My battle with prostate cancer continues.

[Sturdee]

It is now just over twelve months since I found out that I had an agressive cancer in my prostate. This has involved surgery to remove my prostate as detailed in this thread (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=68236).

I have regained my physical strenght and endurance, I have my bladder again under pretty good control with only have minor accidents when I suddenly have to cough or sneeze :(( and my sleeping habits are at last getting back to some normality.

But despite all that things are still crook with me. The cancer has not been fully removed with my radical prostectomy.

My PSA tests since the op are :

After 3 months 0.03, after a further 3 months 0.06 and now today, after a further 3 months, it has accelerated to 0.19. So in the second 3 months period it doubled from before and in the final period it trebled from that again.

All this without any signs that the cancer is again gnawing away inside me. Similarly to a house invested with termites that eat away inside without apparent signs and if nothing is done it will collapse.

So my doctors have suggested that I need radiation treatment to kill or at least retard the cancer and have referred me to the hospital's radiology department for treatment.

As a first step next week I'll have another CT scan (3rd so far) and the following week a bone scan.

Today I feel a bit depressed at this news as I was hoping that it was over so just as well that tomorrow the mini woodworking show is on as I need some retail therapy.:D


Peter.

[chrisb691]

Really sorry to hear that Peter. Keep your chin up, and try to stay positive.

Wishing you all the best.

[The Bleeder]

Peter,

With all you've been through I think you might have the right to be a little depressed.

But then I think you're a pretty tough (and probably stubborn) bugger and from your previous post I expect you'll get through this. You have a lot of support in the forum.

All the best and keep us posted.

[Terry B]

Shame the PSA has become detectable again. Good luck with the DRT.

[Sturdee]

But then I think you're a pretty tough (and probably stubborn) bugger and from your previous post I expect you'll get through this. You have a lot of support in the forum.


Thanks, and yes I'm a stubborn bugger and no doubt by tomorrow I'll feel a whole lot better.

Stubborness is in my, as well as all my family, character. We can be much like a dog with a bone when we get annoyed and I'm determined to beat this cancer or die trying. A bit like the other dutchman with his finger in the dyke holding back the tide (even though that's a Hollywood myth. :D ).

The annoying thing is that this is happening when I'm finally fully retired and getting my workshop in shape :U and I have to fight this again.

Peter.

[Mollywood]

Hi Sturdee,
My dad had his prostate, bladder and urethra removed 10 years ago due to cancer and he's still going strong now at 83, enjoys a full life and is very into his music (he plays the piano accordian), and is learning italian.
My uncle also has prostate cancer and has had some kind of hormone treatments over a number of years, but no surgery.
My brother in law had a large tumour in his throat which was treated with radiotherapy and at his last checkup was completely clear.
I don't know if this info will help you to feel better, but I thought it was worth sharing with you.
Hope your radiotherapy goes well, and enjoy the mini woodworking show. :U
(By the way, where is the mini ww show?)

[Sturdee]

(By the way, where is the mini ww show?)

THanks, good to hear your story. The mini ww show I referred to is this. (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=88754) The open day at Braeside.


Peter.

[Woodwould]

Yes, keep your chin up; you've obviously got plenty to look forward to and there's a shed full of support for you here. Also, MRI and CT scans provide an oportunity to have a quick nap. The noise hasn't prevented me from dropping off in the tunnel countless times. :B

[BernieP]

G'Day Sturdee

Sorry to hear your news as Woodwould said, you have a lot of support from us all I'm sure.

Cheers
Bernie

[Wood Borer]

Peter your positive attitude accompanied by a medical report that would floor most others is an inspiration to the rest of us.

I'm not so sure about the stubborn but a tough man indeed - on second thoughts stubborn also.:wink:

Best of luck mate.

[dazzler]

At least you get a green suit with a cape and a big red


R

on it.



Radioactive Sturdee :2tsup:

Just check whether you can actually fly before trying :wink:

[Pheonix]

I was talking to a fellow at my local bowling club a week ago,I was sitting outside in the cool having a smoke when he sat down at the same table as me,looked to be in his early forties,we started up a conversation and he told me it was his first day out of hospital since having his prostrate cancer removed,he had only been operated on three days before at St Vincents in Sydney by a surgeon using the DaVinci machine,he lifted his shirt and all he had were tiny little scars about the size a blackberry thorn would make, op. cost him $23k but he said was worth every penny as most surgeons open you up from the scrotum to the anus and get at it that way.Surgeon who did it was apparently Indian and is the only one who can operate this machine with any degree of skill, he was absolutely wrapped in it.
He was as happy as a dog with two tails,was only drinking squash as he had prevailed upon his missus to let him out to see his mates and this was a proviso.

[mic-d]

Best wishes Peter.

Ganbare!

Cheers
Michael

[Rossluck]

My brother's going through exactly the same thing, Peter, and he's only 52. Just about anything that can go wrong has gone wrong for him. So I can empathise with you to the extent that I've followed him through the course of his nightmare. The other day he was in a shop and his bladder suddenly let go. He could do nothing but turn around and walk out. But he's as tough as you, so you'll both be OK. :D

[Sturdee]

The other day he was in a shop and his bladder suddenly let go. He could do nothing but turn around and walk out.

I know how he feels as I've had that as well, however that part gets better as time goes on.

I don't have a problem with that anymore but as a safeguard I still wear a pad when I go dancing. Now it's more of a safeguard then actually needed, a bit like a security blanket I suppose.

I also have a bag in the car with a change of underwear and shorts if I'm really caught. This idea may be helpful for your brother.


Peter.

