Prostate cancer
Discussion
Hi guys voiced this before when pissed but could we have a dedicated room on this disease? Its number one killer cancer for guys over 50 and not enough research is going in to it. I'm currently awaiting surgery for prostate removal and scared s
tless. I don't even have any symptoms at the moment.
tless. I don't even have any symptoms at the moment.To those guys who've had prostate cancer, what was your first clue, what made you go to your GP?
I turned 50 yesterday and I've had testicular cancer twice. Been on testosterone replacement gel for over 10 years, had a rough patch last year when my T level went through the roof.
I've been having bother urinating for a few months now: strain to start peeing, weak flow, never really feel like I've emptied my bladder completely. If i go to my GP with these symptoms what tests/scans etc. can I expect?
I turned 50 yesterday and I've had testicular cancer twice. Been on testosterone replacement gel for over 10 years, had a rough patch last year when my T level went through the roof.
I've been having bother urinating for a few months now: strain to start peeing, weak flow, never really feel like I've emptied my bladder completely. If i go to my GP with these symptoms what tests/scans etc. can I expect?
Hi there, end of October I had a robotic prostatectomy at the Marsden Chelsea.
No prior symptoms except at the age of 70 and with my wife just having gone through bowel cancer surgery I thought I would insist on a PSA test at my GP. Slightly raised levels and there I was on a route to surgery.
The whole scenario was excellent with team at Chelsea and my local hospital performing well.
Post op - yes I have leakage but it has improved and is still improving. I used to take a spare pair of trousers/pants and pads when we went out but no longer.
Sure there are doubting moments but my last PSA tests are at zero and I can now look forward to seeing my grandchildren grow up.
Wish all who are going through this - good luck.
No prior symptoms except at the age of 70 and with my wife just having gone through bowel cancer surgery I thought I would insist on a PSA test at my GP. Slightly raised levels and there I was on a route to surgery.
The whole scenario was excellent with team at Chelsea and my local hospital performing well.
Post op - yes I have leakage but it has improved and is still improving. I used to take a spare pair of trousers/pants and pads when we went out but no longer.
Sure there are doubting moments but my last PSA tests are at zero and I can now look forward to seeing my grandchildren grow up.
Wish all who are going through this - good luck.
For what it's worth, I had a prostate scare a few years ago following a strange infection of some sort which involved collapsing and being incontinent. The GP organised blood and urine tests which came back with raised levels of PSA, so a biopsy was organised. By the time this came round I felt fine and having had a physical examination and more blood and urine tests, I discussed the biopsy procedure with the surgeon. He said that if the tests came out with lower PSA he'd advise against the biopsy which has a risk of infection in itself. I was fine as it turned out. I don't know what to advise myself other than get tested if you notice anything odd, and maybe donate to research.
toddler said:
To those guys who've had prostate cancer, what was your first clue, what made you go to your GP?
I turned 50 yesterday and I've had testicular cancer twice. Been on testosterone replacement gel for over 10 years, had a rough patch last year when my T level went through the roof.
I've been having bother urinating for a few months now: strain to start peeing, weak flow, never really feel like I've emptied my bladder completely. If i go to my GP with these symptoms what tests/scans etc. can I expect?
A prostate exam involves your GPs finger and you lying on your side and raising your knees. It's about as quick and painless as you can get - but I suspect it's one of the reasons a lot of people put off going to the GP. I turned 50 yesterday and I've had testicular cancer twice. Been on testosterone replacement gel for over 10 years, had a rough patch last year when my T level went through the roof.
I've been having bother urinating for a few months now: strain to start peeing, weak flow, never really feel like I've emptied my bladder completely. If i go to my GP with these symptoms what tests/scans etc. can I expect?
A standard blood test can be used to see if a person's PSA level is elevated. This is one of the markers for cancer, but can also be linked to a host of other, far less serious conditions.
