in any areas it may have spread into,commonly the bones.
I book one more blood test as it is back to the urologist on 6th April. He will announce the scan results and hopes the blood test will indicate that the hormone treatment so far will have resulted in a PSA score down to single figures.
The MRI scans
Having started on the hormone therapy the scan appointments come through. Two are ordered. A pelvic scan and a full body scan a week apart. The first is the pelvic scan carried out at St. Mary's Magnetic Resonance Imaging dept. I'm first in at 08.30 so no waiting. Strip off to underpants and don the robe and go through to the MRI suite. Questionaire to make sure I have no metal implants etc and its onto the machine. Having read up on this and been sent a leaflet - nothing to worry about, harmless, no side effects, maybe a bit noisy other than that easy peasy. Well it wasn't that bad as I was not sucked fully into the machine. It was noisy but I was given headphones through which I could occassionally hear classical music when it was not being drowned out by the pneumatic drill like noise of the magnets.
A week on and its the full body scan. This will take longer (up to an hour)and involves imaging the whole body. Over the week I have become increasingly anxious despite my earlier practice. This session was more difficult. As I was moved further into the machine my mouth went dry and a feeling of panic began. With my ankles strapped together and arms pinned down my sides and the curved roof of the machine inches from my face (keep eyes shut throughout)I fought hard to stay still and supress my fear. After all I have been potholing and would be ashamed if I had to press the emergency button that was being gripped increasingly tightly in my left hand.
After 35 minutes I was extracted from the machine and the proceedure was over. Two teas later in the hospital cafe and I was still rattling the cup in the saucer. Strange really as I really thought it would have been easier than that.
A week on and its the full body scan. This will take longer (up to an hour)and involves imaging the whole body. Over the week I have become increasingly anxious despite my earlier practice. This session was more difficult. As I was moved further into the machine my mouth went dry and a feeling of panic began. With my ankles strapped together and arms pinned down my sides and the curved roof of the machine inches from my face (keep eyes shut throughout)I fought hard to stay still and supress my fear. After all I have been potholing and would be ashamed if I had to press the emergency button that was being gripped increasingly tightly in my left hand.
After 35 minutes I was extracted from the machine and the proceedure was over. Two teas later in the hospital cafe and I was still rattling the cup in the saucer. Strange really as I really thought it would have been easier than that.
Biopsy Result and Gleason score
Today its off to St. Marys to get the biopsy results.Sue is coming with me to hear the news as we have decided it is important to share this journey together and I am very grateful for her moral support. I have been hanging on to the idea that the high PSA and lumpy enlarged gland may have been caused by stones or something else.
Hopes dashed. The "Gleason Score" is a high risk 8 out of 10 . This is an analysis of the abnormality of the cells taken from the biopsy and is used to determine the GRADE of the cancer (how aggressive it is). Both sides of the prostate are affected. Information comes thick and fast. Most shocking is that the specialist reckons this means I have had the disease for between 10-15 years. He confirms that it will be no good doing a prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) as this would be shutting the door after the horse has bolted. As I am still young by prostate cancer standards he reckons this must be an inherited disease.
Hormone therapy is to be initiated immediately. I am prescribed tablets to start taking tonight. These are to reduce the male sex hormones -androgen's, including testosterone which the cancer cell "feed" on. I am also given a letter for my doctor to give me a further injection of hormone treatment in two weeks time. It is important that I take the oral tablets for one month and have the injection half way through this period. Something about reducing tumor flare?
I make a follow up appointment in a months time before which I have to have two MRI scans to see how far the cancer may have spread - called the STAGE.
Another booklet is provided "Living With Hormone Therapy" and I realise this whole thing is real.
Hopes dashed. The "Gleason Score" is a high risk 8 out of 10 . This is an analysis of the abnormality of the cells taken from the biopsy and is used to determine the GRADE of the cancer (how aggressive it is). Both sides of the prostate are affected. Information comes thick and fast. Most shocking is that the specialist reckons this means I have had the disease for between 10-15 years. He confirms that it will be no good doing a prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) as this would be shutting the door after the horse has bolted. As I am still young by prostate cancer standards he reckons this must be an inherited disease.
Hormone therapy is to be initiated immediately. I am prescribed tablets to start taking tonight. These are to reduce the male sex hormones -androgen's, including testosterone which the cancer cell "feed" on. I am also given a letter for my doctor to give me a further injection of hormone treatment in two weeks time. It is important that I take the oral tablets for one month and have the injection half way through this period. Something about reducing tumor flare?
