"Living" with prostate cancer.

[macabethiel]

The Gleason Test

My Father-in-Law who has prostate cancer had the Gleason Test but when he told me about the biopsy I could not work out how they reach the Prostate via the Anus.

A very helpful explanation thanks. He is 86 and has had treatment for the last 2 and a bit years. GP has re-assured him he will die with it not from it despite it having spread a little into nearby "bits". Bones & Lymph Glands but not into his bladder.

 

[macabethiel]

My PSA test was normal

Well got my result back and all is OK just old age enlargement.

I am going to seek advice if annual checks up are a good idea,

 

[melissachels]

aww rusti I admire your openness,

blokes are not good at talking about their health or concerns even with professionals.

we had a episode with cancer last year....well my partner did but testicular instead he's 42 and quite old to get this type of cancer its gererally found in blokes between 18-37

anyway he'd had a vesetomy years ago and just thought is was a knot but it was swelling in size and then he started getting a shooting pain through it.

gp were not the best and didn't put him though for a prority scan, got the referal changed after a second opinion and me telling all the symtoms not just some of and explaining the increase in pain and frequency.

scan was given in 2 weeks, wrong diagnose given over the PHONE and not by a medical proffesional!!!! :doh

less than a week later an oncology appointment and 6 days later, a half cesarion to have the offening nut removed.

xrays, ct scans and mri's follow quarterly along with blood tests.

thankfully we're clear.

I give you all the best rustic.....you've managed to shrink them this far....keep it going!!

 

[rustic]

Thank you for the support Melissa, I am pleased your partner insisted on taking this further.
If caught early, most cancers can be cured.
Our granddaughter is called Melissa, my son and family are in Bahrain, as my son works in Saudi, on a daily commute to work over the Bahrain- Saudi cause way. We don't see as much of them as we like, they were home in May, and we expect to see them at Christmas.
Unfortunately, we are unable to travel abroad due to the excessive travel insurance, more especially as I am on "Trial" medication.

So what is this post about?
When we retired we thought we would use some of our hard earnt cash in travelling abroad, a year and a half ago, my wife had nothing more than an underactive thyroid, and I had a stiff shoulder and occasional gout to declare.

How things change,
Don't put off till tomorrow that you can do today, certainly springs to mind.

We strived to pay off the mortgage, so we would be debt free before we retired, we achieved this. We missed out on a few expensive holidays abroad, yep plenty of time for that later we thought...:doh

So look after your health, have things checked, but note, we talked to a recently qualified doctor, she said the pass rate to being qualified is 40 % yes forty...
Does that mean they get things wrong 60% of the time? Think about that at your next meeting with the doctor when he/she says there is nothing wrong.
I, over the years have had three separate doctors review my symptoms, three opportunities to check for prostate cancer.
Do I have a bitter taste about GP's? I rest my case.

Uncle Rustic

 

[keefbeef]

Not a tread you would expect to read in a 4x4 macho forum, but nevertheless a very important topic - Men's health.

I myself had a lump on my ball 8 years ago, and it was checked out. Nothing there was what the doctor said. Still there and I'm here - so all good! Recently had pain peeing, again had tests carried out to check for infection and even got the camera down the pee hole. Nothing found. Also got referred to the 'flow clinic' where you pee into a funnel, weird. They didn't think prostate was an issue as didn't have any of the other issues, such as blood, night visits to doctors or poor flow.

In this country we have a great national health service - use it!! I sometimes worry about my health since turning 40, but not scared to go to the GP. That's what they are there for, but in both my cases I was referred to the 'man in the know'. I think that's sometimes the problem is people take GPs word for it. A good GP will refer you to the experts.

Rustic, what can it say... tough story and good on you for posting! We have a saying where I come from - 'keep her lit!!' and I really really do wish you all the best!

You know I have stopped watching DIY SOS cause of stories like this... just can't get away from them!

