Prostate cancer. A useful resource.

[StephKen]

My brother in law was having chemo for Prostate Cancer and unfortunately it brought on a heart attack from which he died, but thankfully because the consultant told him to get his brother tested (my husband) who had no symptoms what so ever we found that he has PC. Luckily the biopsy showed one test positive out of the whole lot so he is on a monitoring system now with his PSA tests and so far after 3 years we are still on good levels. Had a bit of a blip but then came down again, so now living life to the full when possible.
We have 3 grandchildren and their dad live with us as the children lost their mum from cancer so we are very much a family who tells everybody that the first sign of not feeling good or if checks are available then get them done!!!

 

[gus-lopez]

but the medication is known to mask the score,

They should have given you another tablet to correct the under reading from the Tamusolin

 

[Bazzagas]

I went to the GP with this problem,.. finger up the bum confirmed enlarged prostate but no signs of a tumour .. but they can only examine one side of the gland.. so that was followed up by a PSA test that was negative ..

Was given a prescription for Tamsulosin capsules , one a day to reduce swelling which worked great and can now pee like a horse ..well, a pony anyway .. such a relief literally

For too long I put up with taking ages to pee and up during the night several times for the loo, don't hesitate , have it examined.

Check your risk

Check your risk in 30 seconds | Prostate Cancer UK

It's the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don't have symptoms. Find out about your risk now.

prostatecanceruk.org

I had the same thing..finger etc. enlarged prostate but nothing to worry about for a man of my age, apparently....got tamsulosin but had bad side effects of severe dizziness...put on finesteride but after a month I'm still up 2 , 3 , or 4 times a night, and it takes ages and hurts cos I can't pee....OK during the day...gonna give it another month then another phone call..

 

[JohnFX]

As a Volunteer speaker for Prostate Cancer UK I would suggest all men aged 40 or over visit the prostrate cancer uk web site and take the risk checker. I am still here 10years after my diagnosis and prostectomy, and live to tell the tale.I do love it when told by some that I check myself regularly sounds like a lotto fun.

 

[rod_vw]

My GP is lead doctor/senior partner/head of practice and since it was he who said it was their policy I saw little point in changing to another GP there but I'll have a go.
I'd rather not report him as I don't want to compromise my reception at any future appointments, although when he said they don't do tests because they are not cost effective I couldn't help but reply that it certainly wasn't cost effective for me after 45 years of contributions.

That is much like the response that I had but with a few terse words I had my first appointment the next day!

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[Redken]

Jim (would you consider making this post a sticky in an appropriate place?

I wouldn’t normally expect one forum to promote another, but I wonder if, in this case, it might be acceptable.


I’m a bit of an evangelist about promoting early checks for discovering PC. I’m a survivor of 3 1/2 years and am only around because I asked to be checked.

Are you one of those guys who spend ages at a urinal, have you ever wondered why?

Of course it could just be age related. This forum will help you find out more information, and may just save your life.


It’s a very useful forum run by the MacMillan nursing is an excellent resource for anyone worried about Prostate cancer.

It’s one of the few cancers that, providing you find it early enough, you can survive with a 100% normal life.

Prostate cancer forum

A group for anyone affected by prostate cancer to share experiences and ask questions. Whether you or someone you know has been diagnosed, here you can discuss treatment options, side effects, prostatectomy and anything else that’s on your mind.

community.macmillan.org.uk

Thanks for this. I would like to add that if your father, uncle or brother have had it then there is a good chance that you will get it. Start getting checked from age 40.

 

[Mike Warland]

Jim (would you consider making this post a sticky in an appropriate place?

I wouldn’t normally expect one forum to promote another, but I wonder if, in this case, it might be acceptable.


I’m a bit of an evangelist about promoting early checks for discovering PC. I’m a survivor of 3 1/2 years and am only around because I asked to be checked.

Are you one of those guys who spend ages at a urinal, have you ever wondered why?

Of course it could just be age related. This forum will help you find out more information, and may just save your life.


It’s a very useful forum run by the MacMillan nursing is an excellent resource for anyone worried about Prostate cancer.

It’s one of the few cancers that, providing you find it early enough, you can survive with a 100% normal life.

