Alright chaps, you might not remember me but it’s your Putin loving (according to some), Farage admiring (according to others) cuddly Leftie here that made its my life’s ambition to spread the word…… As some of you might remember I was diagnosed with low level Prostate Cancer almost 10 years back and opted for active surveillance where they monitor my PSA level on a regular basis and throw in the odd MRI and CT scan as well. Now two weeks ago I had the dreaded call that the Cancer had “progressed”, was now bulging from the capsule and had possibly become more aggressive. Cue the glory of the NHS (give ‘em a clap, eh ?) and I was booked in straight away for more CT scans (I’d started peeing blood) another MRI and yesterday I had another biopsy. Options now are that it’s probably gonna be either Brachytherapy (maybe too late), Radiotherapy (sounds ****ing horrible) or Radical Prostectamy (sounds even ****ing worse). All treatable and all mean I’ll be able to hopefully live a normal life afterwards (still ain’t looking forward to a catheter for two weeks and tenna pants for a few months after. The point of this post is that if I hadn’t had the PSA test all those years ago then the Cancer would have been there, with no symptoms, steadily growing and being missed….and if it metastasised and went some where else that would have been a whole lot of bad…… So to all you older fellas out there, get a PSA test for ****s sake…..it’s only an indication but could lead to an early diagnoses and a much better prognosis in the long term. And to all you younger chaps…don’t think you’re immune. If you have a family history of CA, like I did….you too should get yourself checked out. My kids do “just in case”….better to be safe than sorry. I honestly ain’t looking for sympathy and I’m chilled (mostly) about it all but just something I feel passionate about. Much love to you all, even my old scrapping foes…..hope all is well and good to see the Rangers where they belong. Might try and pop down one day if someone is willing to volunteer to change my bag . Peace my bredrin x
All the best mate, all I can say to anyone going through treatment for cancer is try and keep positive however **** you feel, and hopefully u will be back watching the mighty hoops in the Premier league before you know it!
Good luck Stainsey. Sounds like you’re being positive about it (as much as you can at the prospect of bags etc.). Keep the chin up and divert your thinking now and again to the Rrrrrs. Fingers crossed for you fella.
Staines - it's lovely to hear from you, and I'm so sorry to hear your cancer has progressed. I'm glad to hear it's treatable, but sorry to hear that all of the options are intensive and unpleasant. Wishing you nothing but the very best. In case anyone is wondering 'what is a PSA test and how do I get one?', look here: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ab...eral/tests/prostate-specific-antigen-psa-test It's a simple blood test you can get via your GP if you're over 50 or have any symptoms you may think are cancer. I suspect most GP practices will let a nurse take the bloods for the test, so if you explain on the phone what you want, you may not even need to book a GP visit, just the bloods.
All the very best mate. Also, excellent advice, although it should be pointed out that, sometimes, the PSA test can give misleading results. However, always better to play it safe. All power to you mate. X
And in the past, an incorrect PSA could lead to an uncomfortable biopsy. Now, however, they interpose an MRI in between which gives a good indication of whether a biopsy is needed or not.
Sounds like you've got a very positive outlook on things. Keep it up (no bad phrase).... stay strong as you go through the treatment!!
Totally agree lads…..PSA testing is definitely not a diagnosis, but can be used as an indicator that there underlying issues. And Goldie is correct, biopsies are not the first line of investigation….more likely a DRE (hopefully from a stunningly beautiful lady GP) and then an MRI….though be fair a “TRUS” biopsy is far more preferable than the “Template” biopsy I had yesterday. Thanks to all for your support
All the best Stainsey & take care of yourself, that’s a great report you did there, luckily I was cleared of prostrate cancer after an op for enlarge prostrate, had biopsy & don’t recommend that & scan
All the best Stainsey, I was diagnosed in 2019,also had active surveillance MRI & a biopsy (that I wouldn't wish on a Chelsea fan), I was called in for Radiotherapy (20 sessions) I've been in remission for 12 months now with another PSA test in December, I share your wish that all the old buggers on here get the test it's better than the alternative
Do you know if your CA was on stage 2 then Pete ? And how was the radiotherapy ? The things I’ve read don’t sound great but looks like that would be preferable to the radical prostectamy. DM me if better and thanks for the info….great to hear from someone who went through it.
They caught me at stage 1 my Gleeson score was 3-4, the radiotherapy was not so bad leaves you very tired plus it kills your ability to spit(if you get my drift) you have to have at least 150ml of fluid in your bladder to avoid damage but on the plus side after its over you get to ring the bell
Thanks so much for the info Pete…..if that’s my chosen path I will probably be asking you more. So glad you’re in remission.
Good to hear and hopefully a full recovery can be made pal. Good luck for the future ! As an aside I'm writing this from a hospital bed as I had the flu the last 2 weeks and felt awful. After being in bed for 4 days shaking and having a splitting headache I got up to make some soup having hardly eaten a thing fir days. While pouring it into a bowl i collapsed in the kitchen and smashed my shoulder on the worktop before hitting the deck. As I lay on the floor I found I couldn't lift myself up and had no feeling diwnmy left side and my missus was out with her mum. I lay there conscious for 45 mins before finally dragging myself to my phone in the bedroom. The ambulance arrived 50 mins later and I was rushed to Epsom hospital where I had an MRI of my head and a CT scan done. Turns out I'd had 4 mini strokes of the right side of my brain and it has affected the left arm, hand and leg. Luckily it hasn't affected my speech or other movements or memory. I have to stay in for at least a few more days while they run further tests on my brain and heart to try and find out the cause. So far I feel very lucky and just want to find the cause. I'm 53 and both my father and his father died aged 54 of a brain aneurysm, so was sitting myself they'd see one on the scan today but apparently not. Hopefully be back to near enough full capacity soon and able to get back to my optimistic self soon lol. Everyone take care you never know what is literally round the corner.
