Prostate cancer. A useful resource.

68c said:
Got the all clear today, had prostate removed five months ago. Still wearing pads but now only leak if lifting something or bending a lot. Dry at night so very happy.
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If it's OK to ask, how old are you?
 
68c said:
Got the all clear today, had prostate removed five months ago. Still wearing pads but now only leak if lifting something heavy, such as a 25kg bag of cement,or bending a lot. Dry at night so very happy.
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Glad to hear it's going well
 
68c said:
Got the all clear today, had prostate removed five months ago. Still wearing pads but now only leak if lifting something heavy, such as a 25kg bag of cement,or bending a lot. Dry at night so very happy.
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Brilliant that you are clear but still using pads -you poor bugger!

I know that we are all different but I swear by pelvic floor exercises.

Repetitions several times a day - put reminder post it notes on the loo, fridge and wherever it may help. Increase the hold time gradually until you get to 30 secs.

I’ve always been very fit but had never done these exercises until I had a date for my prostatectomy.

Started them about five weeks before, and was pad free about two weeks after the op.

I hope that they can help you too.

Best of luck
👍
 
Over the last year since my initial PSA test of 4 in July 2023 and subsequent diagnosis, my 12 week tests since have been 4.5, 4.7 then a drop to 4.3 but the latest taken on Monday has jumped to 6.4, which came as a bit of a shock. I’m having a face to face with the Consultant Urologist on Tuesday 22nd October and maybe this is the time to start talking treatment as opposed to surveillance.

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Last edited:
68c said:
A creaky 72. Now laying footings and pad for a garden shed to store more of my important junk.
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I was 67 last year and I asked the question because it was explained to me that incontinence increased with age and not being fit.

I was told quite clearly that I would be incontinent, and the only thing that dictated how bad it might be was my fitness. He used mountain climbing and serious cycling as examples of being fit. I do neither. I wouldn't describe myself as unfit. For example I spent 2 weeks erecting/dismantling/moving and repeatedly climbing up and down a scaffold tower to paint the outside of the house this year.

Having watched the video, I didn't fancy the operation route anyway.

Looking forward to laying concrete foundations, erecting fences, etc and creating another garden when we downsize. Next year is wall to wall golf for me.
 
Hirsch said:
I was 67 last year and I asked the question because it was explained to me that incontinence increased with age and not being fit.

I was told quite clearly that I would be incontinent, and the only thing that dictated how bad it might be was my fitness. He used mountain climbing and serious cycling as examples of being fit. I do neither. I wouldn't describe myself as unfit. For example I spent 2 weeks erecting/dismantling/moving and repeatedly climbing up and down a scaffold tower to paint the outside of the house this year.

Having watched the video, I didn't fancy the operation route anyway.

Looking forward to laying concrete foundations, erecting fences, etc and creating another garden when we downsize. Next year is wall to wall golf for me.
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Good for you 👍👍

However, despite over 30 years of circuit training behind me, I still found the pelvic floor exercises a challenge at the beginning. Walking sport and general exercise just do not seem to hit the right place.

I must do my pelvic floor exercises
I must do my pelvic floor exercises
I must do my pelvic floor exercises
I must do my pelvic floor exercises

👍
 
Hirsch said:
I was 67 last year and I asked the question because it was explained to me that incontinence increased with age and not being fit.

I was told quite clearly that I would be incontinent, and the only thing that dictated how bad it might be was my fitness. He used mountain climbing and serious cycling as examples of being fit. I do neither. I wouldn't describe myself as unfit. For example I spent 2 weeks erecting/dismantling/moving and repeatedly climbing up and down a scaffold tower to paint the outside of the house this year.

Having watched the video, I didn't fancy the operation route anyway.

Looking forward to laying concrete foundations, erecting fences, etc and creating another garden when we downsize. Next year is wall to wall golf for me.
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Don't take it as given that you will be incontinent because it's not!

I've been there and had almost no side effects at all. Yes I am well aware that we are all different and all react to these treatments in different ways but there is no certainty that you will have any problems.

If you are not a member of the Macmillan Prostate Cancer Forum may I suggest that you join it. My 'name' on the Macmillan forum is Osca2023. On the forum you can read my journey from initial GP appointment to 9+ weeks post RT in my Profile, I am now waiting for my post TR consultant appointment which is scheduled for the 28th October.

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rod_vw said:
Don't take it as given that you will be incontinent because it's not!

I've been there and had almost no side effects at all. Yes I am well aware that we are all different and all react to these treatments in different ways but there is no certainty that you will have any problems.

If you are not a member of the Macmillan Prostate Cancer Forum may I suggest that you join it. My 'name' on the Macmillan forum is Osca2023. On the forum you can read my journey from initial GP appointment to 9+ weeks post RT in my Profile, I am now waiting for my post TR consultant appointment which is scheduled for the 28th October.
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Thanks for the reply Rod but I am about to start radiotherapy now. My choice.
 
