Another health problem to overcome.

[Sturdee]

As some of you know four years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f136/secret-mens-business-my-prostate-cancer-68236/) which resulted in me having a radical prostectomy.

Then a year later I found out that some of the cancer cells, having already escaped my prostate, started to give concern so I had radiation therapy (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f136/my-battle-prostate-cancer-continues-90115/) in conjunction with three year course of testosterone blocking injections.

As this testosterone blocking treatment can lead to osteoporosis and diabetes in men I was enrolled in a long term study at the Austen hospital in their Men's Health clinic.

At this clinic I'm regularly tested for that and a lot of other health indicators as well and so far I've not had any problems with these possible side effects.

My PSA is still undetectable, being less then 0.01, so I'm fairly confident that I've beaten my cancer, although I will need regular testing for a long time.

And now another problem has arisen.

About 5 months ago I noticed that I was getting tired easily, got out of breath easily and I noticed that I couldn't eat large meals anymore as I felt full very quickly. Some of you who have met me might have found me rather quiet and needed to sit down a lot.

So I went to my GP who immediately ordered an ECG, blood tests and a chest xray. This showed that something was pushing into the bottom of my right lung. So I had a CT scan that showed that my liver was pushing into my right lung causing me to be so out of breath etc. According to the Xray my right lung is now only 2/3 of the length of my left lung.

So I have been having at the Austin two sets of breathing tests at their respiratory laboratories, specialised blood tests, an ultrasound heart stress tests and this morning an MRI in preparation of my first visit to the Respiratory outpatient clinic on the 1st of February.

I'm still getting out and about as I intend not to let this affect me too much, I just can't do too much hard physical work but I can still turn. That's why I have been making pendants. :U

At least it's not all bad as I can still pursue my hobby.:2tsup:

Another good thing was that the other day, whilst having some tests done at the Austin, I was able to meet a fellow forum member SJT who works there and share a coffee and chat. Made visiting the hospital a pleasure. :2tsup:

Any one who has had something similar can you let me know what happens next.

Hopefully they can fix it sooner than later.


Peter.

[Cliff Rogers]

Bummer. Why is your liver pushing on your lung? Is your liver getting bigger? :?

[Sturdee]

Bummer. Why is your liver pushing on your lung? Is your liver getting bigger? :?

As far as I know the liver is a normal size but the diaphragm is weakening allowing it to push up rather than my tummy pushing out. They call it an eventration of the right hemidiaphragm.

Will find out more when I see the doctors at the respiratory clinic.


Peter.

[Trav]

Sturdee

Sorry to hear your news. Best of luck that is sorts itself out or, at the very least, doesn't get worse. Glad to hear you can still turn.

Trav

[Grommett]

At this stage I was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago, didn't operate but had radiation therapy and those lovely f.... Injectionns for the last three years. PSA still not detectable but the side effects, well need a rest now and then. As an ex smoker you worry about the cough, but turning doesn't help.

I just get on with enjoying what I do.

Look forward to seeing you at the next 's day. Take care.

Michael

[munruben]

Sorry to hear you are having more problems with your health Peter, you sure have had a rough ride over the past few years. Hope everything turns out well for you and you are back fighting fit in next to no time. Good luck mate.:2tsup:

[cookie48]

Peter.
Sorry to hear about your problems. I hope all turns out well for you. Keep turning and enjoying it is probably the best way to go.
All the best.
Cookie

[Sturdee]

Thanks guys.

It's another challenge to overcome as I'm not prepared to give up enjoying life.

Meanwhile I have to put some projects on hold, like painting the house, building the rest of the wood store and altering some sheds into a secondary workshop. I would like to get onto those but I'm not fit enough to do so and I don't want to aggravate my condition.

After a whole life of being fit and well I've had to cope with my prostate cancer and the radiation treatment so I'm sure I'll cope with this as well.

Meanwhile I can still turn.:2tsup:


Peter.

[The Bleeder]

Hey 'Stubborn One',

I think you will use the same determination this time round as last. :2tsup: I'm sorry that it always happens to the good guys.

Just keep letting us know how your going.

[Scott]

As you know Peter, anything I can do to make your stay at the Hotel Austin a pleasurable one (and anyone else on these forums). Looking forward to catching up for our next coffee.

[Ad de Crom]

Peter, I'm sorry to read about having this problem.
Anyway you have the right positive attitude, with enjoying the life.
Being positive thinking is always the best you can do.
Peter, chin up !