Prostate cancer forum

A group for anyone affected by prostate cancer to share experiences and ask questions. Whether you or someone you know has been diagnosed, here you can discuss treatment options, side effects, prostatectomy and anything else that’s on your mind.

community.macmillan.org.uk

Yes I discovered blood in my seman and went to Gp mid November 2023 he sent me for a blood test for psa few days later, the next day he tang me it was 12th November said he was fast tracking me to hospital psa was 7.5. I received a call from hospital on 13th with appointment for urology 5 days later. I saw the specialist who examined me and said he could feel a lump which was probably cancer and he would arrange an mri scan. The next day hospital rang it was Friday could I come for an mri on Monday 9 am 27th November. It took 3 weeks to get the results which confirmed prostate cancer. An appointment for a biopsy was made for 4 thJanuary the doctor called me the week after to go in. I was told it was aggressive but as far as they could tell hadn’t spread. A couple of weeks before this I had researched options which were discussed at the meeting and I felt surgery was favourite so I made a private appointment with the leading surgeon in the area for 21st January. He advised that surgery was relevant if I wanted it and said he could do robotic keyhole prostatectomy on the 27th on NHS last week. So I am sat here now with a catheter which will be taken out next Tuesday reflecting on our brilliant NHS. I don’t believe private would have done any better and they didn’t have the equipment to do it. Since I was diagnosed I am amazed at how many friends and acquaintances have had PC the doctor said that more men die with it than from it but I would recommend having a psa blood test it’s not 100% but it is better than nothing.

 

[Panda73]

PSA 32 in January 21 after I asked GP for test. 12 months on after radiotherapy and 10 months of hormone therapy, hoping my next PSA test next week will show untraceable levels. PSA test not definitive but will pick out the positives with high levels and probably cancer. At least you will be better informed with a test to start discussions with your GP, assuming you can get an appointment.

 

[h8ten]

Well, this is a long thread of really useful information, a bit of an eye-opener too, and I wish all the best for those going through this. I went to my GP (well one in the practice) for general tiredness along with a couple of other minor ailments, I tend to wait until it is worthwhile seeing them. I had the internal examination (totally unexpected) and no comments were made so I assume nothing was found. I was back again for another reason, had a blood test and the only thing mentioned was possible underactive thyroid. I have to make another appointment for another blood test in a couple of months as a 6-month follow-up and wonder if when I book the blood test if I should I ask for a PSA check as well. I'm 65, generally healthy other than a bit of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Well, this is a long thread of really useful information, a bit of an eye-opener too, and I wish all the best for those going through this. I went to my GP (well one in the practice) for general tiredness along with a couple of other minor ailments, I tend to wait until it is worthwhile seeing them. I had the internal examination (totally unexpected) and no comments were made so I assume nothing was found. I was back again for another reason, had a blood test and the only thing mentioned was possible underactive thyroid. I have to make another appointment for another blood test in a couple of months as a 6-month follow-up and wonder if when I book the blood test if I should I ask for a PSA check as well. I'm 65, generally healthy other than a bit of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The blood clinic will not take a blood test for psa unless requested by your doctor or practise nurse on your blood form.
Best to contact your doc and ask for it to be included on your blood test

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[Oldrat]

Well, this is a long thread of really useful information, a bit of an eye-opener too, and I wish all the best for those going through this. I went to my GP (well one in the practice) for general tiredness along with a couple of other minor ailments, I tend to wait until it is worthwhile seeing them. I had the internal examination (totally unexpected) and no comments were made so I assume nothing was found. I was back again for another reason, had a blood test and the only thing mentioned was possible underactive thyroid. I have to make another appointment for another blood test in a couple of months as a 6-month follow-up and wonder if when I book the blood test if I should I ask for a PSA check as well. I'm 65, generally healthy other than a bit of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

One of the triggers for the treatment pathway is if you show high levels of concern.

If you felt that it was worrying you and told your GP that, it should trigger more investigation.

If it were me I’d be asking for that (very simple) blood test.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

Well, this is a long thread of really useful information, a bit of an eye-opener too, and I wish all the best for those going through this. I went to my GP (well one in the practice) for general tiredness along with a couple of other minor ailments, I tend to wait until it is worthwhile seeing them. I had the internal examination (totally unexpected) and no comments were made so I assume nothing was found. I was back again for another reason, had a blood test and the only thing mentioned was possible underactive thyroid. I have to make another appointment for another blood test in a couple of months as a 6-month follow-up and wonder if when I book the blood test if I should I ask for a PSA check as well. I'm 65, generally healthy other than a bit of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Absolutely you should ask for a PSA blood test and not under any circumstances take no for an answer. See my post #11, I just asked during my routine Cholesterol test, the HCA just added it in knowing the GP’s supported it.

 

[Tony50]

At the peak times of publicity I have requested a PSA test, probably 5 or 6 times in the past fifteen years. The same GP has refused, saying that they are unreliable, inconclusive and not cost-effective. The last time I asked because although I avoided fluids after around 8 o'clock in the evening I was having to go to the loo twice or sometimes thrice a night but he just dismissed me, saying: "What do you expect at your age?".
I'm 78 now and according to him I'm not now in the permitted NHS screening age group anyway.

You can always contact "Chaps " (on their Chaps website )it's a Charity that does tests around the country, I go once a year , but , they like donations, they usually where and when in my area have a Retired Consultant who gives everyone a talk as you arrive for your appointment,worth £25 I think

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

I'm pleased you've started this thread as I've been meaning to post this Blog link for ages.