[whitewood]

Sturdee I have followed your journey in the other thread and know where your coming from. I too have an agressive cancer a Gleeson 9. At the moment it is under control. However at my last visit to my urologist, the acknowledged best in Brisbane, I asked him if my PSA started to rise what was the prognosis. He said at least 7 years. It's not a long time but better than nothing. I could still live to 80.

From what you have said you still have the following additional treatments to fight the bloody thing at the moment.
Hormonal injections for gemeral treatment.
Specific chemo if it goes into the bones.
Radiation targeting specific areas when the new source is estabilished.

I attend regular meetings and keep up to date with latest developments. There is a lot of good stuff on the horizon that is at the human trials stage and looking good, and thats just Brisbane. Be positive I'm sure it helps. As I write this I can't remember where you live but it could help if you could manage a referral to a prostate cancer specialist in a capital city to the discuss the latest options for treatment and whether you would be eligible to participate in some trials.

I would be happy to phone you and elaborate more about it if you PM your phone number.

John

[Sturdee]

As I write this I can't remember where you live but it could help if you could manage a referral to a prostate cancer specialist in a capital city to the discuss the latest options for treatment and whether you would be eligible to participate in some trials.


John

John,

I live in Melbourne and my operation was done at the Austin hospital in Heidelberg. This hospital has a very good reputation in cancer treatment as it also encompasses the old Repat Hospital and the Olivia Newton John Cancer centre.

My referring urologist that sent me to this hospital is actually the head of the Austin's urology department and I'm still an outpatient of the Austin.

When I previously referred to my doctors it wasn't my GP's but the urology specialists at the outpatient clinics of the Austin and the tests being ordered and the radiation treatment are at the same hospital.

As I'm still their patient there was no referral needed nor a long waiting list. So, although disappointing that I need further treatment, I'm extremely confident and happy that I'm in good hands as I'm at a hospital that really specialises in cancer treatment unlike the 2 public hospitals that are closer.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

Today I feel a bit depressed at this news as I was hoping that it was over so just as well that tomorrow the mini woodworking show is on as I need some retail therapy.:D


Peter.

Well I've had my retail therapy yesterday and it helped to get rid of the blues.

Today I picked up a few more doors from the local hard rubbish collection ( now totalling 41 so far) for the remaining job of completing the insulating and soundproofing my workshop area. I've used 34 already and these will soundproof the under house area where the cyclone is housed.

So I'm getting over it and planning the next stages in my effort to finish my workshop for all the many years still to come.

Peter.

[BobR]

Hang in there Peter, you'll do fine.:2tsup:

[prozac]

Onya Sturdee, keep moving forward.

[Buzza]

Keep on keeping on Sturdee.

I guess we all support each other in sickness and in health on these forums. I had the Da Vinci method done on the 26th November 2008, and on the 9th of January, my PSA had dropped from 26 down to 0.4. My surgeon said that whilst I was pleased with the new reading, he wanted it to read zero. He said another three months from that date might show that it was just a residual reading, and now gone, or that it may still be reading thereabouts, or even a bit higher. If so, further steps would be taken.

I have vrtually put the cancer out of my mind, only to be reminded when I cough, or just clear my throat. A little squirt of urine is felt but these new fangled mens pads take care of it. If I haven't changed the pad for a good while and visit next doors, their German Shep lets me know by shoving her nose near that area. Apart from that, no-one has complained, and the pads usually appear to have not even been used when I change them.

I guess we are all here for a certain time, and then we must leave. I came home from my surgery with just 25 hours in hospital. One month later we all had a fine Christmas dinner cooked by SWMBO and then late in January, I lost my Mum. I now have that stress plus all the stresses of the executor of her will to contend with. I've decided to handle it as another lesson in life, which it is really, not having done this before. We will be stressed, just as we will breathe that air we need. Make the best of it, and love everyone as much as you can. I have dropped the idea of ever driving the "Big Jiggers" out on the highways again though, that stress would now be too much for me to bear. :D

[Howdya do that]

That's crap Peter:~
Get better mate, we need you around here.

[Cliff Rogers]

Hang in there Sturdee, don't let the bastard get you down. :2tsup:

[Sturdee]

As a first step next week I'll have another CT scan (3rd so far) and the following week a bone scan.

Peter.

I had my CT scan this afternoon.

For those who have never had one the procedure required me to drink a contrast solution over a period of 45 minutes so that my stomach etc can be better seen, change into light clothing and have an needle contraption inserted into my arm for the other contrast solution to be injected into my bloodstream which is also to assist reading the scans.

Then you lay on the machine table and have a few scans with only the solution that you drank earlier and then the contrast solution is injected into the vein and further scans are taken. This final solution makes you very hot and in my case very tired.

During the 5 minutes that you are on the machine they take a couple of hundred xray pictures, being little slices or crosssections of your body.

The whole procedure took about an hour. Not a very pleasant experience but necessary.

Next Tuesday I have bone scan where they inject me with a radioactive solution to check on my bone structure and also my first appointment with my radiation oncologist. No doubt that will tell me everything about the radiation treatment. Pleased to see that so far everything is moving at a very quick pace.

As usual for the Austin, the staff I met today were very pleasant and helpful and they make you feel that they really care. You don't always get that at a public hospital.


Peter.

[Cliff Rogers]

Thanks for the update.... fingers crossed.

[A-Drain]

Peter,

we have never met, but I have been following your progress on the other thread since I came back onto the forum after my Prostatectomy.

I am so sorry to hear that your PSA is rising, here's hoping that the radiation works and that the CT shows no spread (it could just be a small piece of the prostate the surgery missed - this is what my doc warned me about).