[tea lady]

Sorry to hear Sturdee. Weakened diaphragm? :think: Maybe you should take up singing to strengthen it. :U I guess the docs might have suggestions. :shrug: Meanwhile keep making pendants:2tsup:

[Sturdee]

As you know Peter, anything I can do to make your stay at the Hotel Austin a pleasurable one (and anyone else on these forums). Looking forward to catching up for our next coffee.

It is indeed a wonderful hospital as I found out last time I was in there and being a regular outpatient. I also have complete confidence in the doctors there and I know the nurses and other staff care about you.

Only thing missing is that the ward doesn't have a small turning workshop, maybe I can bring my mini lathe. :wink:

There always seems to be a friendly attitude by the staff. A number of times I was unsure where the department that I had to go to was located and staff went out of their way to show me.

Scott, I'll keep you informed as I go along.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

Anyway you have the right positive attitude, with enjoying the life.
Being positive thinking is always the best you can do.
Peter, chin up !

I think it comes from my Dutch background. :D You know that kind of stubbornness that will not give in whatever the weather and sea wants to throw at you. :U


Peter.

[Sturdee]

Maybe you should take up singing to strengthen it. :U I guess the docs might have suggestions. :shrug: Meanwhile keep making pendants:2tsup:

I doubt there is a choir that would want to have my voice ruining their performance.

I'll keep making and experimenting in making pendants. The're small enough so that I can rest in between and sit down while sanding and polishing. :2tsup:


Peter.

[tea lady]

I doubt there is a choir that would want to have my voice ruining their performance.



Peter.:D There are quite a few where you would blend right in. :sing:

My 1/2 dutchness is prolly why I'm glass half full AND glass half empty! :rolleyes: And Why I have foot in mouth disease! :p

[whitewood]

Hi Peter,

Often wondered how things were with you. I hoped no news was good news. It's a shame you developed secondary cancer but you are under good care and I'm glad the treatment was again successful. The progress in research on Prostate Cancer is going in leaps and bounds so there is really a hope for a real cure and even vaccination to stop it developing. Sorry about the unrelated lung problem. Perhaps with exercises you'll increase your lung capacity and get back to almost normal.

We need to get ALL men to get tests from age 30 -35 if there is any family history of the disease or 40 - 45 if there isn't. If blokes did this there would be lot less men dying because of the cancer. It has now reached the stage where more men die of prostate cancer than women dying of breast cancer and look at their screening processes.

My cancer is under control. I get another PSA test early next month so get a little edgy as it gets closer in case the result is not good.

John

[Sturdee]

Hi Peter..... I hoped no news was good news. It's a shame you developed secondary cancer but you are under good care and I'm glad the treatment was again successful.
John

John, indeed the no news meant it was good news for about half way through the radiation treatment my PSA dropped to below 0.01 and has remained that way ever since.


The progress in research on Prostate Cancer is going in leaps and bounds so there is really a hope for a real cure and even vaccination to stop it developing.


That's why I'm a patient of the Austin's Men's Health clinic which is actually a study in managing potential adverse side effects for patients of hormonal treatment.

FYI it was great to read this work by Dr.Grossmann recognised:

Austin's Mathis Grossmann has received the prestigious 2011 Mid-Career Research Award from the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA) in recognition of outstanding research in endocrinology.

Dr Grossmann's work out of the Men's Health Clinic has been prolific. His observational and interventional clinical trials researching the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on men with prostate cancer have led to the development of national guidelines for the management of the endocrine side effects of ADT. These guidelines have been endorsed by the Australian Endocrine, Urological and Bone Mineral Societies and are now included in the National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Practice Guidelines portal.

Dr Grossmann says the guidelines are an important step forward in managing potential adverse side effects for patients. "ADT is a type of therapy that reduces the level of male sex hormones called, ‘androgens' in the body. This therapy can bring with it significant side effects such as osteoporatic fractures and type 2 diabetes. The guidelines I developed go some way in helping to define how best to monitor and manage these side effects," he said.

Dr Grossmann also conducted one of the largest cross-sectional studies of men with type 2 diabetes showing that testosterone levels are commonly reduced in these men.

"Low testosterone levels have been related to poor health outcomes in diabetic men but whether testosterone treatment is helpful or harmful is not known. To help answer this important question, we are now conducting a clinical trial of testosterone therapy," said Dr Grossmann.

In August, Dr Grossmann travelled to Perth to deliver a plenary lecture about his research at the Endocrine Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, where he also received his award.