 

[Sweety]

Not been on for a while so got some catching up to do:lol but sorry to read this Rustic as I never knew you were suffering from the condition but credit to you for talking about it as cancers us males can suffer isn't really talked about, I had an op a few years ago & they put a catheter in oh god worst i'very experiencedo legs went to jelly every time I went for a pee due to the pain. My Grandad (mothers dad) had the condition & i'm sure he had an op years ago for it sadly it didn't work fully but he still made it to the grand old age of 92 & it wasn't the cancer that got him:thumbs my dad was diagnosed with it around 14 years ago luckily it was in the early stages & was treated with radiotherapy & hormones which sorted it out & he got the all clear but after that he arranged to go to hospital twice a year to have his bloods checked & there has been no sign of it returning. At 40 know in a few years will have to go & get myself checked out due to a family history of it on both sides.

 

[rustic]

Well it has been a few months since I last posted on this thread, I guess that's because the hormone treatment has been working well, and my PSA value has remained stable for many months, but around 8 weeks ago it started to rise, so the oncologist brought forward the next PSA blood test, horror, my PSA has doubled in 6 weeks. To me that implies that the hormone treatment has slowed down. The oncologist said "don't panic Mr Mainwaring" he organised another neuclearonic scan, which I had last week, and another ct scan for this Friday, to see what is going on and where.
I must admit I have more regular pain now, the cocodamol is working for now, I don't want to go back on the Morphine that I was on just over a year ago just before the hormone treatment started to work.
We have a meeting with the oncologist on 12th December, after yet another PSA test, and I will get the prognosis then. What has been suggested as the next course of action is chemotherapy, should the cancer be growing too fast in other places around my body.
As you can imagine I am an emotional and physical wreck, I am fatigued now, the treatment leaves me tired and if I continue light jobs after 4pm, I suffer that night. The side effects of Chemo are much worse again. As we don't know if this is needed, I guess I should worry about that if the time comes.
I am encouraging my wife to join local groups, she is more a people person, where as I would be quite happy pottering in my garage. Recently we moved our boat from Norfolk to the Thames at Oxford, so as we visit our daughter and grandson weekly in Oxford, it means I can visit the boat weekly too. So I have been very busy doing boat joinery and planning jobs. My wife says she has seen a different person in me, I have hope, something to look forward too, I am convinced that having a positive attitude can really help in this situation.
No doubt I will add to this thread next month.
So again guys, if you suspect that you might be at risk from prostate cancer, get yourself checked out. You really don't want to be walking my path.:doh

Uncle Rustic

 

[jims-terrano]

Hi Uncle, fingers crossed for the 12th mate.

 

[Blocky10]

Fingers crossed they can nail the b'stard down Rustic.

 

[rustic]

Thanks for your support guys, some days we cope better than others, but this morning we were walking to church, to take communion, and I realised I hadn't clipped my leg bag on, luckily a friend happened to stop and ask if we wanted a lift, that I accepted gracefully. Luckily I don't suffer from incontenence, but more a matter of urgency, which my leg bag allows me to have a life outside the home.
A lift home and a comfort visit in church and I kept my dignity.
For those interested I have an external catheter, a convene, that rolls over like a condom, with a pipe that connects to the leg bag, easy to fit and use, but yet another thing to do morning and night. If I am out and about, there is a tap at shoe level, when it looks like I am tying my shoe laces on some wet grass... The grass just gets wetter lol This has really helped.
Believe it or not, this system was not even mentioned by my oncologist, but having sourced it, I do have it on free prescriptions.
So why am I telling you?
You might know someone in my position, they might not be aware that such things exist, but I can go about my daily business without anyone knowing what my problem is. I have even got smaller upper thigh bags, that I could wear shorts, or even go swimming and still have protection, very very discreet, but single use.

Well there you go, too much information for some, but I won't apologise for that lol. :thumb2:thumb2
Uncle Rustic.

 

[Banshee]

Fingers crossed for the best resulty possible Uncle Rustic :thumb2

I'm on Cocodimol at the minute for my Coschondritis and have to say I'm amazed at how effecitive it is, I'm even more amazed that you can pick it up without prescription over the counter at the Chemist

 

[jims-terrano]

I've got a friend who has just started treatment. He didn't have any of the normal symptoms just a dull ache that wouldn't go away so he went to see the doctor and the rest is history. Fingers crossed he too will be fine . It's a terrible thing indeed.

