Cancer...

[Bibio]

Back in October I went to see the Doctor about a medication review and a suspected hernia. I left the Docs surgery and while walking up the corridor I realised I forgot to get the Doc to examine my hernia so I about turned. After having my hernia examined the Doc asked when was the last time you had a prostate exam to which i replied ermm never. A finger up the bum later it was discovered i had a lump.

So I thought it was about time I told you all I have Grade 2 Prostate Cancer. No its not the reason i haven't been on much.

Tomorrow is the day that I find out about treatment options but they seem confident that its curable.

I'm a very lucky man to have someone in my life too keep me sane who is caring, understanding and fun.

https://i.postimg.cc/DmVsXX3z/IMG20231019150114-01.jpg
Thank you E

[Luckypants]

Lance, that sucks. My best wishes to you for a full recovery. I hope treatment is not too hard on you or your loved ones. Please keep us informed on how you are doing and don't ever feel that you moaning about stuff, if it helps you in any way, please share.

All the best.

[Kenzie]

Sorry to hear the news. Hope the treatment goes well and you recover quickly.

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[Craig380]

Sorry to hear that, Bibs. For what it's worth, I was diagnosed 5 years ago with Stage 4 inoperable PC, if I can offer any help or advice just ping me a message and I'll do my best to answer any questions etc. The good news is that treatments are advancing all the time - there's stuff available now that wasn't available when I was diagnosed - and there's every reason to be positive.

All the very best and please don't hesitate to message if you just want to chat or ask any questions.

[garynortheast]

Blimey Lance, that's not what you need to be dealing with. Hope that gets sorted pronto. As Craig says, treatment is coming on apace these days so plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Please, keep us posted.

[redtrummy]

Sorry to learn the news Bibio. Loads of acquaintances seem to have been struck down with it. I know two people, both treated just over a year ago, one by radiation the other by surgical removal. The radiated one, last time I spoke to him seems to have made a good recovery and is cancer free. The other, elected to have the prostate removed by robotic assisted surgery (instead of just having it monitored) thinks that he made a mistake although his aftermath symptoms are not too severe. Guess you could be faced with some difficult choices. Good luck

[maviczap]

A shock to read this, but all the best for your treatment.

One thing I will say, its at least you're under the Scottish health system, which is better than the UK?

[Sir Trev]

Sorry to hear this Bibster. My dad has been living with this for over a decade and been through a lot of different treatments, with most of it succeeding in stopping it getting worse. At nearly 80 he's more worried about his arthritis than the cancer.

Thankfully I had a sympathetic doctor when I asked about hereditary risks and I was "tested" there and then, and I get regular blood tests. Chaps, I encourage all of you to get checked if you've not so.

[Kenzie]

Sorry to hear this Bibster. My dad has been living with this for over a decade and been through a lot of different treatments, with most of it succeeding in stopping it getting worse. At nearly 80 he's more worried about his arthritis than the cancer.

Thankfully I had a sympathetic doctor when I asked about hereditary risks and I was "tested" there and then, and I get regular blood tests. Chaps, I encourage all of you to get checked if you've not so.Do they have an lower age limit for the tests? I hit 40 back in October and know most GPs are reluctant to test younger people.

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[Craig380]

Do they have an lower age limit for the tests? I hit 40 back in October and know most GPs are reluctant to test younger people.


Just go and ask your GP for a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. The nurse will take a blood sample and it will be reviewed, and you'll prob have a DRE (finger up your ****) too.

The popular conception is that PC is an 'old man's disease'. It isn't. It affects all ages.

My own story should be a cautionary tale. My dad died in 2015 at age 82 with prostate cancer (it wasn't the PC that killed him, but he had it and was treated for it). I was 50 at the time. I asked my GP if I should have a PSA test, because of the direct family link. The GP said, and I quote: "Oh, you don't need to worry about that for a few years yet."

Stupidly, I listened to him. 4 years later, in Jan 2019 at age 54, I thought I'd have a general health MOT (cholestrol, all that stuff) and asked for my PSA to be tested at the same time. I'd had no symptoms at all apart from an occasional increased urgency to pee, which I just put down to age.

I had an urgent call from the surgery at 8am the next morning. My PSA was 33 (high). Biopsies and scans showed advanced, inoperable PC that had spread outside the prostate with metastases in the lower bowel, pelvis, spine, ribs etc.