The best part of being in this study is that under regular, quarterly, expert doctor's care that is monitoring every aspect of my health.

Peter.

[Sturdee]

Will find out more when I see the doctors at the respiratory clinic.


I had an appointment with the doctors at the Respiratory clinic at the Austin this afternoon.

The tests so far have ruled out a number of causes but at this stage they are not sure what has caused the eventration of the midriff diaphragm which allowed my liver pushing into my right lung causing me being out of breath when I exert myself too much.

So more tests have been ordered to eliminate further causes for this. These include blood test to see if my auto immune system is working, respiratory stress tests, as the other respiratory tests have been whilst at rest not whilst exercising, and a chest CT scan amongst others.

My next appointment is in 7 weeks so more waiting whilst these test are done.


Peter.

[Scott]

Not knowing is the hardest Peter, thoughts are with you.

[Grommett]

Peter
All the best and look forward to catching up with you at 's next in house with good news.

[munruben]

Good luck with all those tests Peter. :2tsup:

[wheelinround]

Peter positive thoughts :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[Sturdee]

So more tests have been ordered to eliminate further causes for this.

Peter.

Got the details of my appointments for these test this week. Looks like Wednesdays in March I'll be busy. :2tsup:

7th March, Stress respiratory tests, cycling whilst hooked up to machines.

14th March, A fluoroscopy - Diaphragm screening and also a CT scan of my chest. Both from the same department so they are scheduled on the same day with a little time to rest in between. Very good scheduling.

21st March my next appointment with the Respiratory doctors.


Peter.

[Grommett]

I want to say something flippant, like "All that work, I thought you were retired". But what I mean is all the best and hope to see you well and soon.

[Foo]

You will be busy in March Peter!:D

All the best with you tests!:2tsup:

Foo

[Ad de Crom]

Peter, as we say here, you're in ''de lappenmand'', you know what I mean.
I hope the tests went well out for you.
Ad

[Sturdee]

Peter, as we say here, you're in ''de lappenmand'', you know what I mean.
I hope the tests went well out for you.
Ad

I agree rather in the "lappenmand" then in the "vuilnisbak" :U

I know all these tests are necessary to find out the cause and the exact extent of the problem but in the meantime I'm not able to be as active as I used to be. A quick temporary fix in the meantime would be nice though whilst the tests go on.:U

Peter.

[kiwigeo]

All the best with the treatment and tests Peter.

Cheers Martin

[tea lady]

All the best Peter!

[Sturdee]

This morning I had the stress respiratory test at the Austin respiratory laboratory.

This involved being wired up for my ear lobe being looked at, an continuous EGC, regular monitoring of my blood pressure as well as my breathing whilst cycling at a steady continuous pace. During the test every minute the cycling was made harder which causes the stress.

I think I lasted about 5 or 6 minutes on the bike under stress before it became too much. The last 20 seconds were really bad, I felt as if I was going to faint.

When the bike's stress mechanism was released and I was cycling slowly down to cool off I immediately started to feel a bit better but it still took another 25 minutes of slowly walking back to my car and driving home before my breathing was back to normal.

I felt like I had run a marathon and am rather tired now.

The four previous respiratory tests have been whilst I was at rest and were nowhere as bad as this one. It proves that when I try to exert myself that I run out of breath very quickly.

Next week more test before seeing the doctors the week after.

Peter.

[rsser]

Good luck with it Peter. Hope the quacks can find a solution.

[munruben]

Fingers crossed for you Peter, let's hope you hear some good news when your tests are assessed.:2tsup:

[Sturdee]

Today I had the further tests ordered by the Respiratory doctors. I was booked in for a Fluoroscopy - Diaphragm Screening and a Chest CT scan at the Repat Hospital which is part of the Austin.

I had a few things to do on the way which went quicker than expected so I arrived about an hour early and was prepared to settle down and wait for the appointments.

To my surprise they moved my appointments around and I had the first one within 20 minutes and followed immediately by the second one. So I got home even before the appointed time of my second test.

Amazing service by the Radiology department.

Next week I'm seeing the doctors and no doubt will find out more.

Peter.

[Sturdee]

It is now four years since I found out that I had prostate cancer, and it was a very aggressive form of the cancer. As soon as was practicable I had a radical prostectamy which removed my prostate and other affected bits and pieces.

The next year was what I still think was the worst year of my life, when I didn't know if the surgeons got it all or not and then finding out every 3 months that the cancer was still growing within me. That socalled watchful waiting was the worst.