 

[johnb5177]

The greatest of good luck Uncle, thinking of you.......:thumb2

 

[makeitfit]

Hey Rustic, good wishes mate. I cant offer any magic other than to support your PMA.
I'm a strong believer in that over any Shamen
On a side note I've been cycling my way through November in aid of MOVEMBER and growing a stupid 'tache too :lol
I challenged myself to ride 100 miles and raise 250 quid. Just over 70 miles and £210 at the mo.
My PMA will get me over the 100 miles, I hope yours will get you your health back.
Good luck

Anybody moved by Rustic's plight, please help me to help him and the rest of us by donating here if you've a mind :bow

http://mobro.co/marinerstaches

 

[Gazza]

Thanks for posting your story Rustic. The more information people get the more they learn and hopefully act on. I feel it sinks in more when it comes from a personnel experience told in layman's terms rather than from a medical expert in technical terms.
I have a very good friend who has worked in Italy for last few years. Last week he told me he had gone for a ultra sound scan to check kidney function due to high blood pressure reading. Kidneys are ok but they said his prostrate is slightly enlarged (age 55). Iam going to send him your posts to make sure he gets thorough checks.
Keep up the fight and hope results are good.

 

[rustic]

Major update on Prostate treatment.

The hormone treatment and the stampede trial of additional hormones is no longer keeping my cancer at bay. The trial report is being officially logged as a failure. I have several new small tumours on my spine.
My PSA is nearly doubling every 6 weeks.

I am now finding it very difficult to walk far, pain coupled with fatigue. The worst thing is as the day goes on, I loose the ability to climb the stairs at night. I find a walking stick helps now.

I am seriously considering a stair lift believe it or not, or a room down stairs.

However, the oncologist is more hopeful, I am now going on chemotherapy. This might kill some of the cancer, and get rid of some of the chronic pain. I start treatment week after next after a review next week, and another ct scan. I will probably loose what little hair I have left, a bit upsetting as the hormone treatment has helped to bring some hair back, and it has thickened quite a lot. I will also suffer more fatigue, and will be at very high risk from minor infections, due to loss of the White blood cells. Basically even a cold could kill me. I am sorting out an overnight bag to keep in the car, and I have to monitor my temperature, any serious rise, urgent medical intravenous drugs required.
The oncologist is arranging for ocupational health to visit, look at the facilities at home and advise, and also McMillan to offer support and he suggested due to my failing mobility He would support my application for a blue badge. So he said I should contact my doctor for support, appointment arranged for friday.
I can walk 50 metres, but then I am searching for a seat for a rest. Most of this has got worse since Christmas, without intervention it will get even worse.
My neighbour has a small mobility scooter that his late mum had, needs new batteries but we'll see, we have that on standby.
I cannot believe how quickly this deterioation has happened, only three months ago I was taking stairs two at a time.

I will keep you all updated, hopefully my next post on this issue will show some progress as the chemo takes effect.

Just though I would keep you updated.

As I have said before, I don't want sympathy, the reason for the whole thread is to point out the dangers of Prostate cancer, if not caught early enough. So guys, get yourselves checked out if you have those symptoms.
Now they are pioneering the mri scan to check the prostate, a major step forward.

Uncle Rustic

 

[makeitfit]

Oh man that's such a bum deal
Thoughts are with you mate and I hope the chemo gets you an uplifting result .
All the best :thumbs

 

[rustic]

Oh man that's such a bum deal
Thoughts are with you mate and I hope the chemo gets you an uplifting result .
All the best :thumbs

Thanks, I just wonder if I can get a 4x4 mobility scooter lol...
Just joking.
:lol:lol

 

[jims-terrano]

Could you get one of those crane things to lift the scooter in
And out of your truck:thumbs

Seriously though rustic thanks for your updates and the very best of luck with your treatment.

I reckon a fair proportion of blokes on here have heeded your advice and gone to the doctors.

 

[johnb5177]

Uncle Rustic, you are in the hearts and minds of everyone on this forum.

You keep hanging in there and fighting.

I think you'll get the sympathy anyway, but also everyones respect and kindness. I am sure that if anyone is close enough, they will offer practical help if and when you require it... I know I wish I was closer and would at the drop of a hat...:nenau