Prostate cancer

[bavarian blue]

Went to Doctor for a test and everything is fine at the moment, first time at 65 years of age. Get it done gents.!!

 

[ob]

Got my hospital appointment referral from GP on 30th May. Also got bowel cancer screening test kit in post today. Starting to feel little old

 

[ganganvince]

All the best mate. Had some issues down there myself but i think it was just a twisted bollock. Asked for a PSA test which came back clear.

I have regular bloodtests for my diabetes requested they add psa this time all good.

 

[rickmcfc]

Never ever be afraid of seeing a doctor, no matter how embarrassing it is. Today I’ve had a doctor probe my arsehole, physically look at it from less than 12” away then sit down and talked to me about his findings. Doctors and medical staff have the utmost professionalism and respect for patients. If you ever feel that something isn’t quite right, please go and see a doctor and get checked out. In recent weeks I’ve had a colonoscopy, 2 fingers up the arse (not together before anyone cracks a joke!) then todays examination. Next up is an MRI scan to check for anything else that could be causing my issues.

Apolgoes to jump in on the OP’s thread, your post has already proved influential as a few members have booked appointments. Guys need to stick together, be more open and honest about things especially in the private regions of our bodies.

Get checked out blues!

*** UPDATE ***

After my colonoscopy and the situation slowly worsening again, in February I was sent for an MRI scan to see if anything showed up. On the results, there was an area of fluid build up which required surgery to drain/remove. The consultant suspected I had an Anal Fistula which would need a seton to allow the area to
Drain naturally over a few weeks/months. I’ve had the procedure done today, which will hopefully cure the issue and pains
I’ve been receiving.

It’s been a tough 8 months with random pains and other issues. Hopefully we’ve got to the bottom of it

If there’s anything wrong guys, even a slight niggle or worry, then go and see a doctor. They’ve seen more dicks, arseholes, balls than anyone else, there is nothing to be embarrassed about and I’d much rather be safe than sorry.

 

[OccupiedPalestineBlues]

I had my 3rd colonoscopy a week ago.
It’s never a pleasant experience but I had a good friend who died from a combination of bowl cancer and stupidity so I understand the imperative.

He died about 10 years back, before the routine tests were introduced, but he was passing blood and had told his doctor about it but then refused to have the examination because he was old school and, as he put it “would rather die than allow someone to mess with his arse”.

I mention this because the only good that can come from his death is if it inspires someone else to put stupidity aside and allow the NHS to save their life.

 

[rickmcfc]

I had my 3rd colonoscopy a week ago.
It’s never a pleasant experience but I had a good friend who died from a combination of bowl cancer and stupidity so I understand the imperative.

He died about 10 years back, before the routine tests were introduced, but he was passing blood and had told his doctor about it but then refused to have the examination because he was old school and, as he put it “would rather die than allow someone to mess with his arse”.

I mention this because the only good that can come from his death is if it inspires someone else to put stupidity aside and allow the NHS to save their life.

Good on you, had a couple of colonoscopies now and they aren’t a pleasant experience. The one I had 5/6 months back was just with gas and air, the first one I had the IV sensitive. I can thoroughly recommend if anyone has one in the future to have the sensitive as gas and air wasn’t anywhere near as effective!

I was so nervous about anything medical and especially anal etc, but I’ve never once been made to feel uncomfortable by staff within the NHS or privately, there professionalism was outstanding.

Get checked out blues if you ever have symptoms

 

[Slipper One]

Good on you, had a couple of colonoscopies now and they aren’t a pleasant experience. The one I had 5/6 months back was just with gas and air, the first one I had the IV sensitive. I can thoroughly recommend if anyone has one in the future to have the sensitive as gas and air wasn’t anywhere near as effective!

I was so nervous about anything medical and especially anal etc, but I’ve never once been made to feel uncomfortable by staff within the NHS or privately, there professionalism was outstanding.

Get checked out blues if you ever have symptoms

All guys over 45 should have an annual prostate check, your life can easily depend on it.

It's as much fun as you make it. If you want to be embarrassed or nervous, then overcome it, because as Rick says, these professionals have seen it all and you're just another patient. Geez, women go through far more than men when it comes to these areas. A prostate check takes literally two seconds, but could save your life.

Get a colonoscopy as well. My first one was the hospital/gas one and I farted for my country afterwards in recovery, but of the rest of the procedure I knew nothing about it. Now I simply mail in a sample rather than go to hospital and have them check.