Then three years ago the Urology doctors referred me to the Radiation Oncology doctors who recommended that I started immediately on a three years course of testosterone blocking injections and a 7 weeks course of radiation treatment.

So the operation targeted a very specific area, my prostate, the radiation targeted the adjacent areas and the testosterone blocking injections was to stop and remaining cancer cells settling anywhere else in my body.

About halfway through the radiation treatment my PSA dropped to an undetectable level and has remained so.

Now that the three years of blocking injections is over I hope that my PSA levels remain undetectable else I will go back on the injections even though the risks of unwanted side effects is there. I have some of them already but am coping with them as they are not health threatening. Only time will tell.

During the last three years whilst having this testosterone blocking treatment my health has been monitored by the Austin's Men's health clinic and I have had better care then most guys of my age.

At times it has not been a fun journey but the alternative is worse so I hope they can find out and possibly do something for my current problems, which I think has been caused by my cancer treatments. Of course I could be totally wrong about this.

Peter.

[Foo]

You have certainly had your share of battles during this time Peter but the power of the
mind should never be forgotten and that is something that you seemed to have had.:2tsup:

Hope all goes well for yor future.

Foo

[Sturdee]

Next week I'm seeing the doctors and no doubt will find out more.

Peter.

Saw the specialist at the hospital last Wednesday and unfortunately all the tests so far hasn't shown what has caused the eventration of my midriff diaphragm.

Without knowing the cause they can't treat the problem so more tests have been ordered, a CT scan of my neck, a stay at a sleep laboratory and more breathing tests that hopefully give the answers as to what is causing my problem.

Peter.

[tea lady]

Saw the specialist at the hospital last Wednesday and unfortunately all the tests so far hasn't shown what has caused the eventration of my midriff diaphragm.

Without knowing the cause they can't treat the problem so more tests have been ordered, a CT scan of my neck, a stay at a sleep laboratory and more breathing tests that hopefully give the answers as to what is causing my problem.

Peter."eventration"? :think: :oo: After googling it reads worse than it sounds. Hope they work it out soon! :console:

[Sturdee]

"eventration"? :think: :oo: After googling it reads worse than it sounds. Hope they work it out soon! :console:

It is as bad as it sound. My right lung is reduced to two third of the normal size and that space is taken up by my liver pushing up. This has stretched a number of related bits as well.

I'm a bit like a car running with only 5 cylinders, okay whilst idling but trying to do much work and I get tired and out of breath and need to rest and recuperate.

Peter.

[artme]

How's it going Peter?

.After three weeks you must have had some news. I hope it's been good news.


Wishing you all the best.

[whitewood]

Hi Peter,

As a Prostate cancer survivor ( nearly 7 years now ) I have followed this thread and your health issues. I second Artme's message. They say no news is good news. I hope this is so in your case.

John

[Sturdee]

Unfortunately these things take time. My CT scan for my neck is booked for 30th of May and the overnight sleep clinic is not until the 11th of June. I suppose it's good that these expensive facilities are fully booked so far in advance, but waiting is a pest.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

In regard to my prostate cancer tomorrow will give some indication if it has all been successful when I have my regular visit to the Men's health clinic at the Austin.

Three years ago when my psa indicated that the cancer was still growing I had the Radiation treatment for 35 visits which targeted the immediate area around where my prostate had been as well as a 3 years course of testosterone blocking injections.

Half way through the radiation treatment my psa had dropped to below 0.01, which meant that the tests could not detect any, and has remained that way since.

A month ago the three years were finished and I did not get a further injection, although I could have, as I wanted to see if it has all been successful.

So tomorrow I will find out my current psa and I have a further one booked for 2 weeks later and a third for the middle of June, all coinciding with regular follow up visits of the three outpatient clinics involved.

If at any stage during the next few months my psa rises again I will immediately go back on the injections and put up with the side effects again but hopefully that part is conquered.

Can't wait until tomorrow.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

So far so good. My PSA is still undetectable after being of the Eliguard for one month. :2tsup:

Now for the next one in 2 weeks. Still very early but here's hoping.


Peter.

[whitewood]

Peter,

I posted the other day that i was a survivor of 7 years. My treatment was radiation and 2 years post radiation of hormone injections. This was to treat a Gleason 9 grade cancer. I now get a PSA test every 6 months. (DRE every 12 months.) Over the last 4 years it was 0.06, 0.05, 0.05, 0.07, 0.05, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.08. So without the help of the hormone injections my PSA has remained low and relatively stable. With an extra year on hormones you should expect a good result.