Keep your chin up and remember that a positive attitude is half the battle.

Cheers

Ado

[Sturdee]

................ and the following week a bone scan.



Well I had my bone scan today. Arrived at 9.00am and was injected with a radio active material that is drawn up into my bones and an appointment made for 12.30 today for the scan.

At 12.30 I had to remove all metal meterial and laid on a moveable bed and slowly moved throught the machine whilst it took a scan of my bones afterwhich I could leave. The scan took about 40 minutes and was a pleasant experience.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

Also today I had my initial consultation at the Radiation Oncology department of the Austin at the Repat clinic.

My doctor outlined the treatments available, the possible side effects (none of these are very pleasant), the actual procedures involved and the alternative of doing nothing.

I have an aggressive form of cancer and the interdepartmental review committee that looked into my case last week recommended that I undergo hormonal treatment as well as radiation treatment. Radiation treatment to target the area around and near the prostate and hormonal treatment for my whole body in case some of the cancer cells settle outside the nearer area.

Doing nothing is not an option so I took the advice of my doctors and will commence hormonal treatment as soon as possible (probably Thursday when my prescription is filled) and set in train the steps needed for radiation treatment.

I will need a further set of different tests to prepare for the radiation, including further CT scans and an MRI, I am also referred to Men's Health (part of Melb Uni) for monitoring of the various side effects.

So now I go and fight that savage foe that is raging in me even though the procedures are not enjoyable, in the hope that this kills it.


Peter.

[Gra]

Good luck Sturdee, our thoughts are with you...


Look after yourself and keep us informed.

[Cliff Rogers]

Yup, all the best Sturdee, I guess they already told you that the hormonal treatment can mess with your moods.

[BernieP]

G'Day Peter

All the best I'm sure its safe to say all our thoughts are with you.

Cheers
Bernie

[Sturdee]

Yup, all the best Sturdee, I guess they already told you that the hormonal treatment can mess with your moods.

Yes, and a few other side effects as well. Basically they suppress production of Testosterone which prostate cells (including escaped cancerous cells) need to exist.

So basically I will experience male menopause with possible fatigue, sweating, hot flushes, memory problems, weight gain, reduced muscle strenght and mood swings amongst others.

Not something I'm looking forward to but what else can I do. And then there will be the side effects and problems with radiation treatment. As my doctor explained the procedure, when started, will involve daily radiation to 7 different spots each lasting about 3 minutes at the time Monday to Friday for 7 to 8 weeks. It's a bit like getting a suntan, a little bit each day but finally you get cooked and have sunburn, except this is on my insides.

If I knew that this was in store for me I would have demanded yearly PSA tests after I turned 45 to make sure it was caught earlier. If anyone thinks that it won't happen to them and not get tested regularly they are fools. If my posts helps convince men to get tested regularly then these posts are worth it.


Peter.

[whitewood]

Once again hi Peter,

As part of my treatment I had 22 months of hormonal treatment. (6 monthly injections) I was fortunate and did not notice any of the usual side effects so you could be lucky too. I hope so. One point though. If you are on treatment for a llong period it will most probably reduce your bone density. Ask your doctors what you can do to combat this. I was not warned and ended up with osteoporosis. This has to be treated and this has its own complications depending on what form of treatment is recommended.

The other point to watch is that you don't confuse the side effects of the hormones with other medical problems. I started getting mini black outs as I worked on the farm. I thought it was just a side effect. One day they got so frequent I did seek help. Ended up with a pace maker. I am fine now.

Keep us all posted and your advice to members is very important. PSA and DRE every year from 45 onwards. Even younger if there is any history of prostate cancer within the family. An interesting fact I learned the other day. Autopsies performed on 50 YO who did not die of prostate cancer revealed that 30% had it in some form. Makes you think. Get it before it get you.

John

[Sturdee]

Once again hi Peter,

As part of my treatment I had 22 months of hormonal treatment. (6 monthly injections) I was fortunate and did not notice any of the usual side effects so you could be lucky too. I hope so. One point though. If you are on treatment for a llong period it will most probably reduce your bone density. Ask your doctors what you can do to combat this. I was not warned and ended up with osteoporosis. This has to be treated and this has its own complications depending on what form of treatment is recommended.


John


John,

The hormonal treatment I will be on is for 3 monthly injections for 2 years but with an interim review in 6 months to see how it's affecting me. I was told that about 20 % of patients report no side effects at all, another 60 % have some side effects with different degrees and types and the rest have a hell of a time with it so I was warned but failing to do anything would in a very short time give me a worse hell than my possible treatment side effects.


Osteoporosis is a real worry and that is why I'm being referred to Mens Health. This is jointly set up by the hospital and Melb. Uni and will study and monitor my general health and bone structure to avoid this. I will get regular bone scans and I had one yesterday already for establishing my bone density and structure. My bones are pretty good for I have drunk at least 3/4 litre of milk a day since I was a child for I just love full milk coffees, which I now consider to be great side effect.:2tsup: Drink more milk is something to consider as you get older.


This initial interview I had with my doctor took over an hour and everything was explained, no holds barred, everything was laid out on the line, even that a lot of doctors will only do one and then the other treatment if the first fails and I was given the option to defer a decision if I wanted to think it over and if at any time I had a query or concern to ring him and make an appointment.

This is all at a public hospital, which is probably different then most where the time a doctor can spend in the overworked caseloads they have is not as much, so I really am convinced that I'm in the best place in I'm in good hands.

I will keep posting as I go along, warts and all so be warned it may get gory, but I hope it will help others at least it will help me to get through this.

