Prostate cancer

[jasst]

I am not one to shout about my problems, but if one person benefits from this then it will be worth it. About a year ago I was diagnosed as having Prostate cancer. It all started a couple of years ago when I started not being able to go through the night without needing a pee, I knew this was a sign of possible prostate trouble so got booked in for a PSA blood test. My levels were slightly raised, but not dramatically, so it was decided to watch it, I was tested every 6 months, and each time my levels would go up, about 18 months ago I had an MRI scan which showed that my prostate was double the size it should be, and then It was decided I should have a biopsy, this involved having 42 needles inserted in my groin to take core samples, cancer was found in twelve of the samples. The good news was that it was non aggressive, and was confined to the prostate. After discussions with other members of the family I decide to go on an enhanced monitoring program, because my brother, step father in-law and my late father also suffered from it and had no treatment. I found out this year that my cousin has it, and it has spread to his spine, I don't think the prognosis is good, so following discussion with my consultant after my PSA levels continue to rise, I decide to have something done about it whilst I could have the least invasive sort of treatment. This was in August this year, I thought I would be waiting months due to the Pandemic, but oh no, he said it would be around 6 weeks, as they have worked all the way through by just altering working practices. So tomorrow I will be going to Poole hospital for 'Permanent seed brachytherapy' which involves having radioactive seeds inserted in my prostate, which stay there for ever slowly diminishing in strength while zapping the cancer. Hopefully this will sort it out, one of my customers had it done 20 years ago, and he is fine. I dare say there are others on this forum suffering the same, and a large percentage of men will die having prostate cancer, but not of it, and never knowing they had it. So my friends, don't ignore the signs, get it checked.

 

[dickygrace]

Well said and I do hope your treatment is a success James.

 

[Gazcw]

I am not one to shout about my problems, but if one person benefits from this then it will be worth it. About a year ago I was diagnosed as having Prostate cancer. It all started a couple of years ago when I started not being able to go through the night without needing a pee, I knew this was a sign of possible prostate trouble so got booked in for a PSA blood test. My levels were slightly raised, but not dramatically, so it was decided to watch it, I was tested every 6 months, and each time my levels would go up, about 18 months ago I had an MRI scan which showed that my prostate was double the size it should be, and then It was decided I should have a biopsy, this involved having 42 needles inserted in my groin to take core samples, cancer was found in twelve of the samples. The good news was that it was non aggressive, and was confined to the prostate. After discussions with other members of the family I decide to go on an enhanced monitoring program, because my brother, step father in-law and my late father also suffered from it and had no treatment. I found out this year that my cousin has it, and it has spread to his spine, I don't think the prognosis is good, so following discussion with my consultant after my PSA levels continue to rise, I decide to have something done about it whilst I could have the least invasive sort of treatment. This was in August this year, I thought I would be waiting months due to the Pandemic, but oh no, he said it would be around 6 weeks, as they have worked all the way through by just altering working practices. So tomorrow I will be going to Poole hospital for 'Permanent seed brachytherapy' which involves having radioactive seeds inserted in my prostate, which stay there for ever slowly diminishing in strength while zapping the cancer. Hopefully this will sort it out, one of my customers had it done 20 years ago, and he is fine. I dare say there are others on this forum suffering the same, and a large percentage of men will die having prostate cancer, but not of it, and never knowing they had it. So my friends, don't ignore the signs, get it checked.

Sorry to read this James. My own father and 2 of his brothers all suffered the same issue. Two of them were diagnosed too late but the third is under treatment still. The males in the family are now on a heightened awareness and get regular tests.

I hope the procedure goes well tomorrow. Good Luck!

 

[Zep]

Thank you for sharing.

It has affected a lot of people I know and my Dad is on monitoring right now.

Wishing you all the best for the procedure and a good recovery.

 

[Oneball]

Good luck for tomorrow, good to keep these things in people’s minds. Always best to get it checked, many of us have been there.

“nuclear” you say? Hope you’ll be doing Dr Stranglove impressions.

 

[MarkMas]

Sorry to hear about this, but it sounds like a good diagnostic and treatment path.

The problem with the PSA test is that there are a high level of false positives (although this is getting better), creating anxiety and over-treatment, but with a steadily rising score, combined with other symptoms, then MRI + intervention is a good pathway.