The thing to remember is that the prostate does generally get larger as you get older. This then places pressure on the pipework you use to urinate. This can lead to all the symptoms you describe, but does not necessarily mean cancer. For the majority of men it's just part of the aging process, and there are lots of drugs that can relieve the symptoms.
There are then other more invasive tests that can be carried out if necessary. My advice though would be to get yourself off to your GP and have a chat.
Just my take on this. I have to have regular blood checks for Thyroid issues so every two years I ask for a PSA test as well. GP's are reluctant to carry these out as they are unreliable, but there is nothing that is unless you have other signs to worry about. They always do it but I have to go through the why I want one every time
Men need a none invasive test that is accurate and they are getting better all the time, but to me because men do not shout about the issue nothing is going to change quickly.
My advice is have a test regularly and don't worry about the finger jobby, it is no big deal or mine had small fingers but catching any cancer early is always helpful.
Men need a none invasive test that is accurate and they are getting better all the time, but to me because men do not shout about the issue nothing is going to change quickly.
My advice is have a test regularly and don't worry about the finger jobby, it is no big deal or mine had small fingers but catching any cancer early is always helpful.
My husband has just had a prostatectomy via robotic technique. He is 47.
It has been quite an 18 months for all this. I will try and keep it to point though.
My husband cycles and cycled to work daily. He started getting a few issues possibly related to this. But they decided to be thorough and check his PSA even though he was only 45 at the time.
PSA was sl raised so monitoring ensued. Each test up a bit more though not horrifically high, still high to raise alarm bells as so young. Mri scan as clear.
Fast forward few more months, booked for biopsy. Surgeon decided another mri first. So 15 months after the first he had another one done. Small masses in prostate detected this time. Biopsy performed. Cancer confirmed not the fast growing but not the slowest either.
His prostate was never enlarged.
Options discussed. Basically too young for most therapies as they involved radiation which could have their own severe side effects later in life. Ultrasound was a possible but it didn't work it would make future surgery a lot harder due to scarring and still have side effects of incontinence and impotence. Do nothing and monitor also an option but my husband couldn't deal with that option esp given the changes in a short space of time and what if the cancer broke through the prostate causing surgery to be ruled out.
Keyhole surgery was offered but we searched around and realised Southmead used robotic technique so he got referred (not without some glitches along the way.
Surgery went ahead. The professor there was lovely. The team were great. Surgery went well long procedure (4+hrs). They get you out fast, he was home next day.
First night was rough, paramedics called out due to awful pain, late night visits to ooh Dr's for me to pick up meds and a visit to ooh Dr the next day. It was a tough couple days but it did improve. Main issue was the catheter but once that was removed (2 weeks later) he felt better.
He is recovering well now, just back to normal hours at work. Very little incontinence. But still some way to go for him re: impotency issues, meds have helped but not always.
He has been very open about all of this because he wants men to understand the importance of being checked and was determined not to be secretive about it.
Had was 'lucky' surgery should have completely cured him re prostate cancer but it has its side effects. He is also lucky that he was tested earlier than the norm. Another 2-3yrs and the chance of cure may have been severely affected.
He is going to go for counselling because it has had an impact on him (well both of us to some extent!) and I think this should be encouraged more as well.
I don't know if this helps particularly but I thought it worth sharing just in case.
It has been quite an 18 months for all this. I will try and keep it to point though.
My husband cycles and cycled to work daily. He started getting a few issues possibly related to this. But they decided to be thorough and check his PSA even though he was only 45 at the time.
PSA was sl raised so monitoring ensued. Each test up a bit more though not horrifically high, still high to raise alarm bells as so young. Mri scan as clear.
Fast forward few more months, booked for biopsy. Surgeon decided another mri first. So 15 months after the first he had another one done. Small masses in prostate detected this time. Biopsy performed. Cancer confirmed not the fast growing but not the slowest either.
His prostate was never enlarged.
Options discussed. Basically too young for most therapies as they involved radiation which could have their own severe side effects later in life. Ultrasound was a possible but it didn't work it would make future surgery a lot harder due to scarring and still have side effects of incontinence and impotence. Do nothing and monitor also an option but my husband couldn't deal with that option esp given the changes in a short space of time and what if the cancer broke through the prostate causing surgery to be ruled out.