Last night I finally got to terms with my illness, until then I considerd myself to have had prostate cancer and hoped that an radical prostectomy would have fixed it. Now I recognize that I have cancer, I'm a cancer sufferer , no iffs or buts, I've got it. So now my determination is to beat this so I can become a cancer survivor.


Peter.

[prozac]

Great to hear your "can do" attitude Peter.

I have read that the most effective way of absorbing calcium is by eating yoghurt, ...natural I'd imagine. I like the Bornhoffen Natural. If you want it as a drink you can mix juice into it, the Turks add a little salt and some water, and I suppose you could add milk too. If I want a quick lunch I dip Lebanese bread into the natural yoghurt...if that sounds boring you can make it look pretty by sprinkling paprika over the surface. You can substitute yoghurt for mayonnaise in salad or coleslaw, and use it in sauces too.

[Sturdee]

I started my hormonal treatment today. They injected a 3 month dose under my skin which will release a chemical that inhibits me producing testoterone. This will inhibit growth and starve prostate cells which needs testosterone to grow.

Stung a bit when injected but that has now gone. So far so good.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

I have read that the most effective way of absorbing calcium is by eating yoghurt, ...natural I'd imagine.


I've never liked that stuff, to bitter for me. If I had it I always had to add sugar. Might have to learn to like it now.:D

Why is it that things good for you don't taste nice.:U:U

Peter.

[prozac]

You might find what with taking the moans and other treatments, that your gut bacteria gets depleted. Natural yoghurt is excellent for replacing the lost bacterium, I use extra whenever I am on a long course of anti-biotics.

[glenn k]

Hi Peter sorry to hear of your problems. Have you done any research on vitamin B17?

[prozac]

Hi Peter sorry to hear of your problems. Have you done any research on vitamin B17?

Reminds me I read somewhere this week that vitamin D is lacking in cancer patients. Please research first though.

[Cliff Rogers]

That was on Catalyst tonight.

[prozac]

That was on Catalyst tonight.


Was it? My short term memory is shot.

[Sturdee]

That was on Catalyst tonight.


I saw the episode, rather ironic that the natural way of creating vitamin D is by regular exposure to sunlight yet too much exposure will cause cancer as well.

Borrowed a few books from the library, mainly to read up on the new phases of my treatment, and am learning more about it. Interesting and enlightening so far and I need to read much more but I'm assured that the treatment proscibed is what I need.


Peter.

[les88]

After I had the surgery done the the PSA was 1 my oncologist said that was a waste of time. So he started me on Lucrin Depot every 3 months and for the last 4 years the reading has been stable at 0.003. I have no side effects with the exception of no inclination at all for sex but at my age this isn't too bad Lucrin Depot is chemical castration
best wishes
les

[Sturdee]

So far so good.


Peter.

Well that was a week ago and a lot of things can happen in a week.:B

Initially I felt no change but both last Monday night and Tuesday night I had very restless nights, kept waking up about every hour or so. So on Tuesday and Wednesday I was very tired from lack of sleep and also I had very little energy because of my treatment.

Had to go into town on Tuesday morning but in the afternoon, rather than work in the workshop, I went to have an afternoon sleep. I just didn't trust myself being alert enough to use machinery. I know time waits for no man but it will have to if I don't feel safe enough to use a TS.

Yesterday was better, although still being vey tired and getting some muscle pain, so I build one of the shelving units but I went to bed early.

Must have helped for today, for although getting a bit tired I felt happy enough to whistle whilst building some further shelving units.

These pains and tiredness are symptoms of the hormonal treatment, so not unexpected, and hopefully will pass soon.

Peter.

[Sturdee]

Also received details of my appointment to the Austins men's health clinic which is during May. This clinic monitors the ongoing effects of hormonal treatment and to correct problems, specifically relating to bone density etc. So any problem with osteoporosis will be found in time and dealt with.

Also during May I will have the MRI and possibly another CT scan to prepare for radiation. It is common to have 3 months of hormanal treatment prior to radiation, according to the books I've been reading, so all is progressing.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

It's now 3 weeks since I had the hormonal injection. It is ironic that an injection that will trick the brain to tell the testes to stop producing testosterone in fact in the first week or two makes the testes produce double the usual dose before they stop.

This is what initially caused me to have no energy and muscle pain but that eased up after the first week and now I don't have any problems. At least not so far.

All my next appointments are now made. During the middle of May I will see the Men's clinic for my initial visit to check on the effects of the hormonal treatment, and also the radiation planning CT and for a MRI to prepare for the radiation treatment. So all is in hand at this stage.


Peter.

[A-Drain]

Sturdee,

I am glad to hear that you are seriously fighting this disease, the mind is the best defence against cancer.

I note that you posted earlier about raising awareness and this is my aim since my diagnosis (and hopefully cure). Since my operation I have been unable to return to my favourite sport (downhill speed skateboarding) as the falls may cause issues with the operation site. I have now substituted Street Luge for the standup riding (already in the crash position).

Over the Mayday Long Weekend I am involved in running an event to raise money and awareness of Prostate Cancer. We are calling it the Beat the Bastard '09 Cancer Run and we have 50 of Australia's best downhill skaters and Street Lugers attending to ride the Mt Stuart Road here in Townsville. We are getting considerable press coverage and I will be talking to all the participants about this disease and the need for regular testing. I guess the fact that I was diagnosed and operated on whilst still in my 40's has made this really urgent and as a sizable proportion of the riders attending will be in their 30's and 40's I will be pushing them to have PSA tests.