For those of you who don't know who the people are they used to do a Blog called 'Foxes Afloat' as they lived on a narrow boat but then moved to a croft in the Highlands so do one about their life etc there now (every Friday at 4.00 pm). They're very down to earth and can be a right giggle however they also talk about serious stuff too, mental health being a biggie as Colin suffers with that, but Shaun had prostate cancer a few years ago so they decided to do this specific Blog to try to encourage others to talk about it and get checked. Even if you're not a fan of them it's very interesting and informative.

Thanks very much for this link, I haven’t laughed as much for ages. They really put it over very well, probably the best I’ve heard. Not for the narrow-minded or squemish!

 

[gus-lopez]

I have to make another appointment for another blood test in a couple of months as a 6-month follow-up and wonder if when I book the blood test if I should I ask for a PSA check as well.

& as I have posted before why do they not test for the majority of things?

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[seasideBill]

Thanks very much for this link, I haven’t laughed as much for ages. They really put it over very well, probably the best I’ve heard. Not for the narrow-minded or squemish!

Don’t follow them but it’s a superb and extremely candid video. The inclusion of topics like sexual function, catheters and incontinence is so important and relevant. I bet a lot of guys suffering with prostate cancer are surprised by how challenging the post operative and recovery phase can be.

 

[Oldrat]

Don’t follow them but it’s a superb and extremely candid video. The inclusion of topics like sexual function, catheters and incontinence is so important and relevant. I bet a lot of guys suffering with prostate cancer are surprised by how challenging the post operative and recovery phase can be.

I hope this helps.

There is a lot that you can do.

I keep myself very fit and always have done. In the three week lead to my prostatectomy I had post-it notes stuck all over the house incl the loo marked “Pelvic floor exercises” (don't do them during though !!)

I was doing them a dozen or so times a day.

I had the robotic surgery and put my very speedy recovery including fully functional waterworks
totally down to my fitness.

 

[martin2603]

I have had the annual ‘well man ‘ blood tests for years, last Feb I had a PSA result of 7 , it had been 2 and 3. Within a week I had the DRE no obvious signs , a little enlarged. MRI scan which indicated a presence of Prostate Cancer, of to the Birthing Chair for a Biopsy, not my favourite experience, I have a low grade presence in a couple of the test cores. Told that it may well not advance , so opted for Active Surveillance, the level was still raised at the next PSA Test but last November it had fallen back down to 4. Not unusual for my age. This coming Friday my 2nd MRI , so I will update when I get the result. I am very lucky with having a small family practice. I get a text to remind me when my annual blood tests are due, and our local Urology at Medway Maritime have been excellent. I’ve never felt the need for counselling or group session meets.
So clearly the advice is get a yearly PSA.

 

[Pablo19]

They should have given you another tablet to correct the under reading from the Tamusolin

Really? What can they give and why is it important if I know it reduces the reading by about 50%

 

[DavidG58]

Getting ready for a 10.40 appt with my urology oncologist to get the results of my bone scan

Potentially a game changer , but until I know I don’t know

ELO Mr Blue Sky just played on Radio 2, a favourite of my first wife during our courting days, yes we have known each other a very long time

Always been a family favourite since , I am going to make it my recovery tune, today I smiled , laughed and cried a little , I am worried but hopeful

Edit - failed to post a link to play it, will try later when my eyes are working better

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[Backlanes]

All the best for your appointment David.

 

[Chasnam]

Good luck David

 

[CazPaul]

Fingers crossed for you David

 

[Oldrat]

Getting ready for a 10.40 appt with my urology oncologist to get the results of my bone scan

Potentially a game changer , but until I know I don’t know

ELO Mr Blue Sky just played on Radio 2, a favourite of my first wife during our courting days, yes we have known each other a very long time

Always been a family favourite since , I am going to make it my recovery tune, today I smiled , laughed and cried a little , I am worried but hopeful

Edit - failed to post a link to play it, will try later when my eyes are working better

Best wishes for you

 

[MandP]

Getting ready for a 10.40 appt with my urology oncologist to get the results of my bone scan

Potentially a game changer , but until I know I don’t know

ELO Mr Blue Sky just played on Radio 2, a favourite of my first wife during our courting days, yes we have known each other a very long time

Always been a family favourite since , I am going to make it my recovery tune, today I smiled , laughed and cried a little , I am worried but hopeful

Edit - failed to post a link to play it, will try later when my eyes are working better

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[MandP]

Wishing you all the best David.

 

[Tony50]

Best wishes David

 

[BillandHelen]

Hope all goes well.

 

[pagey]

Be lucky

 

[lorger]

Best of luck David

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