I was fast-tracked into treatment (chemo, then radiotherapy in 2019) and was given an expectancy of 3 to 5 years. I'm still live and kicking, just getting a back problem caused by one of the secondaries on my spine, but hopefully getting that sorted soon.

The moral of the story is simple: get tested and do not be fobbed off. Insist on it.

[Kenzie]

Good advice. I think Surgeries offer a health MOT at 40 anyway

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[Seeker]

I hope your treatment is successful, Bibio, with no side effects.


My PSA is high, currently at 8.6 ( < 3 is target) but it's drifted up (to 10.1) and down (to 7.9) over the last 3 years. I asked about this and was told: "it just shows how unreliable the PSA test is". My urologist really needs to work on his bedside manner. He was correct though, the PSA test gives false positives and false negatives, it's a poor test - but the only common test we have.

I asked my urologist (different one) about this one:
https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/news/article/the-new-prostate-cancer-blood-test-with-94-per-cent-accuracy
but (worryingly) he hadn't heard about it (and yet I have?)

From what I've read, most men will develop prostate cancer but most of the cancer types are so slow growing you'll die of something else before the cancer becomes an issue. Not sure if that counts as good news or not.

I had a PSA test because I was told to but at the time I had no idea what the prostate actually did (it produces a liquid to mix with sperm to make semen if you didn't know).

[redtrummy]

You have to be given permission tohave one at our surgery from a Doctor. Difficult to get to speak to at the best of times. Not good enough.

[Sir Trev]

Some surgeries will test if you ask, others you have to nag and insist. I had to speak to a "member of the medical team" to get my last PSA test approved and got very annoyed when he tried to fob me off - pretty sure he was a paramedic and not a doctor. He agreed eventually as he thought I was overly worried... Too right. Next time I will just say my symptoms have worsened.

Don't take no for an answer. The NHS 40 year old MoT probably does not pay for the PSA check so ask for it separately. Any doctor who says no need to worry until you're an OAP is clearly trying to save on pathology tests and cannot be fully trusted.

[Bibio]

had a talk with the urology doc yesterday and it was decided that due to my heart, surgery is the last option. so i have an appointment with oncology on the 31st to discuss chemical treatment but it was mentioned that its a high possibility of "seed" implants.

[Seeker]

it was mentioned that its a high possibility of "seed" implants.


If Spiderman got his powers through being bitten by a radioactive spider, what powers will you get by having radioactive seeds up your bum?

I suppose if your bum glows in the dark you won't need to turn the light on for a nighttime bathroom visit. :)

Joking aside, I hope the treatment is successful Bibio.

[Craig380]

had a talk with the urology doc yesterday and it was decided that due to my heart, surgery is the last option. so i have an appointment with oncology on the 31st to discuss chemical treatment but it was mentioned that its a high possibility of "seed" implants.

That's supposed to be a very effective treatment, with fewer and less severe side-effects than either surgery or chemotherapy. Best of luck, sir.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/treatments/permanent-seed-brachytherapy

[redtrummy]

Yes it was that that sorted out one acquaintances problem. If given a choice think I would give that ago. Tons of ytube vids but this series seems very informative https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryR6ieRoVFg hope all works out well Bibio

[embee]

Just to add to the age note. My neighbour's son is in his mid/late forties and went to a "prostate night" at a local pub, not sure who organised it. I think they just took PSA tests, don't think it was a DRE at the bar affair.
Anyway, he was called for further tests and has had surgery to deal with the issue, so it can happen at a relatively young age.

[Ruffy]

Sorry to hear about the situation Bibio. No-one needs that sort of worry.

Truth be told, I probably ought to get a test. (I flipped over to the wrong side of 50 during Covid times and haven't wanted to try to engage with the 'health system' since.)

[Bri w]

Not great news buddy. Hope they get you sorted quickly.

A golfing friend of mine has had PC since ‘92. Still alive & kicking…

Just the word “cancer” can set all sorts of demons running around inside your head. Don’t be frightened to ask questions, and there’s some great support networks out there. Use them, they will make life a whole lot easier.

Perversely, today is the 6th anniversary of my op for bowel cancer. Yeah, it took some getting over but I’m pretty much find now. No reason why you can’t have the same outcome.

[Craig380]

Just the word “cancer” can set all sorts of demons running around inside your head. Don’t be frightened to ask questions, and there’s some great support networks out there. Use them, they will make life a whole lot easier.


Exactly this. It's corny, I know, but I found my bike a great way to keep the demons at bay. When having my treatments I'd be thinking how soon I could get out and ride, and as we know, there are few better ways of clearing your head.