John

[Sturdee]

The good news is that today I saw the specialists at the liver clinic at the Austin and they confirmed that my last PSA test taken two weeks ago are still less then 0.01, being undetectable, and that was 6 weeks after the ADT treatment finished. So far so good. :2tsup:

However for the last 4 years my liver function tests have been slightly out of the norm, but this has not affected me during this time, and was considered a result of having a non alcoholic fatty liver which may well have been a genetic thing.

As part of my ongoing cancer care by the Men's health clinic they suggested that this be again investigated by the Liver specialists, so after a number of blood tests and CT scans and a MRI the specialists believe that I have autoimmune hepatitis, and a biopsy is needed to confirm this.

So a biopsy is arranged for this but because of the location of my liver pushing into the diaphragm and into my lung this will have to be done by going in through my neck vein, and then through the heart into the liver to take the biopsy.

Just another trial to overcome just as it appears that I've conquered the prostate cancer.


Peter.

[Cliff Rogers]

Strewth Sturdee, most people wait til they are dead before they give their body up for science research. :oo:

Hope it all goes well, again.

[Sturdee]

Strewth Sturdee, most people wait til they are dead before they give their body up for science research. :oo:

Hope it all goes well, again.

Looks a bit like that, been keeping a record of my hospital visits and tests (not counting the litres of blood given),since I found out about my liver/lung problem in October last year in order to keep track of them,and, together with the ones booked but still to happen, they total 24 but whose counting.:D

Still I'm alive :2tsup: and that's a damn sight better then the alternative.

Peter.

[tea lady]

So a biopsy is arranged for this but because of the location of my liver pushing into the diaphragm and into my lung this will have to be done by going in through my neck vein, and then through the heart into the liver to take the biopsy.

Just another trial to overcome just as it appears that I've conquered the prostate cancer.


Peter.sounds like real fun.:C Not! Hopefully they can do something about it when they finally decide what it is. :)

[Foo]

You need to stop running over Chinamen Sturdee, bloody hell!:oo:

Foo

[Sturdee]

For some time all my news has been gloomy but at last there is some good news.

Three months ago my 3 year course of testosterone blocking injections as part of my prostate cancer treatment finished. Since then I've had 3 PSA tests and all have been less then 0.01.

My Radiation Oncologist is very happy with the result and we are optimistic that my cancer has been beaten. I will have more regular PSA tests to keep on checking but at this stage I'm happy.

Also as my testosterone levels build up I will get rid of the annoying side effects of the treatment but I was not affected by the more serious worries of getting diabetes or osteoporosis.

Good news number 1.

Peter.

[wheelinround]

:2tsup: Peter thats good news for sure.

[Sturdee]

Whilst I still have the eventration of my diaphragm where my liver is pushing into my lungs over the last two weeks my breathing has become much better.

The specialists looking at my lungs have done all the obvious tests and scans trying to find the cause of the eventration and hence my breathing problems but so far to no avail.

As there was no obvious cause they were going to look to see if it could have been my cancer treatment. Thinking about it I realised that back in April last year I changed to a different brand of blood pressure tablet, and as I still had some I changed back and within a week most of my breathing problems went away.

Still have some lack of breath but nowhere near as much as I used to have a few weeks earlier.

Good news no 2.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

My liver function tests have been slightly abnormal for a long time and the liver specialists think they know the problem but wanted a biopsy to be certain before prescribing medicine.

Because of the place my liver has moved to I needed a transjugular biopsy. This was attempted but unsuccessful. Although they could get to the liver through my veins the angle did not allow for a biopsy to be taken.

Meeting the specialists on this at the end of the months and I'll find out what is next.

On the whole good news and I'm starting to enjoy life again rather then just coping.

Peter.

[tea lady]

Two out of three aint bad. :D:doh:

[chrisb691]

Two out of three aint bad. :D:doh:

Great news Sturdee, you'll be going like a bat out of hell soon. :D

[whitewood]

Keep fighting as hard as you can. It's the only way you can win. Saw a DVD of a talk given to the Brisbane Prostate Support Group by an American Specialist on Cancer treatment and that was his message. Of course it has to weighed against the quality of life during treatment and what the result will be. The important thing is if you don't fight disease as hard as you can tolerate then the long term success is hard to achieve.

Whitewood

[Foo]

That's good to hear Sturdee.:2tsup:

Foo