Anyone who is in Townsville over that weekend, please come and watch some of the most thrilling riding you will see anywhere and anyone who wants to come and try these sports come and see us any Sunday morning from dawn until about 8am on Mt Stuart.

Keep your chin up mate and if there is anything I can do just hollar.

Cheers

A-Drain

[Sturdee]

Today is exactly one year since I had my operation that removed my prostate and associated bits and pieces. It's been a rollercoaster type of year with initially downs, then ups and downs again and ups.

Some days you feel great and other days you feel lousy as you become stronger and more in control of yourself after the operation and then the waiting and hoping it's all over.

Alas in my case it was not, as detailed in this thread, but at least the waiting is over and treatment is underway to beat this cancer or at least to force it in remission.

Peter.

[Sturdee]

It is now 6 weeks since I started the hormonal treatment to trick my body to stop producing testosterone.

Initially I felt pain etc but this has completely gone, instead I now get hot flashes and sweats at irregular frequency. They only last a short time and are very mild, enough to annoy and remove a jumper but not enough to feel really uncomfortable. Must be starting meno pause.

Generally I feel in good health, been mainly working in the garden, altering and digging up garden beds etc, getting the garden in shape in preparation of not being able to do too much when the radiation treatment starts.

Still waking up a few times during the night and am getting resigned to that now, can't do much about it I suppose.

Peter.

[Groggy]

Hi Peter, I drop in to this thread occasionally to see how you are going. It is good to see that things on the rollercoaster seem to be running level for a while. I hope the quality of life is there, it seems to be from what you post. I hope May is a good month and the next visits go smoothly.

[Cliff Rogers]

...I now get hot flashes and sweats at irregular frequency. They only last a short time and are very mild, enough to annoy and remove a jumper but not enough to feel really uncomfortable. Must be starting meno pause.....
I live with somebody who is going through this at present. :-

We can laugh at it (sometimes) but it is not much fun having to throw the blankets off & then put the fan on & open the window & then get up & reverse it all 10 or 15 minutes later. :rolleyes:

Stick with it & try to keep smiling.

[Sturdee]

I live with somebody who is going through this at present. :-

We can laugh at it (sometimes) but it is not much fun having to throw the blankets off & then put the fan on & open the window & then get up & reverse it all 10 or 15 minutes later. :rolleyes:

Stick with it & try to keep smiling.

Cliff,

It's nowhere as bad as that, I just feel warm for a while and my body gets a bit damp. Usually not enough to worry about but sometimes I have to remove a jumper to cool down. It never seems to worry me during the night.

It's so mild that people around me don't even notice when it happens so I just cope in silence. Thankfully I don'r get mood swings or become irritable with it.

Peter.

[Sturdee]

Hi Peter, I drop in to this thread occasionally to see how you are going. It is good to see that things on the rollercoaster seem to be running level for a while. I hope the quality of life is there, it seems to be from what you post. I hope May is a good month and the next visits go smoothly.

Thanks Greg.

The quality of life is definitely there. I've been very active since Christmas, first working on insulating and soundproofing my workshop and now fixing up a few things in the garden and before the radiation treatment I've got to repair a few things in the house.

When the radiation treatment starts I won't feel up to doing much but I've also fixed up the lounge surround sound system so then I can watch a stack of music and other DVDs that I'm currently collecting.

This time I'll be ready for a period of enforced relaxation :D unlike last time when I didn't know what to expect.


Peter.

[Buzza]

Goodonyah Peter, at least you have your plans made for relaxing. I found that enforced relaxing os not to bad as there are heaps pf docco's and music DVD's that I had never seen nor heard of befpre. Then there are the ones you like to re-visit.

I went for my three month check, the second since the op' five months back. My PSA has gone down a tiny wee smidge from 0.04 to 0.03. The surgeon says that these new devices can measure such small readings, that no-one can yet determine just what these reading mean. I guess they have to wait for enough people and their readings, matched against old father time, to see what it all really means. So long as these great advancements are being made I say.

My PSA went from below 5.00 way up to 26.00, in just over a year, which is I why I had to had the prostate removed as quickly as possible.

Good wishes to all reading these forum.

[Sturdee]

My PSA has gone down a tiny wee smidge from 0.04 to 0.03.


That's a great result, conmgratulations, you're in a better shape than me. Keep up the regular testing to make sure that if it starts again you catch it early.

The needs of regular testing is essential for all guys as it's the increase in the trend that alerts you to the problem, for most times you don't have symptoms until it's too late.


Peter.

[graemet]

Peter,
I had 6+ weeks of radiation every day after my radical prostatectomy and found that I was able to continue at work the whole time. I was a bit tired in the afternoons but not enough to ground me. Mind you, every night was an early one to bed! The androgen antagonist injections are another matter, hot flushes about every hour, throw off the blankets, back to sleep, wake up 10 minutes later freezing!
It's now 4 years since the diagnosis and the only problems I've had have been from the treatment. PSA has been rising again lately and now I've been referred to an oncologist for chemo, but he has just altered the hormone dose and ordered more path tests in 6 months.
I'm not dead yet!
Cheers
Graeme

[Sturdee]

Peter,
I had 6+ weeks of radiation every day after my radical prostatectomy and found that I was able to continue at work the whole time. I was a bit tired in the afternoons but not enough to ground me. Mind you, every night was an early one to bed!


Greame, I know it affects people differently so I'm planning for the worst and then hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't get as bad.

In any case my push to get the garden spruced up, mainly as a result of the heat during the summer, is not such a bad thing as it takes my mind of it and I seem to have less hot flashes when I'm working hard.