Good luck with this. As you say, most men die with prostate cancer, not from prostate cancer. Something else will probably get you first!

 

[MarkMas]

And don't be shy, boys, get checked if you have any symptoms.

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/are-we-a-healthy-lot.31142/#post-774169

 

[CatmanV2]

Best of luck. FWIW mine is also monitored, but I have more benign prostatic hypertrophy.

My father in law had the seeds some years back as one of the pioneers. Played **** with his digital radio for a while but certainly worked on the cancer as that must have been close to ten years back.

C

 

[hashluck]

Thanks for sharing and all the best

 

[Hurricane52]

That’s a very worthwhile post and proof that calliper colour isn’t that important really.

Hope all goes well tomorrow and your recovery is as fast as your Gransport.

I don’t know about the rest of us on here, but keeping on top of Maserati maintenance is a doddle compared to physical and mental health issues.

It might be hocus pocus and the medical scientists seem to think so, but Saw Palmetto is rumoured to help slow down the prostate growth rate. Probably worth considering amongst the younger SM members as a preventative measure, but no substitute for watching for the signs and seeing the specialists. I think it’s the stuff Burt Munro/Anthony Hopkins gets from the Native American chap in that great film The World’s Fastest Indian.

Best friend of mine recently had similar symptoms and suspected his prostate, but they found a rare form of bladder cancer, which has now been operated on and he’s on the recovery path.

Like subframes, treat them as early as possible.

Best wishes for tomorrow.

 

[zagatoes30]

Good post, something we all should remember - good luck hope all goes well

 

[Andyk]

Thank you for sharing and good luck with the treatment. My father I law and my father both have it so I went to get checked about two years ago. It’s so worth while doing as catching this stuff early can make a huge difference.

 

[MrRMB]

Thanks for sharing this. Best wishes.

 

[Scaf]

Good post as so many men like to be “men” about such things and ignore the signs until it’s too late.
Many on here will have had cancer “touch” them or their family and know how serious these things are.
I wish you well with your treatment, stay positive and cherish those around you.

 

[CatmanV2]

Saw Palmetto is rumoured to help slow down the prostate growth rate

Mostly for BPH but yes. Seems to help mine

C

 

[2b1ask1]

I’m still awaiting a scan for a small but growing lump on my sternum I found earlier in the year. Don’t delay people, get any new lump, bump or symptom checked out.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[UlstermanAbroad]

Thanks for sharing James.
It sounds like you're in good hands in Poole.
Although, I'm having difficulty getting accurate directions to the surgical ward, for the stripper.
Sending positive vibes your way and looking forward to hearing of a positive outcome.
Hang tough

 

[Vampyrebat]

That was a brave post James! And thank you so much for thinking of others here to get checked out, that is very thoughtful of you. Pinkies crossed for you tomorrow and please let us know how you get on although it sounds pretty positive!!
Stu

 

[daverichardson]

I had a PSA test done a few years back which started with a WellMan clinic (are they still around now?)
Anyway it was slightly high so a second test booked in. Happy to say all was well and false readings are sometimes apparent.
I was told to do pelvic floor exercises (look it up - it involves muscle clenching)
I try to do 10 per day when I remember and have passed this info on delicately to my sons. Many years ago my dad had it and is on his death cert. A friend has been living with the condition for about 10 years now so it is controllable sort of.
As others have said well done and good luck

 

[Swedish Paul]

I had a PSA test done a few years back which started with a WellMan clinic (are they still around now?)
Anyway it was slightly high so a second test booked in. Happy to say all was well and false readings are sometimes apparent.
I was told to do pelvic floor exercises (look it up - it involves muscle clenching)
I try to do 10 per day when I remember and have passed this info on delicately to my sons. Many years ago my dad had it and is on his death cert. A friend has been living with the condition for about 10 years now so it is controllable sort of.
As others have said well done and good luck

I would have thought muscle clenching is common amongst Maserati owners...

It is funny how age seems to catch up. Last week, my left calf become swollen and painful to walk. Blood clots in my leg (DVT). No idea what caused it so 6 months on blood thinners. Reading up after the event, some folks get clots with no symptoms. Enjoy each day as if it’s your last. Maybe not such a daft saying after all.