Well now that i've hopefully got all your attention, i've been thinking of starting this thread for some time now and recent events have finally inspired me to do so. I will tell you now it's non football related and might be a long read so you have been warned. Ok, my story starts just before Christmas when i started noticing more pain than usual in my groin area. On the assistance of my better half and much to my annoyance i went to my Doctor who suggested i have a PSA test. This is simply a blood test to measure the amount of Prostrate Specific Antigen in your blood which could be a sign of Prostatitis or worse. After a couple of weeks i was called back for my results, only to be told my PSA level was sightly elevated so more tests were ordered, firstly a Digital Rectal Examination (which is exactly what it says on the tin), and when a nodule was felt on my prostrate, a biopsy. I won't go into the gory details but will just say it was VERY uncomfortable and i bled from places i never thought i would be bleeding from . So a week went by until the time came for me to get my results. To say i was nervous was an understatement but i am only 43 so the chances of it being anything serious were minimal. With that in my mind i was quite jovial as i sat opposite the nurse to get my results. Well you could of knocked me sideways when after a brief chat she spoke those dreaded words "I'm really sorry to tell you this Mr S but we have found CANCER !!" Well of course i did the only thing a tough fella like me could do....i burst into tears . After a few moments i composed myself and was able to get my head around the good news. I was told that hopefully they have caught it early enough (It only scores a Gleason scale 6) and it is localised (T2). So, that's where i am now, more DRE's, more PSA tests and now my consultant has ordered a more exstensive 'Template Biopsy' which will confirm how aggresive the cancer is and how we should proceed next. So why am i telling you all this ? Firstly i'd like to urge any of you, especially the over 50's, that if you do feel something is not right 'down there', if you have any pain or discomfort or maybe just notice you are visiting the toilet more often than normal, then ffs go to your Doctor and ask for a test. It's a simple blood test that can tell if you are POSSIBLY at risk and then further action can be taken. 'Cos we are blokes it's easy to put health issues to the side because of embarresment or simple hope thay will go away. Trust me this isn't the best option. Prostrate cancer is the 4th most common cancer diagnosed in the UK and over 10,000 men a year die of it here when many of these deaths could be prevented f diagnosed earlier. Secondly, i personally love reading this board and it's been a good read when i've been feeling down and the different characters on here do make me smile (even you Swords ). If we continue like we have been i really can see it going 'tits up' and i would really hate that. So come on gents (and lady) lets just pull together and look forward to the coming season and cut out some of the bickering. Anyway thanks for reading (those who gt to the end) and i hope this came over as it was meant. Not a post from some 'attention whore', and certainly not to gain any sympathy, just my way of spreading a bit of awareness of this crappy disease that could effect any of us (even a slightly balding, slightly overweight 43 yr old)
Wow, that's a bit of a shock mate. Thanks for sharing that with us, your really brave in doing so. I now know why you've been off the juice before and after games. What you have stated is so important as us blokes do tend to shrug things off until it's too late. Even the late great Bobby Moore succumbed to this **** disease because he didn't go and see his doc. All the best my friend I will be in touch soon, it kind of puts things in perspective.
I'm so sorry to hear Staines, good on you to have the 'courage' to see the doc as you're spot on about us blokes and medics. Just a couple of weeks ago I've learned that my nephews half brother has got terminal tongue cancer, and he is in his early twenties ffs! It's a cruel world. And the ****iest thing is it could all have been prevented if the doctors had listended to his parents who urged them to get on chemo asap I've been told, the hospital has even admitted they've made a grave error. Makes my blood boil! Glad you've caught it early, good luck with your treatment. Thanks for sharing and hope you get well soon.
God that's shocking news, really brave of you to share it with the rest of us. I wish you all the best in your fight against it, you've been able to cope with the roller coaster that is QPR, so I'm sure you will be fine mate. Really puts life into perspective when things like this happen to us in life. Great advice about going to see the doctor if in any doubt, and no one is big enough to not!
Wow Staines! i was just off to bed and then saw your post. Really sorry to hear that and i hope you get it sorted and back to yourself. We all have a laugh/joke/upset on here but that as 999 said 'puts things in perspective'. Stay strong
A brave and selfless post in spite of the fact that you fear it could be seen to be otherwise. No one deserves what you're going through and I can tell from the way that you conduct yourself on here that you're a top bloke. All the very best for now and all the times ahead, Matt
Noted you said something on another thread that made me think Staines, something like "having more on your plate at the moment than worrying about a football forum". Like nines say, it puts it all in perspective.
I'm so sorry to read what's happening there Stainsy. I'm too knackered to follow up with anything of much value other than to say thanks for your selflessness in alerting us to the realities which we guys (particularly me) need to attend to. A bit topical on here atm but Muslims have a great softener for when we meet our challenges. You may well know it. 'Inshallah', they say looking up into the sky. If God wills it. I'm not religious but I've had a good few Inshallah moments. Wish you every strength with yours. I know you're a pretty tough cookie though mate!
Staines a great post to make us realise we are not immortal. I,ve had two friends that have been in a similar situation. If you can I think this should be posted on all not606 boards.
What a balls thing to hear just before the best season (Hopefully) QPR will have in my lifetime! (Too soon? ) Get better soon mate. My dad's only a little older than you... It would be a killer to find out that he had cancer, so I can empathise.
Sorry to hear this Staines. That is rough. Well done for dealing with it though. It's good advice you give and these are the kicks up the arse I need to start taking more care of myself - in so many ways. Hope all goes well mate.
Staines awful thing and i sincerely hope you kick this ****er and big respect to the people that will help you do this... just checking mime now and you are welcome to share mine ... i am sure my girlfriend won't notice she only has a look once a year you will sort this no problem
Sad to hear your news mate,i'm in no doubt you will conquer this.Life can be an absolute **** sometimes,but hang in there and keep fighting.Just remember that the people that overcome these adversities are the one's that inspire us!I'll be thinking of you,and you have my utmost respect in your ongoing struggle.
Good luck with the fight Staines. I got a bit of a health wake up call myself earlier this year. Nothing as serious as you (type 2 diabetes) but it did make me more aware of my health and I have lost over 4 stone in weight and feel much better for the weight loss. Stay strong Staines.
