Scary ....in fact VERY SCARY !

[O.C.]

Its been a tough 6 months or so, firstly being diagnosed with Diabetes and all the associated issues with that which I have now managed to get under control, I've even replaced 1 1/2 of the 3 + stones of weight that I lost as a result, and so life gets back to normal..............................or does it. 

My late father and late uncle both suffered with Prostate cancer in their latter years, my old fella passing away in 1997 in his mid/late 80s, and my uncle a couple of years ago aged 91, which was a bloody good innings I'd say 

Because of family history and as a result of an interview I heard on the radio some time ago I decided that it would be a sensible idea to get a PSA test conducted to check that all was well in the men's 'water works department'. I had experienced absolutely no prostate symptoms and didn't expect any problems resulting from the PSA test which was conducted about a month ago

OH HOW WRONG CAN YOU BE 

The test showed and "elevated" result, and therefore led to further examination and biopsies, which confirmed the prostate score, confirmation by way of MRI scan and Bone Scan were necessary and these have again all been completed over the last month or so. Two weeks ago I was informed that I have been diagnosed with prostate Cancer.............

Now, I can tell you that it was literally a jaw dropping moment, which we've all seen acted out on t.V programes and the like, but to be faced with that scenario for real is a massive, massive shock and has shaken me to the core.

The purpose of this post is not to whinge about my situation, but it is to say to all of you fellas, (and girl) on here get your G.P to check you out, (I don't know about the practical aspects of the female requirements) but the PSA test is a simple blood test, which is conducted at you local G.P surgery, its totally painless, and vital to establish if 'things' are ok...SO GET IT DONE....PLEASE ! 'Prevention' being a better policy than 'cure'.

On a brighter note my score proved to be relatively low, which means that treatment is relatively straight forward, and in my case won't involve any surgery, but I will have to take daily medication in addition to which I'll need a Radiotherapy course which takes about 8 weeks and involves daily treatment at a specialist hospital, which I reckon is a small price to pay given the potential circumstances. A guarantee of cure can't be given, obviously, but the objective of the treatment for me is to cure this problem, which is realistically possible because I had the good sense to have a PSA test conducted.

Get yourselves checked as soon as possible and remember it is a fact that "more men die with prostate cancer than because of it" 

[Andrew-MP]

 
Sorry to hear your news OC but glad that you had the sense to get the test done and catch it in good time.
All the very best of luck mate.

Andrew

[BigAlan]

Hi Rog

Well its a bummer but at least your in a position to do something about it, in fact i may be as well, i work in the field of Medical Research and one of my best friends is a consultant Urologist (although in the states) and appears on Fox TV to give views and such like, if you ever want to know something or simply don't understand what the medics are saying PM me and i can ask, just for reference she is Dr Philippa Cheetham and her web site is here http://www.drcheetham.com

And yes, i do know her well.....

You have miles more riding in you yet.

Alan

[Rusty]

OC ... Sorry to hear of your medical news ... My father, a 72 year old Consultant Gynaecologist non smoking non drinking all round life saving do gooder passed away many years ago as a result of PC .... The light at the end of the tunnel of course is that you have caught this very early and the medical world has stepped forward so much in the last few years that treatment and diagnosis is much stronger and far better than it was even a few years ago. Like you as a direct descendent of a PC patient my risk is far higher than Jo Average and I shall be 50 in October ..... They used to say it was a problem for "old men" but not any more so I shall be going to see my GP shortly to start what will be yearly blood tests ....
I am sure you are a strong chap OC and we will all be thinking of you and urging you on to make a full recovery. We are all with you.

[pistole]

- caught early , these things can be fought off.

- good luck !

.

[Lonewolf]

Roger, very sorry to hear about your latest news but as you say early intervention is on your side.


Radiotherapy is no big deal compared to chemotherapy so you'll walk it. Good advice as well for all the older folk on here, 

[slane]

Eeeek real sorry to hear that , and all on top of dietbetes , Im fortunate enough to not know anybody to come down with it "yet" but your post does and rightly so make you realise a check up is a good idea.
Keep us all informed of how things progress , and im sure in no time at all you will be giving the big  to it

[100milesaway]

Roger, very sorry to hear about your latest news but as you say early intervention is on your side.


Radiotherapy is no big deal compared to chemotherapy so you'll walk it. Good advice as well for all the older folk on here, 

As one of the said  older folk on here, I can only reiterate what Roger has said, dont wait until the thing is affecting your life, get the PSA test done early so that a check can be done on a regular basis, and an eye kept on the results. I'm sure that Rog will be fine, and will spend many more years sat on walls eating egg and bacon sarnies,  talking a load of poo, and planning the next motorcycling adventure.

[doebag]

Roger, I can only echo what has already been said by others and yourself, fingers crossed for you.
On a similar note, a relative of mine got an 'invite' last year. It basically read ' please do a poo in this envelope and send it off to us for testing for any naughty cells.'
Well he did and it came back positive, he got took in for further tests and a scan, and as well as the bit up his backside,the scan found a lump the size of a tennis ball in his chest!!
So far he has had both operations and all is fine.
So to all us men [ and you Debs !] when you get a letter from your doctor, don't ignore it, and don't ignore ANY symptoms you may have.

Stay healthy.

[O.C.]

Roger, very sorry to hear about your latest news but as you say early intervention is on your side.


Radiotherapy is no big deal compared to chemotherapy so you'll walk it. Good advice as well for all the older folk on here, 

Correct Steve, BUT.....I really wouldn't want anyone on here to incorrectly assume that PC only affects us old 'uns, cos it gets young 'uns too, so get the test done 

As one of the said  older folk on here, I can only reiterate what Roger has said, dont wait until the thing is affecting your life, get the PSA test done early so that a check can be done on a regular basis, and an eye kept on the results. I'm sure that Rog will be fine, and will spend many more years sat on walls eating egg and bacon sarnies,  talking a load of poo, and planning the next motorcycling adventure.

Oh yesssss, you can count on that Geoff, and I reckon its your round too, sadly this weekend will be a no go as the forecast is truly crap...more snow, and plenty of it by all accounts.

[Trotters]

[Hi Roger, sorry to hear you are going through the mill with some more problems. I know how you feel as I had all the symtoms & tests, some rather unpleasant, six months ago. I was lucky as the results for PC were negative but showed other blood problems resulting in more medication & monthly visits for tests at the Hospital.

Keep a positive outlook, 16yrs ago I had a heart attack (& told with luck I should have another 10yrs) & 15yrs ago a bycycle accident that resulted in some extensive injuries & told another bang on the head & your dead. I'm still here, still riding & looking forward to putting many more miles on the GTR. Best of luck & don't hesitate to take advantage of all the advancies the medical world have made over the years.

Trotters

[Debs]

Sorry to hear your news OC and glad you have been to see the doc.

I had a medical today to renew my LGV/PSV Licence.. All was ok.. I will need another medical for when I apply to move to Canada.

Women don't have a prostate gland so we can't get prostate cancer. I do always check in other places for lumps and I have never missed a doctors appointment.. 

[KeVstrom]

Speechless mate, but good luck and best wishes with thetreatment

[Silverback]

Speechless mate, but good luck and best wishes with thetreatment

OC,

I think everyone above has pretty much said it all, good luck with the treatment, and i hope to meet you before too much longer for a cuppa, and to listen to you all talking pooh!!

All the best,

Clive

[Kwikasfuki]

Hope you get better soon OC. I'll certainly be booking myself in for a test.