I make a follow up appointment in a months time before which I have to have two MRI scans to see how far the cancer may have spread - called the STAGE.
Another booklet is provided "Living With Hormone Therapy" and I realise this whole thing is real.
The biopsy procedure
Not been looking forward to today very much after reading up on this on the Internet. I have taken my first antibiotic tablet before setting off for the hospital. The antibiotics are to counter any infection caused by the biopsy as it involves taking samples via the back passage which is of course a "dirty" area.
A urine sample and blood pressure test are taken first. Blood pressure was ridiculously high something like 185/95 and the nurse had to check if it was OK to do the procedure. I am sure this was simply a mixture of Fear and White Coat Syndrome - I must admit I was pretty wound up.
Ushered in for the procedure where I was introduced to the McMillan nurse who was to be my point of contact from now on and the doctor who got me to sign a disclaimer for the operation.
"Keep your shoes on but drop your trousers and underpants and lay on the couch facing the wall" was the firm but kindly order from the nurse- an impossible operation when it came to attempting to preserve my modesty - but I was soon in position for the doctor to do his initial - you guessed it -digital rectal examination - a piece of cake!
The procedure adopted is called a trans rectal ultrasound biopsy. This involves the insertion of a hollow ultrasound probe through which needles are fired from a special "gun" through the rectum wall. The probe provides a "picture" of the prostate and helps direct the needles.
An initial local anaesthetic is given up the bum and the noise of the needle gun is demonstrated- similar to a staple gun. The samples are then taken from different parts of the prostate - in my case 10 shots. A warning is given before each needle is fired, mainly I think so that the noise does not make you jump. The anaesthetic worked quite well and I felt a momentary prick each time. However the mental tension seemed to mount as I counted up to 10 and I was VERY GLAD when it was done. A quick check to see if any blood was emerging from my penis (no) and advice re coming back if any bleeding or excessive pain. Then off for a cup of tea and 15 minute wind down and final blood pressure test 150/85 (down a bit!). Off home for a few gin and limes to wind down!
A urine sample and blood pressure test are taken first. Blood pressure was ridiculously high something like 185/95 and the nurse had to check if it was OK to do the procedure. I am sure this was simply a mixture of Fear and White Coat Syndrome - I must admit I was pretty wound up.
Ushered in for the procedure where I was introduced to the McMillan nurse who was to be my point of contact from now on and the doctor who got me to sign a disclaimer for the operation.
"Keep your shoes on but drop your trousers and underpants and lay on the couch facing the wall" was the firm but kindly order from the nurse- an impossible operation when it came to attempting to preserve my modesty - but I was soon in position for the doctor to do his initial - you guessed it -digital rectal examination - a piece of cake!
The procedure adopted is called a trans rectal ultrasound biopsy. This involves the insertion of a hollow ultrasound probe through which needles are fired from a special "gun" through the rectum wall. The probe provides a "picture" of the prostate and helps direct the needles.
An initial local anaesthetic is given up the bum and the noise of the needle gun is demonstrated- similar to a staple gun. The samples are then taken from different parts of the prostate - in my case 10 shots. A warning is given before each needle is fired, mainly I think so that the noise does not make you jump. The anaesthetic worked quite well and I felt a momentary prick each time. However the mental tension seemed to mount as I counted up to 10 and I was VERY GLAD when it was done. A quick check to see if any blood was emerging from my penis (no) and advice re coming back if any bleeding or excessive pain. Then off for a cup of tea and 15 minute wind down and final blood pressure test 150/85 (down a bit!). Off home for a few gin and limes to wind down!
1st visit to specialist
Two weeks in and I am visiting the urologist at Ryde clinic. He also wants to perform a DRE (digital rectal examination)This is very quick, about 5 seconds and he confirms my doctors findings and views the lumpy prostate with suspicion.(I am starting to get used to these DREs!!!)
The PSA test is 47. Apparently a man of my age (62) should have a PSA level of between 2 & 4. The urologist declares that he is 99% certain I have cancer and books me in for a prostate biopsy at St. Marys Hospital, Newport.
I am prescribed some tablets to help me wee a bit easier and also some antibiotics to start taking the morning of the biopsy.