While you're at it, check your nuts, even you young one's. The most susceptible are the 20 - 40 age group.

Insist on a heart stress test. I had one 10 years ago and another recently. Although I eat quite well, am fit and healthy, there was a definite deterioration in the plaque build up in my arteries during those ten years. It's nothing serious, but for those who have more plaque build up than me, then the next step could easily be a sudden stroke or heart attack.

Be proactive, not reactive. If you can catch something early, then your chances of survival are obviously so much better. It's only common sense really.

 

[rickmcfc]

All guys over 45 should have an annual prostate check, your life can easily depend on it.

It's as much fun as you make it. If you want to be embarrassed or nervous, then overcome it, because as Rick says, these professionals have seen it all and you're just another patient. Geez, women go through far more than men when it comes to these areas. A prostate check takes literally two seconds, but could save your life.

Get a colonoscopy as well. My first one was the hospital/gas one and I farted for my country afterwards in recovery, but of the rest of the procedure I knew nothing about it. Now I simply mail in a sample rather than go to hospital and have them check.

While you're at it, check your nuts, even you young one's. The most susceptible are the 20 - 40 age group.

Insist on a heart stress test. I had one 10 years ago and another recently. Although I eat quite well, am fit and healthy, there was a definite deterioration in the plaque build up in my arteries during those ten years. It's nothing serious, but for those who have more plaque build up than me, then the next step could easily be a sudden stroke or heart attack.

Be proactive, not reactive. If you can catch something early, then your chances of survival are obviously so much better. It's only common sense really.

Great post. How do you get a heart stress test?

Your post made me laugh when you farted for England. During my latest colonoscopy, as they reprieved the length of tube from inside me, I said that I feel so bloated. The nurses all joked about farting and one of them said “just let it go”. 5 seconds later they were all singing let it go from frozen at the top of their voices, which made me laugh and then fart so loud. Honestly healthcare professionals are fantastic. As you said it’s their job and they see things on a daily basis.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Great post. How do you get a heart stress test?

Your post made me laugh when you farted for England. During my latest colonoscopy, as they reprieved the length of tube from inside me, I said that I feel so bloated. The nurses all joked about farting and one of them said “just let it go”. 5 seconds later they were all singing let it go from frozen at the top of their voices, which made me laugh and then fart so loud. Honestly healthcare professionals are fantastic. As you said it’s their job and they see things on a daily basis.

We are all so conditioned to “not,” yet they just see it as a normal part of the medical procedures they do for a living.

We often die of embarrassment from things they’ve forgotten 2 minutes after leaving the room!

Someone I know has a history of polyps in their family, so gets the pipes cleaned and checked on a 6 month cycle! No qualms about the procedure at all.

Last time they had the procedure, I went to pick them up. They were still a bit spacey from the anesthesia, and couldn’t stop giggling at the wet spot they’d left in the middle of the recovery bed, as a result of some minor drainage.

Made what could have seemed a harrowing or embarrassing experience hilarious to them and the big fart the belly laughs produced only made it even more hilarious, deflating the air of any impropriety or embarrassment!

 

[Slipper One]

Great post. How do you get a heart stress test?

Your post made me laugh when you farted for England. During my latest colonoscopy, as they reprieved the length of tube from inside me, I said that I feel so bloated. The nurses all joked about farting and one of them said “just let it go”. 5 seconds later they were all singing let it go from frozen at the top of their voices, which made me laugh and then fart so loud. Honestly healthcare professionals are fantastic. As you said it’s their job and they see things on a daily basis.

I asked my doctor Rick.

A guy I knew years ago suddenly had a stroke. He was a few years older than me, but could easily outrun me when out running and he would cycle 40 miles just for fun. He ate a good diet, drank very little and was generally a fit and healthy guy.

I thought, if he could have a stroke, why couldn't I?

I asked my doctor for a heart test, but she wouldn't approve it, so we got into it a little and I said, "So, what are you going to say if I have a heart attack in five years time, we should have made some changes..........it's too late then!!" She relented and the appointment was made.

My thought wasn't so much whether I had a heart condition or plaque build up, but more to use it as a benchmark for the future. When I had my recent check (10 years later), it was plain to see where things had changed and the direction I was going.

I'm lucky, my heart is in good shape and my arteries are in a fairly good condition regarding plaque build up. Statistically I have about a 13% chance of having a stroke or heart attack. The heart specialist wants me to go on meds to bring that down a further 35%.

I live in Canada, so I can't speak for the availability/access in the UK.

