PSA Testing.

[nevada150]

Hi forumites,
This is a heartfelt message to all Forumites.
My father died from Prostate Cancer in January 1990 at the age of 76. Prior to his diagnosis he was a strong healthy man who enjoyed life to the full. My maternal uncle also died from this problem at the age of 95, and recently three of my maternal cousins been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. So it’s in both sides if my family!
In 2016 I began to experience difficulty passing water, I was 76 at that time and realised that I was probably facing the same problem. My GP organised a PSA test which resulted in a reading of 60, which is high. The next investigation was a Rectal Ultrasound and Biopsy of the Prostate and that confirmed the Cancer. Not nice but very necessary. I also had a full body bone scan to ensure that the cancer had not travelled due to the fact that the Prostate is situated close to the spine.
I then started on a 3 year course of 3 monthly Hormone injections, which basically reduces the production of Testosterone. My father had a testicle removed for the same reason as the Hormone treatment wasn’t available at that time. He didn’t complain after the operation and just asked for a few glasses of Navy Rum to dull the ache! What a man.
My next treatment was a 21 day session of Radiology. This is nothing to worry about as it is painless. After about one week, I began to feel very tired following the session and had to have a sleep. After 3 weeks I had Radiation Cystitis which got much worse. At one time I was dashing to the bowl 30 times daily! I contacted my Oncologist who prescribed medication which helped.
It’s 2021 now and my PSA is down to 0.01! I was told that it’s possible to experience a PSA Bounce after the Hormone treatment, but fortunately in my case this didn’t happen.
On a visit to New Zealand 4 years ago, we received a call telling us that my wife’s brother had been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, he died three weeks later!
I’m sorry if you think this message is inappropriate to the Forum, but I think the more we know about it the better.
Males over the age of 50 regularly present with an enlarged Prostate, buts not always malignant and very treatable.
Let’s all live to be “old gits! and adoring grandparents.
Keith.

[Dave Nutt]

Keith, one thing comes loud and clear and I second it, any issues? put life, work or fears aside and get sorted as soon as possible, it’s not long before it becomes ‘too late’
Regards
Dave.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Heres my experience, I printed it and left it on the toilet door at the hospital...... I wonder if its still there.


Radiotherapy

I feel like a rent boy who's had a bad week,
my ass has no class tis of that, that I speak,
oh lord please remove me from this misery,
after 37 sessions .................... radiotherapy,
but wait doc tells me, halfway mark has come,
and in a blind rush to give news to my bum,
then doc says effects lasts indefinitely,
after 37 sessions .................. radiotherapy

week 6

My nuts they have withered away in their sack you Can Bet Your Life they will not be coming back,
Hey doc would you cut me a small piece of slack, you could be inducing a jam tart attack,
Imagine a poker with red hot desire.
to enter your rectum and fill it with fire,
that's just what this ailment is doing to me me,
after 37 sessions ......................radiotherapy

injections aborted I can't stand the heat,
the sweat all runs off from my head to my feet,
3 years of this torture the doc says to me,
after 37 sessions......................... radiotherapy,
my nuts are so small there a real work of art,
and I'm filled with a fear they'll drop off if I fart,
oh lord if you'l only please de-liver me,
from 37 sessions........................ radiotherapy

[Dave Nutt]

Brilliant, a bit of a poet there John.

[nevada150]

Love the poem John, and my thoughts are with you at the present time Dave. Stay positive.
Keith.

[TonyT]

Brilliant John, bit of humor on a very serious topic!