Prostate CA: Sy grows a 'tache and KF grows half a beard

[Rambo]

Thinking of Dave today as I've just had another biopsy. Based on the quarterly PSA results and recent MRI, the little bugger is growing albeit slowly. I've had no dramatic symptoms to date and it was only because of Dave's nagging that I got checked out and it is being monitored by active surveillance. They have refined the transperineal biopsy procedures (I was one of the first batch of 300 in Bristol in August 2019) and it was a lot less uncomfortable than last time. It's still there and I have come to terms with that so hopefully I will continue with active surveillance.

Bottom line is, if you've reached that certain age then get a doctor to poke his finger up your bottom (as Dave T used to say to me) and ask him for a PSA test.

Very sorry to hear your news Geoff. Keep smiling and keep strong . And, if you're up in Craster it's your round

[chris.t]

I asked for a cholesterol test and my doctor got a PSA test done as well without telling me. The test showed elevated PSA. He saved my damned life! I had no symptoms but it started the follow up testing. After my op to remove my prostate it came back as indicated by a PSA test, so saved my life a second time. I then had RT.

I still have annual PSA Tests now after 10 years clear. By rights after 5 years clear you're considered cured but my doctor indulges me and I still have an annual test.

If your doctor won't give you a test especially if you have symptoms, go private. Or blag a test by telling a few white lies.

[Saltire]

Thanks all for your wise counsel. Following on from what Dave P mentioned, I have to have an annual blood test for an unrelated condition, so they could do PSA then but will not in spite of repeated requests. As for the chance of seeing a doctor, forget it. I’ve asked the phlebotomists, phoned the surgery, and even asked for an appointment when I’ve been physically there. I’m beginning to think there aren’t actually any qualified doctors at the practice.

All they seem to care about is things that tick their performance boxes, like monitoring hypertension. I have a history of childhood epilepsy, but they’ve never discussed it, or reviewed my medication, in the 11 years I’ve lived here. Unfortunately, the next nearest GP practice is about 12 miles away, or I’d move.

Having said all that, I take the comments very much to heart and I’ll redouble my efforts.

[GeoffSmith]

One important piece of information I forgot to relay: The consultant who performed my procedure (Stefanos Bolomytis) said that since they started transperineal biopsies in 2019 (they have now performed several thousand) they have had zero infections. Transrectal infections are typically around 10% which I believe was the reason why GPs were so reluctant to give PSA tests.

[chris.t]

Hi Geoff, I've had both types of biopsies both were carried out without a hitch and I was back on my bike in no time! It was the one that they do between your balls and anus that found the cancer. So much better now with MRI.

[GeoffSmith]

It certainly helps that they can see what they're doing and where they're going and the infection risks are so much reduced by virtue of where they go in. I shan't be cycling today but it's a lot better now I've got the dressing off - it was like a waxing strip every time I moved yesterday.

[Rambo]

You won't be wearing your mankini for a while yet then Geoff

[GeoffSmith]

Very slight increase since last biopsy so back on active surveillance and on with the mankini.

[alan e]

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

[alan e]

https://prostatecanceruk.org/get-involv ... motors?utm
Maybe some time next year

[chris.t]

Thanks for posting this Alan. I will certainly be looking at booking a talk for our region of Club Lotus.

[alan e]

I have just put a post on the North Kent Club maybe also have a word with them.

[chris.t]

I suggested that we have one of the PCUK guys come down and give us a talk on one of the club nights. The response from the Sussex membership (at least from the ones I asked) was mixed. Most thought it was a good idea but some said that they didn't think it was appropriate at a car club meet. Also they thought it should be a men only meeting to save any embarassment. Our club nights are at a pub which I also don't think is appropriate. I'm currently looking into getting a village hall/rugby club venue but this may incur costs.

[alan e]

I suggested that we have one of the PCUK guys come down and give us a talk on one of the club nights. The response from the Sussex membership (at least from the ones I asked) was mixed. Most thought it was a good idea but some said that they didn't think it was appropriate at a car club meet. Also they thought it should be a men only meeting to save any embarassment. Our club nights are at a pub which I also don't think is appropriate. I'm currently looking into getting a village hall/rugby club venue but this may incur costs.

Let me know where and when i don't mind putting my hand in my pocket to help pay for the venue.