Fortunately the flashes are only very mild compared to you.

Goodluck with your treatment as well.

Peter.

[kiwigeo]

All the best with your treatment Peter and looking forward to seeing you in better health real soon.

Cheers Martin

[The Bleeder]

Gday Stubborn Bugger:U:U

Seems to me you're going to win the first battle. Planning is everything...


When the radiation treatment starts I won't feel up to doing much but I've also fixed up the lounge surround sound system so then I can watch a stack of music and other DVDs that I'm currently collecting.

This time I'll be ready for a period of enforced relaxation :D unlike last time when I didn't know what to expect.


Peter.

Remember, 'take no prisoners'....Will hear from you soon and hopfully for a long time after that

All the best.

[beard1747]

Hi Peter
Can sympathise with you however your PSA's are not going up drastically
I was diagnosed dec02 shortly < my 55th birthday PSA 5.1; had rad p/tectomy mar03; post op psa was 0.2 which looking back now was low but not undetectable; urologist said he was 90% sure he'd got everything which was putting his neck close to the block and he said "congratulations, you are a 10year survivor"; i took up woodturning 2months later; mar 04 went to see him and PSA was 2.0 a massively exponentially increase in 12months; i said "does that mean i am not a 10yr survivor" ; his reply was "#### yes" and he said he did not believe the test was correct; went again and it was 1.9; went into depression for the rest of 04 & part of 05 psa went to about 9.0; then my oncologist put me onto Zoladex implants in apr 05 (implant lasted 1 mth); then 2 more implants of duration 3months each:psa went down to <0.01 and touch wood has been that way until Jan09; next check in July 09; only side effect was lost hair off my back (wife was happy!) and hair colour on my arms changed; all now back to normal
point i am making is that this worked; Ask your urologist; at the time i was told you either have the op (RP) or radiation therapy; if you have RP you cant have rad ther and vise versa; By the way, my cancer was very aggressive and the urologist said i would kark it in 2 yrs if op was not done. chin up, Cheers John

[Sturdee]

at the time i was told you either have the op (RP) or radiation therapy; if you have RP you cant have rad ther and vise versa; By the way, my cancer was very aggressive and the urologist said i would kark it in 2 yrs if op was not done. chin up, Cheers John

John,


Good to hear that you're okay at the moment.

Mine was also very aggressive (4,3 on the gleason scale) so I had the radical prostectomy and now whilst my psa is not yet high, but increasing rapidly (and it is the trend that the doctors are worried about), I'm having hormonal tratment and radiation therapy.

This contradicts what you're saying, so things must be different or treatment regimens are different at different hospitals and maybe influenced by cost restraints. The scans I'm having as preparation for the radiation treatment I would estimate to cost approx $ 4000 already and that with the radiation treatment (30 minutes a day, 5 days per week and 7 weeks long) so that may affect the doctors treatment plans.

Not cheap, but paid for by Medicare.

Peter.

[Tez2]

I have been reading the posts on the forum with interest about the PSA levels and also the heart problems.

I fell into both categories..............
PSA has been increasing over the past few years - 5 years ago it was 3.5 (on the upper limit), and last september it jumped to 13.5

By the time i got in to be able to see a Urologist i was placed on a 90 day hospital waiting list for a Prostate Biopsy via the bowel - but the stress got a bit much it seems thinking about the possibilities and i suffered a massive heart attack in the meantime - so it was off to Lismore base hospital, then air ambulance to Sydney for corrective surgery, and back home by air ambulance, my blood pressure had dropped to below 88/60 and wasnt coming up because of the medications that are pretty close to what the other guys on here are on as well.

At the moment, i am having 90 day PSA tests and the last one was still hovering at 12.0 - the problem with a PSA biopsy test is the bleeding from the bowel because of the medications to both reduce blood pressure and thin the blood, and also i lost heaps of blood through an operation i had the day before the heart attack and subsequently being put on blood thinners that it left me short on red blood cells, and find it really hard to breath properly. Just cannot seem to get sufficient oxygen at times, so the rate of me doing anything is painfully slow.............

I think the worst part is that i live by myself - hard to meet anybody in a small place of 250 like this - and when i had my heart attack drove myself to the hospital during the attack as there wasnt anybody else around to do that -

As i said, it has been interesting to read of what others on the forum had gone through, and i would also advise anyone to make sure they have regular PSA tests also.
My high levels may not indicate cancer, but until the biopsy tests can be done, there is that distinct possibility.

[prozac]

Welcome to the forums Tez2. Bloody h*ll you sound like a tough bugga. Sounds like some company would be a good thing for you. All the best.

[Sturdee]

As i said, it has been interesting to read of what others on the forum had gone through, and i would also advise anyone to make sure they have regular PSA tests also.
My high levels may not indicate cancer, but until the biopsy tests can be done, there is that distinct possibility.

Welcome to this forum, and I'm glad that reading about my journey to combat cancer has been of help to you, at least you'll learn what to expect.

In regard to the biopsy, I've also got high blood pressure and use one Atacand tablet daily as medication, and I didn't bleed very much at all. I bled a bit during the procedure but not after however my brother bled profusely for a while so it could go either way.

I never had to wait for the biopsy, as I had it done privately, and was admitted to hospital for my operation within a short time.

But I'm glad that I'm only a 1/2 hour drive away from one of the best cancer treating hospitals.

Good luck and keep us informed of your problems, for a problem shared is a problem halved.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

The hormonal treatment has been going for about 2 months now and the only side effects I'm having is mild hot flashes of a short duration at iiregular but fairly frequent intervals. It's not effecting me much but still annoying.