I kinda like this living malarkey, so having some checks now and again on my health seem worthwhile.

If you guys want to watch the blues as long as possible, see your kids married or play with your grandchildren, then I would suggest checking on your health as being as good a place to start as any.

 

[ob]

I had my 3rd colonoscopy a week ago.
It’s never a pleasant experience but I had a good friend who died from a combination of bowl cancer and stupidity so I understand the imperative.

He died about 10 years back, before the routine tests were introduced, but he was passing blood and had told his doctor about it but then refused to have the examination because he was old school and, as he put it “would rather die than allow someone to mess with his arse”.

I mention this because the only good that can come from his death is if it inspires someone else to put stupidity aside and allow the NHS to save their life.

Had loads unfortunately. I collapsed outside Stamford bridge before our game 5 years ago. Rushed into hospital emergency surgery on my burst bowel and was having various tests for 2 years until got all clear. Lads get it sorted you know it makes sense

 

[A57 the snake]

So after nearly 12 months of agony and stress we’ve got the all clear from my prostate cancer it’s been a journey for all of my family and friends my PSA’s are now 0.1% I’m struggling to put into words what we’ve been through but I can now breathe and start to enjoy life even more , it’s unbelievable news which probably hasn’t sunken in yet … a massive huge thank you to all of you who have privately messaged me,every message has been a huge help in either support and advice, life isn’t all about football and being on here has really helped well done to ric and the mods who run this . Special thanks to @hammocity he’s been a star . I’ll continue in raising money for prostate cancer uk their help is unbelievable. So Manchester City football please tomorrow can I ask you to top off what could be a magical weekend for us all.
Lads keep this thread going it’s so important to talk to each other.
Thank you everyone thank you

up the blues .

 

[mexico1970]

So after nearly 12 months of agony and stress we’ve got the all clear from my prostate cancer it’s been a journey for all of my family and friends my PSA’s are now 0.1% I’m struggling to put into words what we’ve been through but I can now breathe and start to enjoy life even more , it’s unbelievable news which probably hasn’t sunken in yet … a massive huge thank you to all of you who have privately messaged me,every message has been a huge help in either support and advice, life isn’t all about football and being on here has really helped well done to ric and the mods who run this . Special thanks to @hammocity he’s been a star . I’ll continue in raising money for prostate cancer uk their help is unbelievable. So Manchester City football please tomorrow can I ask you to top off what could be a magical weekend for us all.
Lads keep this thread going it’s so important to talk to each other.
Thank you everyone thank you

up the blues .

Made up for you mate, great news and well done :)

 

[Indaparkside]

So after nearly 12 months of agony and stress we’ve got the all clear from my prostate cancer it’s been a journey for all of my family and friends my PSA’s are now 0.1% I’m struggling to put into words what we’ve been through but I can now breathe and start to enjoy life even more , it’s unbelievable news which probably hasn’t sunken in yet … a massive huge thank you to all of you who have privately messaged me,every message has been a huge help in either support and advice, life isn’t all about football and being on here has really helped well done to ric and the mods who run this . Special thanks to @hammocity he’s been a star . I’ll continue in raising money for prostate cancer uk their help is unbelievable. So Manchester City football please tomorrow can I ask you to top off what could be a magical weekend for us all.
Lads keep this thread going it’s so important to talk to each other.
Thank you everyone thank you

up the blues .

Good news my blue friend

 

[ob]

So after nearly 12 months of agony and stress we’ve got the all clear from my prostate cancer it’s been a journey for all of my family and friends my PSA’s are now 0.1% I’m struggling to put into words what we’ve been through but I can now breathe and start to enjoy life even more , it’s unbelievable news which probably hasn’t sunken in yet … a massive huge thank you to all of you who have privately messaged me,every message has been a huge help in either support and advice, life isn’t all about football and being on here has really helped well done to ric and the mods who run this . Special thanks to @hammocity he’s been a star . I’ll continue in raising money for prostate cancer uk their help is unbelievable. So Manchester City football please tomorrow can I ask you to top off what could be a magical weekend for us all.
Lads keep this thread going it’s so important to talk to each other.
Thank you everyone thank you

up the blues .