Anyone with a long-term illness knows that you spend a hell of a lot of time waiting: waiting for the next blood test, the next scan, the next follow-up, etc. But while you're waiting, the clock is ticking. So it's crucial to live because otherwise, time just ebbs away while you wait for the next medical thing.

[Sir Trev]

My dad has been living with this for over a decade and been through a lot of different treatments, with most of it succeeding in stopping it getting worse. At nearly 80 he's more worried about his arthritis than the cancer.



Sad update, not about my dad, but my brother in law. I did not mention him earlier but he went to the quack because he was feeling washed out and tired all the time about a year ago and they found a very aggressive and very advanced case of prostate cancer. Six months later he was wheelchair bound, he's been in a hospice for the last two months, and died this morning. He was only 65.

Get yourselves tested guys.

[Luckypants]

So sorry to read this.

My heart goes out to his family. Sincere condolences.

[Craig380]

Sorry to hear that, Trev. Sending best wishes to you and yours.

[garynortheast]

I'm so sorry to hear this Trevor. My thoughts are with you and the family.

[Bibio]

sorry to hear this Trev condolences to you and your family.

as many have said GET YOURSELVES CHECKED. if it was not for a pure fluke i would still be unaware of mine. luckily it was caught at grade 2 which you dont want to go higher.

[Bibio]

today is the day i get my first hormone injection.

[Luckypants]

Hope that all goes well.

[Luckypants]

today is the day i get my first hormone injection.
How are you feeling today Lance?

[Bibio]

How are you feeling today Lance?

the injections were not too bad but where they were done is a bit tender and its near my belt line.

[Craig380]

What was the actual medication? Wasn't Zoladex, by any chance?

[Bibio]

What was the actual medication? Wasn't Zoladex, by any chance?
its Firmagon (Degarelix)

[littleoldman2]

Do they have an lower age limit for the tests? I hit 40 back in October and know most GPs are reluctant to test younger people.

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Ask you're Doc for a blood test, to check your PLA level

[littleoldman2]

So, so sorry to read this my old friend. I know you have a very strong, Positive Mental Attitude. I you need/want a chat you know my number.

[Bibio]

So, so sorry to read this my old friend. I know you have a very strong, Positive Mental Attitude. I you need/want a chat you know my number.

thanks mate i will do.

[Bibio]

thats my treatment finished just need to wait for MRI and oncologist appointment. few problems with waterworks but they said that it should get better over time. the tiredness has gone mostly and i feel full of energy more so than before

[Luckypants]

Great news Lance. Long may that continue.

[Craig380]

excellent news: glad you're feeling well. Hope the treatment has done the trick and kicked the cancer into touch.

[maviczap]

Great news Lance :-)

[redtrummy]

Sounds positive - good

[Seeker]

Hope your recovery and recuperation continues...

[Sir Trev]

Sounds positive Bibster. Really glad to hear that.

[Ruffy]

Fingers crossed this keeps going in the direction you want.

[garynortheast]

Excellent news Lance, glad to hear you're feeling so much better. Onwards and upwards.

[Geodude]

Thanks for news update bibs xGx

[embee]

Everything crossed

[admin]

Great news

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[littleoldman2]

Great news ����������

[Bibio]

Update. Just to let you all know thats me cancer free ��

[garynortheast]

That's brilliant news Lance! You must be so relieved.

[admin]

Fantastic. Great news.

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[Craig380]

That's a hell of a birthday pressie! Excellent news, all the best to you.

[Biker Biggles]

:rave:
Nice one.

[Geodude]

Awesome news :grin: :smt054

[Luckypants]

Update. Just to let you all know thats me cancer free ��
Frikken awesome news Lance. I needed to hear some good news today, so thank you.

Now go enjoy yourself!

[Bibio]

Thanks everyone. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. My psa was 8.4 and its now 0.1. best thing is no more of those firkin injections.

[Sir Trev]

Catching up after a few days away, but belated YAY from me!

[keny676]

Wishing you strength for the road ahead and props to your partner for being right there with you.

If they mention putting in a port for chemo, just be careful. Some folks have had serious issues with something called the Bard PowerPort, things like pieces breaking off or the port moving around inside the body. There’s more info here if you ever want to look into it: https://federal-lawyer.com/bard-power-port/side-effect (httphttps://federal-lawyer.com/bard-power-port/side-effect/)