Keyhole surgery was offered but we searched around and realised Southmead used robotic technique so he got referred (not without some glitches along the way.
Surgery went ahead. The professor there was lovely. The team were great. Surgery went well long procedure (4+hrs). They get you out fast, he was home next day.
First night was rough, paramedics called out due to awful pain, late night visits to ooh Dr's for me to pick up meds and a visit to ooh Dr the next day. It was a tough couple days but it did improve. Main issue was the catheter but once that was removed (2 weeks later) he felt better.
He is recovering well now, just back to normal hours at work. Very little incontinence. But still some way to go for him re: impotency issues, meds have helped but not always.
He has been very open about all of this because he wants men to understand the importance of being checked and was determined not to be secretive about it.
Had was 'lucky' surgery should have completely cured him re prostate cancer but it has its side effects. He is also lucky that he was tested earlier than the norm. Another 2-3yrs and the chance of cure may have been severely affected.
He is going to go for counselling because it has had an impact on him (well both of us to some extent!) and I think this should be encouraged more as well.
I don't know if this helps particularly but I thought it worth sharing just in case.
Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 14th August 16:41
Mid 2016 I went to see the GP about some occasional pain in the right hip, got sent to the local hospital in due course for X-Rays, Scans and stuff. Outcome was you've got Stage 4 Prostate Cancer that's spread to the hips and lower spine. Was like being hit with a brick, I thought the worse that could happen would be a new hip job.
Anyway, went on a voluntary Cancer Research UK trial for Docetaxel Chemo October 2016, thought why not, 6 sessions a month apart, was monitored every 3 months after and also started on Hormone treatment at the start too, jab in the bum every 3 months indefinitely. It all seems to have been kept at bay, PSA level about 2 although my Consultant said I may need further treatment when I go to my next appointment in December. Oh, age, 74.
Anyway, went on a voluntary Cancer Research UK trial for Docetaxel Chemo October 2016, thought why not, 6 sessions a month apart, was monitored every 3 months after and also started on Hormone treatment at the start too, jab in the bum every 3 months indefinitely. It all seems to have been kept at bay, PSA level about 2 although my Consultant said I may need further treatment when I go to my next appointment in December. Oh, age, 74.
bexVN said:
My husband has just had a prostatectomy via robotic technique. He is 47.
/snip/
I don't know if this helps particularly but I thought it worth sharing just in case.
bexVN, thank you for sharing your husband's experience, and also thanks to your husband for being so open about it all./snip/
I don't know if this helps particularly but I thought it worth sharing just in case.
Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 14th August 16:41
My Dad (he's 68) was diagnosed a couple of years back with a slow growing prostate cancer so I'm more aware of potential issues these days. One thing I'm a bit terrified of is it being seen as that slow growing that the right time to treat it is missed, and it then spreads. I posted the following in the "Cancer is an effing effer" thread so forgive me for cross-posting, it may jog a few further posts on the issue.
csd19 said:
N7GTX said:
My mother smoked 40 a day and had breast cancer resulting in a mastectomy. She lived for 30 years.
My father never smoked or drank alcohol, was as fit as they come and being a swimming pool manger, swam every day and did fitness stuff in the gym. He got prostate cancer which killed him at 69 years. Why? Possibly genetics.
(snip)
I think it wise to be very aware of any possible genetic links. While the cause of prostate cancer is not known, it is known that having a mother with breast cancer raises the chances of getting it and then it is raised again with a brother and raised yet again with a father. It may be the real reason I got it, who knows?
In your position I would be having regular tests and check ups.