Bumping this in light of Sir Chris Hoy's news.
I was diagnosed Stage 4 over 4 years ago. Hormone and radiotherapy killed it off - for now.
Now periodic PSA tests giving <0.25 so keeping the bas**rd at bay.
 
I was diagnosed Stage 3 'curable' eighteen months ago. I'm still on Hormone therapy until the last implant begins to run down in January 2025. I've had my post radiotherapy PSA figures and a consultation today showing PSA 'undetectable' so fingers crossed for the next few years ☺️.
Many thanks to the Macmillan Prostate Cancer Forum for support and advice.
 
That’s great news Rod, onwards and upwards
👏👏
 
I don't think I have prostate cancer so I apologise if this is the wrong place to post this.
I started taking tamsulosin a month ago to reduce night time trips to the loo. After 3 weeks I have begun to have a permanant headache and feel like I am living in a fog. I also feel a bit sick for much of the time. It could be lots of things but I wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms on taking tamsulosin, and if so, whether it eased or they stopped taking it.
Thanks.

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I've been on it after Brachytherapy which is coming up to 8 weeks post op with no issues at all.
 
Ian_H said:
I don't think I have prostate cancer so I apologise if this is the wrong place to post this.
I started taking tamsulosin a month ago to reduce night time trips to the loo. After 3 weeks I have begun to have a permanant headache and feel like I am living in a fog. I also feel a bit sick for much of the time. It could be lots of things but I wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms on taking tamsulosin, and if so, whether it eased or they stopped taking it.
Thanks.
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Been taking it for a couple of years without any side effects. However, we’re all different so worth trying an alternative?
 
Yesterday I had my 4 year appointment with urology. I have been discharged from their care as cancer free.

This is my story, for the benefit of members on here.

It is a story of positivity, not fear, nor sadness.

I am a son of an irradiated nuclear veteran and, with my twin were conceived after the final detonations of Exercise Grapple, otherwise known as the H bomb trials in the 1950's. My late father was awarded the BEM for meritorious service to Queen and country at age 26 for his work on the trials team. He was present at each and every detonation associated with Grapple round the world. He passed aged 55 in 1988 from carcinomatosis. His initial diagnosis was ademocarcinoma of the prostate, but was not found in time partially due to lack of knowledge and testing around prostate cancer. It was at that time known as the old mans cancer, that if a man lived beyond life expectancy of 62 at that time he would probably succumb to it.

All members of the trials team passed of various carcinoma in their 50's.

My twin contracted a similar carcinoma 5 years later, and survived, although is now presenting with effects of the radio therapy treatment he underwent. He now faces fac/mac reconstruction surgery to help him eat.

Since I was 25 I have had regular PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests at any sign of lower abdominal, lower back or pelvic pain. This has averaged once every 9 years. This is a simple blood test and not the rectal finger examination. Over the decades I have not registered a positive.

In May 2020, over three weeks my wife noticed I was getting up in the night several times, wasn't always able to pee, pee a bit, then get up again soon after. She insisted I see the Dr. On June 11 I requested a consultation. At that time the media and government were telling us we wouldn't get seen due to COVID-19 load on the NHS. Friday 12 June I had a consultation, given my symptoms and history my Dr knew, as did I what we were looking at. I had a PSA on Monday 15 June, results a week later. I registered at 4.3 on the scale, above the threshold for intervention of 4.0. I had an MRI on 29 June, that showed significant cause for concern. A biopsy was scheduled for 27 July. At the pre op on 22 July I had a further PSA that registered 4.6

The biopsy was something to behold if you have any kinks. Often it is under a general anaesthetic, but for me a local. To walk into the theatre with no sedation, sit over a hole at the end of the operating table, then have my legs strapped into styrups, lay back, have a cannula inserted and drugs put in, whilst a cold ultrasound probe was inserted in my anus, followed by my tackle being taped to my belly whilst they fired 48 needles into my prostate through my perineal region was beyond kinky.

The results came back on 20 August as having ademocarcinoma of the prostate, same as my dad. The cells were contained within my prostate although close to my rectum. Radiotherapy was not an option due to what has happened with my twin, it might cause more problems and doesn't remove everything.

On Friday 11 September I had an immediate Radical Prostatectomy that removed my prostate and the carcinoma within it. Giving me survival. It's done by robot. My prostate, that is normally the size of a walnut, was 63cc, or nearly a bottle of wine. I asked it to be bottled, but given my history they want to learn. It was determined as stage4 on testing after removal. On that point I'm having a DNA Elisa to match my chromosome DNA to that of irradiated veterans.