Otherwise I'm back to my old strenghts and endurance I was before my operation a year ago. It has taking this long to get there and I feel great. I've been busy redoing part of the garden, including digging and moving 3 metres of soil and 15 metres of mulch, as well as regrouting a whole bathroom.

I've had my first visit to the Austin's Mens health clinic last week. They will monitor and treat any side effects of the hormonal treatment. So to establish the base against which to monitor my health I've got to now have a bone density scan (this is in addition to the recent bone scan) and a whole series of blood and urine tests before my next visit in 3 months time.

So far so good.


Peter.

[Sturdee]

The start of my radiation therapy is getting closer and preparations are in hand. Last week I had a planning radiation C T scan where they made a cast for me to lie on when I'm having the treatment and they worked out the various aiming points which they also tattoo'ed on my body. There are 7 dots on my stomach but they will fade away as they are minutely.

This is to someone who always refused to have tattoos even when some of my mates got them done. I've had to eat my own words but such is life.:D

I've also had an MRI done yesterday, so now I'm waiting and meanwhile getting all my jobs finished before hand.


Peter.

[A-Drain]

Peter,

all the best, I feel for you while at the same time feeling very blessed as I just had my 18 month visit to my urologist and my PSA is still <.01 and I am now on yearly monitoring.

I'm not sure if it is relevant, but I had the full open the guts up Prostatectomy as there isn't the keyhole option up here, but the guys who seem to have difficulties seem to be those that have the laproscopic proceedure and are up and about so quickly (mine flattened me for weeks).

My thoughts are with you and your tat's (my SIL's mother is having radiation for breast cancer and she has crosses and dots all over her boobs and unfortunately is happy to show them off (;-O>

Cheers

A-Drain

[Don W]

Hello Sturdee,
Sorry to hear your PSA numbers are going up, hope your CT Scan and Bone Scan reports come back clean, and the Radiation Therapy gets the rest of the Prostate Cancer. You have a good postive attitude and plans for tomorrow, this will go a long way in your fight against PC.

I had a radical prostectomy (63 years old) in 2005, radiation therapy in 2008, and started hormone therapy March of this year. PSA was 0.95 got a 1 month shot and PSA was 0.00 in April, will be getting 3 month shots, but doing shots intermittently. Hope this helps. PM me anytime.

Let us know about the mini woodworking show you are attending tomorrow.

Good luck,
Don

[rsser]

Good luck Peter. Hope RT works well for you.

By the way, don't think of them as hot flushes, think of them as power surges :D

[Bluegum]

Yes mate same here I hope all goes well for you.:2tsup:

[rsser]

I'll take your advice Peter and get the sump plug checked ;-}

[Sturdee]

Good luck Peter. Hope RT works well for you.

By the way, don't think of them as hot flushes, think of them as power surges :D

Been nearly 3 months now since I started the hormonal treatment, due for my next injection Friday week.

Haven't noticed much of side effects aside from the hot flashes but they are getting fewer in number and much less in intensity. They now happen only occasionally so I must be getting used to it.

Peter.

[Groggy]

Best wishes Peter, I hope it goes well for you and is successful.

[Sturdee]

the interdepartmental review committee that looked into my case last week recommended that I undergo hormonal treatment as well as radiation treatment. Radiation treatment to target the area around and near the prostate and hormonal treatment for my whole body in case some of the cancer cells settle outside the nearer area.



Well that was 3 months ago and yesterday I went in to get the second hormonal injection. The possible side effects of this treatment have been very mild indeed. I only get occasional mild hot flushes which only last a short time.

At the time I was also advised that the radiation treatment at the hospital had a 3 month waiting list but that should not worry me as they prefer that the patient had 3 months of hormonal treatment prior to starting radiation.

As we often hear stories about delays in waiting lists I was very pleasantly surprised to be told yesaterday that my first radiation treatment session will start next Tuesday, and then ofcourse continue for the next 7 weeks.

No delays, no problems, so I'm happy that hopefully we will now kill of my cancerous cells that are invading my body. I'm not sure if I will enjoy the treatment but I am happy that I'm now fighting back to regain my health.

I'll let you know how I get on during the radiation treatment.


Peter.

[echnidna]

good wishes Peter

[Sturdee]

Thanks Bob.


Peter.

[dai sensei]

Good to hear minimal side effects Sturdee. Hope all goes well with the other treatments.

[Buzza]

I'm right behind you Sturdee, both in support and my own prostate cancer battle. My last PSA showed I have gone down to 0.03 and after reading yours, I will be anxious to know what the next count will bring. Your next treatment can actually be a bit more thorough than the operation was, albeit, we both know the operation needs to be the first way to go.

Keep positive Peter. :)

[prozac]

All the best Sturdee, dai sensai and Buzza.

[Sturdee]

Had my first treatment today.

After making sure that I'm in the correct position on the machine the staff leave and the machine whirls into position, beeps an alarm and radiates me for a short time. It then moves to another angle and gives me another dose. It does this about 7 times and all I do is lay quietly and think of England.:D

The staff then come back and takes a few readings and it's done for the day. This will go on for 34 more consecutively days with saturdays and sundays excluded.

Not painful and no effects but as time goes on this may become different.


Peter.

[Groggy]

Not painful and no effects but as time goes on this may become different.Let's hope boredom is the only side effect you have :wink:

[Pheonix]

I note from the late news they are using high frequency sound waves in England so far treated 18 people no ill effects.

[jow104]

Seen your post Peter, best wishes and England is a good thing to think of. ( :; )

[Sturdee]

Well it's been a week now, had 6 daily doses of the 35 that I will have. No major effects so far except that some days I'm more tired then ususal other days I feel great. If it continues this way I'll be very happy.