Amazing news

 

[ob]

Appointment with urologist at 2 today, gone from not too bothered (no sleepless nights etc) to bricking it now. Had to measure my urine input and output last 3 days, just turned 60. If he says have I any questions, can anyone advise me what to ask please, cheers

 

[ob]

Quick update, clinic was cancelled but they forgot to tell me, even booked in at reception and sat for 45 mins before someone asked who I was there to see. Being booked on next available clinic

 

[Paladin]

Appointment with urologist at 2 today, gone from not too bothered (no sleepless nights etc) to bricking it now. Had to measure my urine input and output last 3 days, just turned 60. If he says have I any questions, can anyone advise me what to ask please, cheers

Hope everything turns out ok mate. I can't advise you what to ask, but I have four friends that are urologists. I'm happy to put questions to one of them on your behalf. I'm 60 also. I've had some tests myself in the last year for shortage of iron. My insides are all clear at the moment.

 

[ob]

Hope everything turns out ok mate. I can't advise you what to ask, but I have four friends that are urologists. I'm happy to put questions to one of them on your behalf. I'm 60 also. I've had some tests myself in the last year for shortage of iron. My insides are all clear at the moment.

Thanks mate, saw your posts re iron in running thread. Glad all clear. I'm sure I'll think of something when eventually get appointment, they forgot to to tell me clinic cancelled today. I did think weird when I was only one in waiting room. Similar thing happened 4 years ago on follow up to my bowel surgery. Sent to St Helier hospital (where my surgery had been) the clinic I was meant to be attending was in Epsom few miles away so missed it.

 

[Cassandra]

I'm a bit behind you in my progress. Last year I had a UTI and since I hadn't had blood samples taken for a couple of years, partly due to COVID, I asked for a full set of bloods to be taken. They were all OK except for the PSA which was 16. Discussions with the Dr suggested it might be elevated because of the UTI and indeed it later appeared that the infection had moved into the prostate so a more unpleasant antibiotic was prescribed. A couple more blood tests showed the PSA had fallen to 8 ish which the Dr felt still needed more investigation. The digital rectal examination suggested some abnormality in the prostate and so a needle biopsy of 10 samples was taken. This showed no cancer on the Gleason scale (being a microscopist and looking over the specialist's shoulder I reckon 8/10 samples were clear and 2 "intermediate"). So an MRI scan was called for (wish I'd asked for this in the first case) and "this was clear on the East side, but with an area of concern on the West side, the perimeter was intact". So it will be back for a "fusion biopsy" sometime fairly soon. Meanwhile I received a routine 2 yearly bowel cancer screening kit about 6 weeks after the first biopsy and that found traces of blood - so it's off for a colonoscopy on Thursday - the joys of growing old! Still with any luck if there is any cancer it will have been caught early enough for treatment to be possible. Like A57 the snake I'd advise regular screening .

I've reached a bit of a pause in my journey. The colonoscopy was OK three small benign polyps removed. Fusion biopsy uncomfortable and a number of the samples showed cancer - rated as 7 (3+4) on the Gleason score. Meantime Shingles and Covid afflicted me (Excellent rapid treatment for Shingles plus having been vaccinated meant I got off lightly compared to others I know). Further MRI and a bone scan ordered to confirm that the cancer was contained within the prostate. Both showed no spread outside the prostate and that the cancer was confined to the left side of the prostate. Rated as grade 2.

Consultation with the specialist nurse told me that my results had been reviewed by a team and that there were four ways to move forwards:
* - Active Surveillance - periodic PSA checks and MRI scans - the team had not been unanimous on this option.
* - Brachytherapy - inserting radioactive "seeds" into the cancerous areas of the prostate - concluded that my urine flow was not high enough for this to be suitable for me.
* - Hormone and Radiotherapy - basically shrink the tumour a bit with anti-testosterone therapy and than 4 weeks of 5 days sessions of radiotherapy,
* - Surgery to remove the prostate - via robot.

Consultations were arranged with Radiotherapy and Surgery personnel. Both went to some length to explain the possible side effects of their treatments and both suggested that I shouldn't rule out Active Surveillance particularly as my PSA levels had now dropped quite considerably:- originally 16 then 8.6; 8.9; 6; 2.6; 2.9 and currently 2.3.

So now to go back to the specialist nurse to discuss Active Surveillance a bit further but that now looks like my preferred option. Surgeon suggested that for my grade of cancer it would probably be around 15 years before it was likely to be a significant problem by which time I'll be getting on for 90. So think I'll see how things go, he also said that the main difficulty is getting your head round the idea that you've got this cancer inside you and not rushing to treat it. My view is that I know its there and can keep check on it, if my initial PSA had been 2.3 it would probably have just been annual PSA checks but now I am aware of what's there. NHS has served me well so far, some delays from Covid, but overall I'm very grateful to all the staff.