The research on irradiation has been embargoed until 2058.

So, in exactly three months our brilliant NHS had found it and removed it. The NHS works.

Listen to your partner.

Go to the Dr.

There have been side effects requiring further surgery in 2022, and use of equipment. But now back on the bike as it were.

There has been lots of laughter in the face of adversity and accidents before surgery where I cannot go into a particular branch of Waitrose after I flooded the gents with pee. We did recently revisit the gents at Empingham reservoir that again I had flooded. Always wear dark shorts so its not so obvious.

The team at Guildford hospital have been superb.
 
KASPAR said:
Yesterday I had my 4 year appointment with urology. I have been discharged from their care as cancer free.

This is my story, for the benefit of members on here.

It is a story of positivity, not fear, nor sadness.

I am a son of an irradiated nuclear veteran and, with my twin were conceived after the final detonations of Exercise Grapple, otherwise known as the H bomb trials in the 1950's. My late father was awarded the BEM for meritorious service to Queen and country at age 26 for his work on the trials team. He was present at each and every detonation associated with Grapple round the world. He passed aged 55 in 1988 from carcinomatosis. His initial diagnosis was ademocarcinoma of the prostate, but was not found in time partially due to lack of knowledge and testing around prostate cancer. It was at that time known as the old mans cancer, that if a man lived beyond life expectancy of 62 at that time he would probably succumb to it.

All members of the trials team passed of various carcinoma in their 50's.

My twin contracted a similar carcinoma 5 years later, and survived, although is now presenting with effects of the radio therapy treatment he underwent. He now faces fac/mac reconstruction surgery to help him eat.

Since I was 25 I have had regular PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests at any sign of lower abdominal, lower back or pelvic pain. This has averaged once every 9 years. This is a simple blood test and not the rectal finger examination. Over the decades I have not registered a positive.

In May 2020, over three weeks my wife noticed I was getting up in the night several times, wasn't always able to pee, pee a bit, then get up again soon after. She insisted I see the Dr. On June 11 I requested a consultation. At that time the media and government were telling us we wouldn't get seen due to COVID-19 load on the NHS. Friday 12 June I had a consultation, given my symptoms and history my Dr knew, as did I what we were looking at. I had a PSA on Monday 15 June, results a week later. I registered at 4.3 on the scale, above the threshold for intervention of 4.0. I had an MRI on 29 June, that showed significant cause for concern. A biopsy was scheduled for 27 July. At the pre op on 22 July I had a further PSA that registered 4.6

The biopsy was something to behold if you have any kinks. Often it is under a general anaesthetic, but for me a local. To walk into the theatre with no sedation, sit over a hole at the end of the operating table, then have my legs strapped into styrups, lay back, have a cannula inserted and drugs put in, whilst a cold ultrasound probe was inserted in my anus, followed by my tackle being taped to my belly whilst they fired 48 needles into my prostate through my perineal region was beyond kinky.

The results came back on 20 August as having ademocarcinoma of the prostate, same as my dad. The cells were contained within my prostate although close to my rectum. Radiotherapy was not an option due to what has happened with my twin, it might cause more problems and doesn't remove everything.

On Friday 11 September I had an immediate Radical Prostatectomy that removed my prostate and the carcinoma within it. Giving me survival. It's done by robot. My prostate, that is normally the size of a walnut, was 63cc, or nearly a bottle of wine. I asked it to be bottled, but given my history they want to learn. It was determined as stage4 on testing after removal. On that point I'm having a DNA Elisa to match my chromosome DNA to that of irradiated veterans.

The research on irradiation has been embargoed until 2058.

So, in exactly three months our brilliant NHS had found it and removed it. The NHS works.

Listen to your partner.

Go to the Dr.

There have been side effects requiring further surgery in 2022, and use of equipment. But now back on the bike as it were.

There has been lots of laughter in the face of adversity and accidents before surgery where I cannot go into a particular branch of Waitrose after I flooded the gents with pee. We did recently revisit the gents at Empingham reservoir that again I had flooded. Always wear dark shorts so its not so obvious.

The team at Guildford hospital have been superb.
Click to expand...
If I understand the dates on the above I can only be thankful that the biopsy procedure that you experienced in 2020 had now improved in June 2023 when I had mine as it was little more than embarrassing.
 
Mine as well when I read the one above I winced
 
KASPAR said:
Yesterday I had my 4 year appointment with urology. I have been discharged from their care as cancer free.

This is my story, for the benefit of members on here.

It is a story of positivity, not fear, nor sadness.