The only downside to this treatment is that my bowels must be empty and my bladder full prior to treatments so that the radiation can be aimed at the areas needed. This means I have to drink 3 glasses of water about 30 minutes before and I'm starting to loathe drinking water. :D

And it takes about 2 1/2 hours out of my day (most of the time early in the morning) but that is an inconvenience that I'm happy to have in order to get better.


Peter.

[Gra]

Hang in there and Good luck with it Peter, our thoughts are with you

[Groggy]

Good to hear the process is not too bad Peter. I hope it stays that way for you.

[Sturdee]

I'm now 1/3 through the treatment. I feel well although I get tired very quickly.

Everything seems to take much longer and it is hard to get motivated to do very much. So I have placed myself on restricted duties and will leave the workshop alone unless something essential crops up. Rather leave things than have an accident because of being tired or cut corners in a hurry to finish something.

So now I have started on a long delayed project to convert my LP record collection to MP3 files and put it on my MP4 player, as well as doing jigsaw puzzles and watching movies and reading some good books. So I will still have my hands full and not get bored.

At least this time I prepared for this enforced workshop absence. :D

Peter.

[BobR]

Good to hear that things are progressing as good as can be expected Peter. At least you are getting time to do some of those things that were on the back burner. I have plenty of those and most probably will never get to do them. All the best with the remainder of your treatment.

[Buzza]

I find that it is now hard to motivate myself as well Peter, although, at this stage my recovery is is going well for now, with no further treatment needed. I have things to do, but easily allow the wet weather and cold temperatures keep me indoors. The scroll saw sits abandoned on the back verandah for now. Sitting is one of the worst things we can do it is said, we must keep on our feet, so scrolling is out. PC work should be limited as well. We do have another thing in common Peter, I have a huge pile of "Collectible Records" to record as MP3's, but as yet, I do not have a good recording device, and the PC is one room, whilst the old stereo with dub out facility is in another. It would be a good idea to re-arrange those two rooms, if only for winter.

Keep positive Peter, we're in this together Mate.

[Sturdee]

I do not have a good recording device, and the PC is one room, whilst the old stereo with dub out facility is in another.
Keep positive Peter, we're in this together Mate.

Thanks.

Earlier this year I bought from Aldi a small portable turntable for $ 79 with not only outputs for an amplifyer/soundsystem but also a USB outlet.

This sits next to my computer and connects via the USB cable. So I play the records whilst sitting at the PC and listen through the computer speakers and record at the same time.


Peter.

[jow104]

Good to hear from you fellers above.

Perhaps another routine could be added to your lifestyle at the present time like a daily/weekly visit to a different venue (or visitors) to what you have done in the past.

A mens shed. ( I suppose the Triton clubs have finished)
an Art group, good for a chat on many topical subjects whilst painting.
any suggestions from members?

[Buzza]

I have a wonderful sports area surrounded by gum trees just ioo metres from home, and it's four kilometres around the perimeter. I should walk it at least once a day. As Peter says, motivation sems to be the problem. I must push myself into doing this walk daily. :-

[jow104]

Sounds a good way of finding company, people in the UK walk a dog and can always stop and chat.

[Cliff Rogers]

...and reading some good books....
Hang in there Sturdee.

What books have you been reading?

[Sturdee]

Perhaps another routine could be added to your lifestyle at the present time like a daily/weekly visit to a different venue (or visitors) to what you have done in the past.

A mens shed.

John, I am a volunteer at the local men's shed which is run by our local community health service to cater for old or disabled men. I go there every monday and help the guys as needed and if not do some of my own projects.

It's a great outing for me getting amongst people who are worse of than me who are coping with their disabilities and still are of good cheer.

It helps to put my illness in perspective. Also the friendly chats and sharing problems and fears has been a good support as well. I would recommend doing something like this to everyone.

Peter.

[Sturdee]

Hang in there Sturdee.

What books have you been reading?

Thanks Cliff.

Telling you about the books I read is a tad difficult as I'm a prolific reader. I rather read than watch a lot of television so I borrow books weekly from one or the other of the four library library services I'm a member of.

The book I just finished (one weeks reading mainly in the hospital waiting room) is "Pharaoh" a mystery written by V.M. Manfredi. The one started todat is "The Beijing Conspiracy" by A. D'Hage and the next one will be "Knights of the black and white" by J.Whyte.

Amongst the recent authors I've read are Bernard Cornwell, Wilbur Smith, Dan Brown, Dale Brown, Clive Cussler and Khoury. There are many more but names escape me.

They are mainly mysteries, spy thrillers and historical novels but I can't stand detective stories.

Those are a few of the books I read. What do others read?

Peter.

[Cliff Rogers]

My current favourites are Michael Connelly & Lee Child.

The Michael Connelly books are a mixture of detective & lawyer stuff.

The Lee Child books have a tough guy called Jack Reacher who is/was an MP.
In some of his books he is still an MP in others, he is ex-MP & he travels around solving mysteries. It is a bit like detective stuff but not entirely.

I have also read a bit of Len Deighton stuff, it is a mixture of Spy & War stories.

I have read some John Grisham but his endings are sometimes weird & I don't mind Jeffery Archer stuff.

[jow104]

Peter, try Ken Follett, Pillars of the Earth and World without end.

Historical tales, with some truth and the narrative that can be applied to modern day dirty politics. Havent thought much of his other books.

[Cliff Rogers]

I read Ken Follett's Whiteout & I thought it was alright.