He informs me that around 150 men on the Isle of Wight are diagnosed each year and that I will probably have the biopsy next week as waiting lists are amongst the shortest in the UK for this proceedure here on the Island. I am given a booklet- Prostate Cancer for Newly Diagnosed Men - just about official now then.
The PSA test is 47. Apparently a man of my age (62) should have a PSA level of between 2 & 4. The urologist declares that he is 99% certain I have cancer and books me in for a prostate biopsy at St. Marys Hospital, Newport.
I am prescribed some tablets to help me wee a bit easier and also some antibiotics to start taking the morning of the biopsy.
He informs me that around 150 men on the Isle of Wight are diagnosed each year and that I will probably have the biopsy next week as waiting lists are amongst the shortest in the UK for this proceedure here on the Island. I am given a booklet- Prostate Cancer for Newly Diagnosed Men - just about official now then.
Bllod test and PSA
Back to my local health centre for the blood test taken by a nurse and sent off for analysis specifically to establish the PSA level.
I have had to wait a week from the DRA (digital rectal examination) as that procedure can elevate PSA levels when the prostate is palpitated by a finger.
PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen and the presence of this can be established by the blood test. This PSA level can be an indicator of cancer but is not the definitive test as it could indicate the more common BPH -benign prostate hypertrophy- an enlarged prostate that causes urination problems etc. but is not life threatening.
I am seeing the specialist urologist next for the PSA results and a more expert opinion.
I have had to wait a week from the DRA (digital rectal examination) as that procedure can elevate PSA levels when the prostate is palpitated by a finger.
PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen and the presence of this can be established by the blood test. This PSA level can be an indicator of cancer but is not the definitive test as it could indicate the more common BPH -benign prostate hypertrophy- an enlarged prostate that causes urination problems etc. but is not life threatening.
I am seeing the specialist urologist next for the PSA results and a more expert opinion.
Initial visit to GP
Here we go - "I think I may have a prostate problem doc?" A quick run through the symtoms and then the bit I was dreading. "OK I need to carry out a digital rectal examination". I don't know why this should be such a big deal, I suppose it may be that men on balance do not have anything like as many of this type of examination as ladies have to go through?.
Funnily enough now I am committed and likely to get some answers it doesn't seem so bad. I lie on the couch pull my trouser down a bit and face the wall away from the doc. who instructs me to pull my legs up, knees under my chin. The examination lasts a few seconds and at first I think I have disgraced myself by pooing on the couch but it was just the sensation of the finger being withdrawn.
I am informed that the prostate is hard and knobbly and the doctor is obviously worried about it. He makes an appointment for me to see a urologist and arranges for a blood test in a week.My urine is also analysed on the spot and although it shows a few blood cells it is not enough for the doctor to be worried on that score.
Funnily enough now I am committed and likely to get some answers it doesn't seem so bad. I lie on the couch pull my trouser down a bit and face the wall away from the doc. who instructs me to pull my legs up, knees under my chin. The examination lasts a few seconds and at first I think I have disgraced myself by pooing on the couch but it was just the sensation of the finger being withdrawn.
I am informed that the prostate is hard and knobbly and the doctor is obviously worried about it. He makes an appointment for me to see a urologist and arranges for a blood test in a week.My urine is also analysed on the spot and although it shows a few blood cells it is not enough for the doctor to be worried on that score.
First signs of trouble
Men are often reluctant to admit to a medical problem and will often make any excuse to avoid a doctor - I am in that category. However a couple of months of at first barely noticed problems with weeing led me to look up the symptoms on the internet.
Prostate trouble seemed to be a possibility. I certainly had some of the problems. Weeing had become a prolonged process and I was dribbling at the end. It wasn't painful and I wasn't having to get up in the night but I gradually realised something was "not quite right".
My thoughts went back to my early schooldays and peeing competitions in the boys toilets - who could get get their stream the highest up the wall. I realised that I had no control of the flow - it just came out at the one rate. Having discussed this with my wife a visit to the dreaded doctor was next.
Prostate trouble seemed to be a possibility. I certainly had some of the problems. Weeing had become a prolonged process and I was dribbling at the end. It wasn't painful and I wasn't having to get up in the night but I gradually realised something was "not quite right".
My thoughts went back to my early schooldays and peeing competitions in the boys toilets - who could get get their stream the highest up the wall. I realised that I had no control of the flow - it just came out at the one rate. Having discussed this with my wife a visit to the dreaded doctor was next.
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