I am a son of an irradiated nuclear veteran and, with my twin were conceived after the final detonations of Exercise Grapple, otherwise known as the H bomb trials in the 1950's. My late father was awarded the BEM for meritorious service to Queen and country at age 26 for his work on the trials team. He was present at each and every detonation associated with Grapple round the world. He passed aged 55 in 1988 from carcinomatosis. His initial diagnosis was ademocarcinoma of the prostate, but was not found in time partially due to lack of knowledge and testing around prostate cancer. It was at that time known as the old mans cancer, that if a man lived beyond life expectancy of 62 at that time he would probably succumb to it.

All members of the trials team passed of various carcinoma in their 50's.

My twin contracted a similar carcinoma 5 years later, and survived, although is now presenting with effects of the radio therapy treatment he underwent. He now faces fac/mac reconstruction surgery to help him eat.

Since I was 25 I have had regular PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests at any sign of lower abdominal, lower back or pelvic pain. This has averaged once every 9 years. This is a simple blood test and not the rectal finger examination. Over the decades I have not registered a positive.

In May 2020, over three weeks my wife noticed I was getting up in the night several times, wasn't always able to pee, pee a bit, then get up again soon after. She insisted I see the Dr. On June 11 I requested a consultation. At that time the media and government were telling us we wouldn't get seen due to COVID-19 load on the NHS. Friday 12 June I had a consultation, given my symptoms and history my Dr knew, as did I what we were looking at. I had a PSA on Monday 15 June, results a week later. I registered at 4.3 on the scale, above the threshold for intervention of 4.0. I had an MRI on 29 June, that showed significant cause for concern. A biopsy was scheduled for 27 July. At the pre op on 22 July I had a further PSA that registered 4.6

The biopsy was something to behold if you have any kinks. Often it is under a general anaesthetic, but for me a local. To walk into the theatre with no sedation, sit over a hole at the end of the operating table, then have my legs strapped into styrups, lay back, have a cannula inserted and drugs put in, whilst a cold ultrasound probe was inserted in my anus, followed by my tackle being taped to my belly whilst they fired 48 needles into my prostate through my perineal region was beyond kinky.

The results came back on 20 August as having ademocarcinoma of the prostate, same as my dad. The cells were contained within my prostate although close to my rectum. Radiotherapy was not an option due to what has happened with my twin, it might cause more problems and doesn't remove everything.

On Friday 11 September I had an immediate Radical Prostatectomy that removed my prostate and the carcinoma within it. Giving me survival. It's done by robot. My prostate, that is normally the size of a walnut, was 63cc, or nearly a bottle of wine. I asked it to be bottled, but given my history they want to learn. It was determined as stage4 on testing after removal. On that point I'm having a DNA Elisa to match my chromosome DNA to that of irradiated veterans.

The research on irradiation has been embargoed until 2058.

So, in exactly three months our brilliant NHS had found it and removed it. The NHS works.

Listen to your partner.

Go to the Dr.

There have been side effects requiring further surgery in 2022, and use of equipment. But now back on the bike as it were.

There has been lots of laughter in the face of adversity and accidents before surgery where I cannot go into a particular branch of Waitrose after I flooded the gents with pee. We did recently revisit the gents at Empingham reservoir that again I had flooded. Always wear dark shorts so its not so obvious.

The team at Guildford hospital have been superb.
Click to expand...
Great news and pleased for you however my story suggests the NHS doesn't always work as it should.

Diagnosed February 2023, started RT January 2024, will hopefully start RT 28th November 2024 and finish 27th December 2024,

I am waiting to see what else might delay things.

Taken a little too long methinks
 
Hirsch said:
Great news and pleased for you however my story suggests the NHS doesn't always work as it should.

Diagnosed February 2023, started RT January 2024, will hopefully start RT 28th November 2024 and finish 27th December 2024,

I am waiting to see what else might delay things.

Taken a little too long methinks
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Does seem a long time had biopsies done on 18 Dec 23 confirmed cancer 02 Jan 24 had first hormone inj then , I started rt on 25 May 24 finished 19 June 24 now just hormone injections every 3 months for 2 years with blood tests every 6 months the first one being Sept gone and a result of 0.02 this is at St Barts in london
 
Hirsch said:
Great news and pleased for you however my story suggests the NHS doesn't always work as it should.

Diagnosed February 2023, started RT January 2024, will hopefully start RT 28th November 2024 and finish 27th December 2024,

I am waiting to see what else might delay things.

Taken a little too long methinks
Click to expand...
I was heading the same way with delay after delay from late 2023 until April 2024 when I went and eyeballed a member the appointments team. From that meeting on a Wednesday afternoon to confirmation of a RT start date on the following Friday everything has run along smoothly. Prior to that when I telephoned them I was being fobbed off!

Moral of story, don't take no for an answer, go and see them face to face. It worked for me.

My journey through this is in my profile on the Macmillan Prostate Cancer Forum under the pseudonym OSCA2023 listed as a diary.

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