This is very interesting to read, I hadn't looked into the odds despite feeling that I should. My Mum had breast cancer in 1988 (lumpectomy, radiotherapy and good old Tamoxifen) and had been in remission for 20 years when it made a return in 2008 (mastectomy, big surgery and chemo). She had three different tumours overall and is still here thankfully, just with nerve damage and occasional discomfort. Dad is currently fighting prostate cancer aged 68, he's not at an advanced stage yet but I'm always aware that it's there. My father never smoked or drank alcohol, was as fit as they come and being a swimming pool manger, swam every day and did fitness stuff in the gym. He got prostate cancer which killed him at 69 years. Why? Possibly genetics.
(snip)
I think it wise to be very aware of any possible genetic links. While the cause of prostate cancer is not known, it is known that having a mother with breast cancer raises the chances of getting it and then it is raised again with a brother and raised yet again with a father. It may be the real reason I got it, who knows?
In your position I would be having regular tests and check ups.
I've often wondered what's coming my way - at what age should I consider regular testing etc? I'm 38 now and had always thought testing was more to begin in at least a decade's time.
Edited by csd19 on Saturday 31st August 21:32
My husband was advised there is increased risks to family members and off spring. So he has told his brother who is three years older and something we will inform our son of when he is old enough (he is only 9 at the mo). His Dad was actually having prostate related surgery at the same time but not cancer related.
One thing my husband felt is he couldn't see how it would benefit to wait a few extra years only to confirm he needed the op then or that he had missed the boat for surgical cure.
He has said since that he wonders how someone 30+yrs older than him would deal with this surgery and recovery.
One thing my husband felt is he couldn't see how it would benefit to wait a few extra years only to confirm he needed the op then or that he had missed the boat for surgical cure.
He has said since that he wonders how someone 30+yrs older than him would deal with this surgery and recovery.
Big Al. said:
Register1 said:
After reading this, I just phoned the local health clinic to arrange a PSA test.
R1
Just remember to take a short rest (5-10 minuets rest) before the blood test, raised energy levels can give inaccurate readings. R1
Dolf Stoppard said:
toddler said:
To those guys who've had prostate cancer, what was your first clue, what made you go to your GP?
I turned 50 yesterday and I've had testicular cancer twice. Been on testosterone replacement gel for over 10 years, had a rough patch last year when my T level went through the roof.
I've been having bother urinating for a few months now: strain to start peeing, weak flow, never really feel like I've emptied my bladder completely. If i go to my GP with these symptoms what tests/scans etc. can I expect?
A prostate exam involves your GPs finger and you lying on your side and raising your knees. It's about as quick and painless as you can get - but I suspect it's one of the reasons a lot of people put off going to the GP. I turned 50 yesterday and I've had testicular cancer twice. Been on testosterone replacement gel for over 10 years, had a rough patch last year when my T level went through the roof.
I've been having bother urinating for a few months now: strain to start peeing, weak flow, never really feel like I've emptied my bladder completely. If i go to my GP with these symptoms what tests/scans etc. can I expect?
A standard blood test can be used to see if a person's PSA level is elevated. This is one of the markers for cancer, but can also be linked to a host of other, far less serious conditions.
The thing to remember is that the prostate does generally get larger as you get older. This then places pressure on the pipework you use to urinate. This can lead to all the symptoms you describe, but does not necessarily mean cancer. For the majority of men it's just part of the aging process, and there are lots of drugs that can relieve the symptoms.
There are then other more invasive tests that can be carried out if necessary. My advice though would be to get yourself off to your GP and have a chat.
toddler said:
Finally saw my GP last month. He took blood and urine samples and put me on Xatral to relax my prostate which seems to have helped. Went back on Wednesday for test results and everything looks okay, PSA normal apparently. Hopefully nothing more than an enlarged prostate due to aging. Not keen on being on Xatral for the rest of my days though.
sadly not the same for a lot of guys I instigated this thread. Dont like talking about it, 3 months post radical prostectomy here. No nerve sparing but first blood test showing undetectable psa. Worried the surgeon said I had a positive margin, so waiting for another blood test to see if im clear. Sounds stupid but I can Tell guys you can still have an orgasm with a flacid penis lolGassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff